Hey, boaters! If you’re tired of bilge pump drama and want a float switch that actually works, let me put you onto the Sure Bail Float Switch. I’ve been using this thing for months now, and it’s saved my boat—and my sanity—more times than I can count. It’s tough, reliable, and doesn’t mess around when water starts creeping up. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a liveaboard like me, thiQs is the upgrade your bilge system needs. Trust me, grab one now—you’ll thank me when your boat stays dry!
My Experience With The Sure Bail Float Switch: A Boater’s Tale
Picture this: I’m out on my 26-foot Sea Ray, the sun’s setting, and I hear that dreaded gurgle from the bilge. My old float switch had crapped out—again—leaving my pump useless. After some cursing and a quick tow, I swapped it for the Sure Bail Float Switch (the mercury-free E2 model). I wired it up, crossed my fingers, and took her back out. Since then, it’s been smooth sailing—literally. Here’s how it’s been treating me on the water.
- Installation was a breeze. Took me 20 minutes with basic tools—cut, crimp, connect, done.
- It kicked on at 2 inches of water, right on cue. No hesitation, just a steady hum as the pump cleared the bilge.
- Surge didn’t faze it. Waves rocked the boat, but the switch stayed steady—no false starts.
- The guard cage is a tank. I’ve bumped it with gear, and it’s still pristine—tough as nails.
- Quiet operation surprised me. No loud clicks—just a smooth on-off I barely notice.
- Mercury-free design eased my mind. I’m all for keeping the water clean, and this delivers.
- It’s been six months, zero fails. My old switches died in three—this one’s a marathon runner.
- Manual test shaft’s clutch. I twist it to check the system—no flooding the bilge required.
- Fits my tight bilge perfectly. At 5.5 inches long, it slots in where others wouldn’t.
- Pump’s happier too. Consistent activation means less wear—my Jabsco’s thanking me.
From that first trip post-install, I’ve been sold. It’s like having a trusty crewmate down below, keeping the water where it belongs—outside. Let’s dive into what makes it shine and where it might trip up.
Pros Of The Sure Bail Float Switch: What I Love
This little guy’s got a lot going for it, and I’m not shy about singing its praises. Here’s why I’m head over heels—and why you might be too.
Also Read: My Thought on Wve Neutral Safety Switch Reviews
- Durability’s top-notch. High-impact polypropylene shrugs off my clumsy drops and bilge grime.
- Surge-proof performance rocks. Water sloshes like crazy, but it doesn’t cycle on and off like a yo-yo.
- Easy install saves headaches. Two wires, a couple crimps—I was back on the water fast.
- Reliable activation’s a lifesaver. Hits at 2 inches, shuts off at ½ inch—keeps my bilge dry every time.
- Mercury-free is a win. No toxic vibes here—just solid-state tech I feel good about.
- Guard cage is clutch. Protects the float arm from my stray tools and random debris.
- Low maintenance vibes. Six months in, and I’ve barely touched it—still works like day one.
- Manual test option’s genius. Twist the shaft, hear the pump—it’s peace of mind in seconds.
- Compact size fits anywhere. My cramped bilge loves its 2.88-inch width—space saver!
- Pro-grade build screams quality. Feels like it could take a beating and keep ticking.
Every time I check the bilge and find it bone-dry, I’m reminded why I picked this switch. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t quit—perfect for a guy like me who’d rather fish than fix.
Cons Of The Sure Bail Float Switch: Where It Stumbles
Nothing’s flawless, right? The Sure Bail’s awesome, but it’s got a few quirks I’ve noticed. Here’s the dirt from my time with it.
- Price isn’t cheap—$40ish stings. My wallet groaned compared to $20 budget switches.
- Wiring’s basic, no extras. No quick-connects—you’re cutting and crimping old-school style.
- Float arm’s a bit stiff. Takes a solid water rise to lift it—light trickles might not trigger.
- No oil resistance perk. Some switches ignore fuel slicks; this one doesn’t care.
- Guard cage limits access. Cleaning’s tricky—debris sneaks in, but I can’t reach it easy.
- 12-amp rating caps it. Fine for my 1500 GPH pump, but big boys might overwhelm it.
- No delay feature bums me out. Sloshing can still trip it if I’m not careful with speed.
- Availability’s spotty. Took me two stores to find one—supply’s not always there.
- Test shaft’s fiddly. Greasy hands slip on it—could be bigger for easier grip.
- Not silent in rough seas. Subtle clicks get louder when the boat’s bouncing hard.
These aren’t dealbreakers for me—I’ve adapted—but they might bug you depending on your setup. Still, the pros keep me in its corner.
