New bilge pump

[mregan]

I'm replacing my bilge pump.  Should I raise it up from the bottom of the bilge so it doesn't suck in any debris.  I was thinking of placing it on a 1/2" piece of starboard.

[Ron Hill]

mre : I'd leave the bilge pump mounted as low as possible - on the bilge floor. 
There shouldn't be any "debris" in your bilge!!   It's Not that hard to keep it clean!

[mregan]

I agree but whenever water gets into the bilge, there is always something floating around in the water.  I always assume it picks some dirt/dust/rust up as it's running along the hull.

[Roland Gendreau]

I would install it as low as possible to minimize the volume of water not pumped out.  Bilge pumps have built in inlet strainers to stop any debris.

[Andrew Harvey]

Get the biggest bilge pump that you can. The GPH ratings are not even close as they do not account for any head especially as we are pumping uphill on our boats

[lazybone]

Buy a remote mounted self-priming diaphragm pump.  

More robust and much better quality  than the submersible pumps