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RULE INDUSTRIES
Rule-Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps
The new eco-friendly Rule Mate series of Bilge pumps feature a solid state water sensing technology that eliminates the need for a separate float switch. When water enters the bilge and reaches a certain height (2-3/4 inches) a sensor turns the pump on. After the water is pumped out, another sensor shuts the pump off.
The sensor's unique "field effect" technology is programmed to recognize the dielectric constant of water only. In the event of an onboard oil spill, straight motor oil that enters the bilge will not turn the pump on. It's part of Rule's continuing commitment to preserving our waterway.
The new Rule Mates are available in 500, 750 and 1100 GPH models. Rule has been building bilge pumps for 30 years. The pumps are preferred by yachtsmen and commercial fishermen the world over.
- All-in-one pump & switch—no float switch required
- Pump turns on when water level rises & shuts off when water is removed
- Will not pump oil—straight motor oil will not turn pump on
- Snap-off strainer for easy cleaning
- Anti-fouling impeller
- Limited three year warranty
Product Specs
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 29 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
21%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to install (15)
- Durable (6)
- Easy to use (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid do-it-yourselfer (15), Professional (8), Casual do-it-yourselfer (3)
Reviewed by 29 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
Cons
- Stops Working Properly
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
JUNK.......i just want to exchange and replace it with something that works
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
I am lenghtening the list of complaints on the automatic switch. Works for awhile, maybe. One lasted one cycle and was stuck on. The other is 4 months old. They are backup pumps that worry me more than my main bilge pumps.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
I first purchased this pump nearly three years ago. It worked well for three years. The motor is strong and doesn't burn out at low battery voltage. Then the switch failed. West Marine stood by the warranty and gave me a new replacement with no hassle. Score one for West Marine. After only two months the switch failed on the new pump. One would think Rule would have redesigned this switch by now. Not so. Purchased an old-fashioned float switch and spent the afternoon wiring it into the pump, by-passing the defective switch. Old faithful electro-mechanical switches are still the best. Reliability on a boat is foremost.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
Just like everyone else, pump turns on fine but than doesn't turn off. The pump is less than a year old and I have to check on it at least once a day to keep the battery from being drained.
Pros
- Easy Install
Cons
- Sticking Float
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
Had I read the reviews I would not have purchased this pump. I am having to remove the pump because of the very reasons listed in the reviews. I can't get this thing to stop running. It's now been installed less than a year. Unless the manufacturer will replace this thing at no cost and with new components, I would not reccomend buying this product.
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
- Noisy
- Runs Every 150 Seconds
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
Installed the model 25S (500 GPH) on my sailboat. Pumps water just fine. My issue is that the "automatic" feature works by running the pump EVERY 2 1/2 MINUTES, for just a second. If it encounters water, it will continue to pump until dry. If no water, it shuts off after 1 second. Not only does this slowly drain the battery, it is darn annoying to listen to when you are on the boat. This feature is not mentioned anywhere on the package, only when you open it and read the insert. I'm returning this.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
Going to try and salvage this piece of junk by adding a float switch between the pump and battery.
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
- Does Not Work As Designed
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
Feel dumb that I purchased this product in 2012, with all of the reviews from 2011 stating the given problem. This appears to be a chronic issue with this pump. West Marine should take a serious look at discontinuing sales of this pump.
Do not purchase this pump.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
I put a 500 in my J16 skiff in Sept. 2011.. The skiff stayed in the water uncovered from Sept to Oct. of 2011 and it was put in this May and just pulled it in Oct.. Haven't had any trouble with the float switch sticking. Or the pump not working and with the boat being open everytime it rains the pump has to work.
Comments about Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps:
This is my third one since March of 2012. Do not buy this product. the automatice switch sticks on and the only way to turn it off is to disconnect it from the battery. Imagine keeping your boat in the water over night, bilge pump comes on, stays on and then kills your battery. Then what?
Displaying reviews 1-10
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Merchant response: Please consider contacting our Customer Care Department at 1-800-262-8464 so we can try to resolve your problem. (International customers please email catintl@westmarine.com or call 1-831-761-4800).