Rule 14A Marine Rule 3700 Marine Bilge Pump (3700-GPH, 12-Volt)

by Rule

Product Features

• 3 Year Warranty

Product Description

Rule's completely submersible, non-automatic bilge pumps offer good performance at a value price. Designed to be installed in conjunction with a float switch or panel switch, these pumps feature easy clean snap-lock strainer bases, silent, vibrationless operation, anti-airlock protection, stainless steel shafts, and no burn-out when run dry. 12VDC.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 12 inches ; 5.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000O8F7RE
• Item model number: 14A
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,503 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #60 in Sports & Outdoors > Boating & Water Sports > Boating > Boat Plumbing > Bilge Pumps

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Not suitable for a primary bilge pump, January 15, 2012

By 

Conrad B. Senior (Easton, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rule 14A Marine Rule 3700 Marine Bilge Pump (3700-GPH, 12-Volt) (Sports)

I bought a pair of these pumps and stacked them one on top of the other on special stainless steel mounts. My boat is a 46' sloop and had a deep bilge.

These pumps move a lot of water. The problem with this pump and every other Rule pump is the pigtail wires are not long enough, and if your float fails, and it will--they always do, water will rise and no matter how well you join these wires, even if you use shrink tubing, water will get in and corrode the wires.

The wires are not tinned copper. They are bare copper and this will corrode.

I've periodically re-terminated bilge wires--which means shortening them further. I have always found corrosion. If you keep cutting back to find better wire you will soon find there is no wire left. So you are left with the dilemma of how much corrosion is acceptable...

Rule needs to provide a means of replacing the entire wiring pig-tail so that these pumps can be serviced to keep them functional. Why toss out a pump because you can't trust the wiring. I can not find wiring replacement parts anywhere.

Next, the plastic base does not hold the pump securely. I have one on order now because they break easily. At least you can order replacements when the one ear breaks off--about $10. Part of the reason these break is because they snap on, but they do not snap on securely. I have stuffed wooden wedges in between the "ears" and the pump body to keep them connected. I often use large tie-wraps to prevent them from falling off.

I have come to the conclusion that these pumps are only good for backup pump, set to activate at higher levels of bilge water.

What you need for a primary pump (the first one to switch on) is a non-submersible pump. This means the pump is mounting up higher out of the water, and only the pickup is down lower--very low. Position the pickup so it can be pulled and cleaned easily. This type of pump won't put out the volume of water that the Rule 3700 will, but it will not allow any of the wires to get wet, and will prevent the back up pump wires from getting wet.

Finally, for floats, I like the no-moving-parts type floats.

The bottom line is these submersible Rule pumps are NOT the answer. More boats sink at the dock than on the ocean. It is because people trust these poor quality Rule bilge pumps. They should only be used as back up pumps, never as a primary pump--they fail because of the wiring, so get a non submersible primary pump and only use these for a back up pump.

Think about what your boat costs and then design a bilge pump system that will protect it. And remember that bigger is a good idea for a back up pump only.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rule 3700 RUNS LIKE A CHAMP!, August 20, 2010

By 

Cmsnd - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rule 14A Marine Rule 3700 Marine Bilge Pump (3700-GPH, 12-Volt) (Sports)

This pump works beautifully and this was the lowest price on the net. I saved at least $50.00!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding pump, January 25, 2010

By 

Cliff "Cliff" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rule 14A Marine Rule 3700 Marine Bilge Pump (3700-GPH, 12-Volt) (Sports)

I mounted one of these by the stern of my 15' jonboat and it has been equal to the task on those "rough" days when alot of water comes over the side. It is wired directly to the battery with a trolling motor foot activated on/of switch and I was mighty glad to have it a couple times last year.