[Electric Boats] 48V to 12V

Hi, This might depend on usage. There is always a tendency to try to do things 'properly' which in this case means setting up a 12 v circuit for the pump that doesn't detract from other needs.
If the boat is generally dry, and the pump is just there for 'what if' a leak occurs, then perhaps you can just tap the bilge pump off a single one of the 12v batteries.
You might also consider mounting the electric bilge pump/float switch a bit higher, and having a manual bilge pump for the lower levels, the idea in both cases being that the electric pump seldom if ever runs anyway.
As a side comment, it was pointed out to me on another forum that there is little point in having a small bilge pump - to be of good practical use, a boat like mine, at 26 feet long, should have a 2000 GPH pump!!! - an example was given of flow rates if a through hull fitting sheared off, or water cooling hose for the ICE came off.
Unless the boat takes water all the time, I can't see any point in a dedicated battery.
This may not be the 'proper' way, but it might be the most cost effective, easy to do, and practical.
John

5a. 48V to 12V
Posted by: "MartiT" mthorkilson@yahoo.com mthorkilson
Date: Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:20 pm ((PST))

I'm installing a electric inboard in my little 20' wood sailboat.
The original gas inboard did not have a generator/electric starter.
For that matter, there was no electrical system at all. The
replacement will be powered by four 12V AGM batteries connected in
series to power the 48V motor. A 15A 48V charger is also going to be
installed. I want to install a 12V electic bilge pump in the boat.
What are my options? Can I install a 48V - 12V converter and then
wire the pump directly via a fuse? I'm not keen on another (heavy)
battery dedicated for the bilge pump.

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