INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
SHURflo's Pro Baitmaster pumps are designed to handle the harsh marine environment. The motor is
protected by an integral thermal breaker, and is U/L Marine listed. Baitmaster pressure switches are sealed
and the motors are finished with Electro-coating to inhibit corrosion. A Baitmaster pump can be mounted in
an environment where "splashed water" may be present. The Baitmaster pumps are enclosed to prevent
incidental moisture from entering; however, they are not submersible. The Baitmaster delivers water on
demand. With the output side closed (valve off) the pump will turn off. As the valve is opened the pressure
within the output side drops. Once the pressure drops below a predetermined point the pressure
switch closes and the pump turns on. If the output side is wide open the pump operates continuously.
When the valve is partially opened the pump may cycle ON/OFF (intermittent duty) as it is able to pressurize
faster than the water is being released.
MOUNTING
1. Consider a dry location that allows easy access if maintenance is required. The pump should not be
located in an area of less than one cubic foot unless adequate ventilation is provided. Excessive
heat may trigger the integral thermal breaker and interrupt operation. When the temperature drops
the breaker will automatically reset and the pump will start.
2. Mount higher than the outside water (sea) level. The pump is capable of 6 ft. [1.82M] vertical prime
above the outside water level. The pump can be mounted in any position. If mounting the pump
vertically, the pump head should be in the down position.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION
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CAUTION: Do not drive screws through the vessel's hull.
3. The pump baseplate should be fastened to a solid surface (bulkhead or stringer) that will not amplify pump
operation. The mounting pads are intended to isolate the pump from the mounting surface. Over
tightening, flattening, or use of screws will reduce the mounting pads ability to isolate vibration/noise.
DUTY CYCLE
Bait Tank Applications: The pump is rated for "continuous duty" (no ON/OFF cycling), when operated at
open flow (less than 10 psi. [.7 bar] backpressure).
CAUTION:
The motor may become hot when operated continuously. DO NOT locate near low temperature plastics
or combustible material.
Wash-down Applications: If used for wash-down, the pump is rated for "intermittent duty", because it
operates at higher average amperage and outlet pressures. Operating a pump in a wash-down application
for more than twenty (20) minutes, within an hour, is not recommended. Actual duty cycle is determined by
amp draw, temperature, and rate of cycling. NOTE: Rapid cycling should be minimized to ensure long life.
Rapid cycling is defined as ON/OFF within two seconds.
BAIT TANK CRITERIA
There are many factors that must be considered to assure the correct operation of a bait or live well system.
The pump is one part of the selection. Keeping the bait healthy is dependent upon; the amount of water in
relation to the quantity of bait, flow pattern, water renewal/changes, and water temperature. SHURflo
Baitmaster pumps are generally suited for livewells that have a water capacity of 20 to 35 gallons [75-132
L].Ideally, the tank should be oblong in shape. Currents within the tank should be kept in a slow, smooth,
C.C.W. circulating pattern. The bait should swim freely, and not become overworked or exhausted in swift
currents or turbulence. The bait will become stressed, or not receive enough oxygen if water flow/currents
are incorrect. Bait is generally kept very active and healthy within cooler water temperatures (up to the
mid-60's°F[15°C]). As the temperature approaches 70°F[21°C] the water must be renewed (water changes)
more often to keep the bait active and healthy. The pump should be selected based on its open flow
specification. Allowing the pump to run at open flow will permit continuous low amp draw operation. A pump
is correct for a particular live well if its open flow G.P.M. fills or renews within a six to ten-minute period.
(Actual live well gallons divided by open flow specification) If the water temperatures are normally in the low
to mid 60°F [15°C] range, water should be renewed closer to the ten-minute time span. Although, if used
primarily in warm water, a pump capable of renewing the tank more often (6 min.), should be selected.
ELECTRICAL
• An ignition protected switch (U/L approved marine duty) rated at or above 15 amps is recommended
and must interrupt current on the positive (+ red) lead.
CAUTION: Use of "open" type switches (not ignition protected) may cause an explosion of fuel vapors.
• The pump should be on a dedicated (individual) circuit protected on the positive (+ red) lead with the
proper size "slow blow" fuse. The fuse rating indicated by the motor label is intended for "intermittent
duty" applications. For bait tank applications (continuous duty/open flow) fuse rating may be 30%
less than the indicated fuse rating due to lower operating amperage. The total current draw on the
circuit must not exceed 15 amps.
• Wire size (gauge/Mm2) is based on the distance from the power source to the pump. The minimum
recommended wire size is #14 gauge [2.5 Mm2]. For lengths of 20-50 ft. [6-15M] use #12 gauge [4 Mm2]
or larger. The pump must be grounded to a "known ground" (battery). The ground wire must be the
same size as the positive wire.
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