Maintenance And Tips: How I Keep My Sure Bail Rocking
To get the most out of this switch, I’ve picked up some habits that keep it humming. Here’s my playbook for maintenance and max performance—you can steal it!
- Check it monthly—I lift the arm manually. Ensures it’s not stuck and the pump fires up.
- Clean the cage with a brush. Bilge gunk builds up; a quick scrub keeps it free-moving.
- Keep wires dry and tight. I tape connections—water’s sneaky, and loose crimps kill it.
- Test in calm water first. I fill the bilge slow to confirm levels—avoids surge surprises.
- Mount it level—seriously. A tilt threw off my timing once; now I double-check.
- Pair with a solid pump. My Jabsco 1500 GPH vibes with it—match power to rating.
- Wipe it down post-trip. Salt and grime hate it—I hit it with freshwater to prolong life.
- Avoid tight spots near hoses. I shifted mine once—kinked lines blocked the float.
- Add a backup switch if paranoid. I’ve got a second wired parallel—overkill, but safe.
- Inspect for cracks yearly. The case is tough, but I peek for wear—better safe than sunk.
These moves keep my Sure Bail in fighting shape. It’s low-drama gear, but a little love goes a long way—especially in a salty, sloshy bilge.
Comparison With Other Brands: Sure Bail Vs. The Rest
I’ve tried a few float switches over the years, so let’s pit the Sure Bail against some heavy hitters—Rule, Johnson, and Ultra Safety. Here’s how it stacks up in my book.
- Sure Bail vs. Rule 40 Plus: Rule’s got mercury and a test knob, but it’s flimsy. Sure Bail’s tougher—my pick for durability.
- Sure Bail vs. Johnson Ultra: Johnson’s sleek, no moving parts—less to break. Sure Bail’s simpler and cheaper, though—I stick with it.
- Sure Bail vs. Ultra Safety: Ultra’s fancy with delay tech—pricey at $60. Sure Bail’s basic but reliable—I save the cash.
- Sure Bail vs. West Marine Magnum: West’s vertical float’s solid, mercury-free. Sure Bail’s cage wins me over—better protection.
- Sure Bail vs. Attwood 4201-7: Attwood’s budget-friendly—$25—but weak at 12 amps. Sure Bail feels sturdier for the extra $15.
- Sure Bail vs. Rule SuperSwitch: Rule’s got a delay—nice—but it’s $50 and fragile. Sure Bail’s my rugged champ.
- Sure Bail vs. Bilge Buddy (RIP): Buddy ignored oil—cool perk—but it’s gone. Sure Bail’s alive and kicking—I’ll take it.
- Sure Bail vs. MSC SensaSwitch: MSC’s solid-state, no float—$70 though. Sure Bail’s classic vibe suits me fine.
- Sure Bail vs. Lovett Combo: Lovett’s pump-switch unit’s slick—pricey at $80. Sure Bail’s standalone wins for flexibility.
- Sure Bail vs. Blue Sea: Blue Sea’s premium—$50+—but overkill for me. Sure Bail’s simplicity seals the deal.
The Sure Bail isn’t the flashiest, but it’s a dependable middle ground—tough, affordable, and no-nonsense. For my boat, it’s the sweet spot.
Also Read: My Thought on Wve Neutral Safety Switch Reviews
Analytical Perspective: Why The Sure Bail Works For Me
Let’s get nerdy for a minute. The Sure Bail E2’s solid-state switch ditches mercury for a micro-switch in a urethane-filled float arm—smart move for reliability and eco-points. It triggers at 2 inches and cuts off at ½ inch, a tight range that keeps my bilge dry without overworking the pump. The polypropylene cage takes a beating—think stepped-on toughness—while the 12-amp rating handles my 1500 GPH pump with room to spare. Surge resistance comes from the arm’s weight; it doesn’t bob like a lightweight. For a mid-tier switch, it’s a balance of ruggedness and function—nothing fancy, just effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
Oh yeah—it’s been rock-solid for me. Six months, no hiccups—beats my old switches by a mile.
It’s simpler—float arm vs. sensors. Less tech to fail, but no delay perk—works for my basic needs.
Up to 12 amps—my 1500 GPH is fine. Bigger than that, you might push it too hard.
Yep—surge-proof for me. Sloshing doesn’t trip it unless water’s really up there.
Conclusion: Get Your Sure Bail Float Switch Now
So, there’s my take on the Sure Bail Float Switch—it’s my bilge’s MVP, keeping water out and stress levels low. It’s not perfect, but its durability and reliability make it a no-brainer at $40. If you want a switch that works hard so you don’t have to, buy this bad boy today. Your boat—and your peace of mind—deserve it!