Bilge pump problems

I have been having some problems with my battery draining. I think my problem stems from the automatic bilge pumps. In my 98' sport there are two pumps in the bilge area, one in the rear of the boat near the rudder shaft, and one under the engine. Both pumps are automatic and are supposed to check for water in the bilge every few minutes. If there is water the bilge pumps it out. The pump under the engine seems to come on way to often and I think it is draining the battery. On a side note, in order for the bilge pump to operate automatically I have been leaving the bilge pump breaker on as well as the ignition breaker on as it seems to be the only way for it to operate in auto.

Is the pump running when the bilge is dry?

yes the pump won't make it 100% dry, and the breaker does need to stay on. they don't draw much power

The bildge pump will never get out all of water. A little sitting in the bildge is normal.
Also, you should not have any water dripping when the propshaft isn't spinning. 5-6 drops/min. when running is normal. When you stop it shouldn't drip at all.
I always set it to drip like that in gear and idling. Then take a high speed pass across the lake while monitoring it. You obviously need someone else driving to do this. Readjust as necessary. Recheck every couple of months or when you start getting excessive water in the bildge again.

I'm not sure what switches you need off or on for the pump to operate automatically because I don't have a CC. It seems like the way you have your breakers set the pump would run continuously which would certainly run your battery down. If that's the case, I'm surprised that you haven't burned out the pump.
Mine works perfectly with all switches off. When the water level gets too high, it kicks on until the float loweres enough to shut it off again. That's why they're called automatic. When I turn the switch on for the pump, it runs continuously until I turn it off. Someone else may have to confirm your switch settings.

Reading the post by backfoot, maybe thats my problem. I set the packing drip while stationary. Should I only get the dripping from the packing nut while in gear? If so then maybe I wouldn't have the excessive water in the bilge and then the pump wouldn't turn on as much.

Not sure I understand hollywood. I am starting the engine with that battery.

On my 04, I have the lowest end stereo and the 40W "amp" was wired in "hot" to the battery, before the ignition breaker. If I left the ignition powered, the battery would drain in 10 days....I though it was the bilge pumps....

You may wish to see if there is another (unexpected) source of draw..... I was surprised that there was a fused but un-switched circuit from the factory. Have you looked at a wiring diagram for your boat....or a stereo wiring diagram....or search for service bulletins on wiring issues? In 04, there was a bulletin from Correct Craft...........

PN may have some diagrams for you.......

Guilty as charged! haha i guess I haven't been visiting CCF enough over the last two years. I am currently running an optimax dual purpose deep cycle. 750 CCA and 870 CA. I guess I just thought that was enough to turn over the 351.