Access to bilge hose for replacement purposes

deerhuntre

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
186
Problem: I want to replace my bilge hose with a smooth inside, wider ID version. I am not able to gain access to the oem hose.

Boat is 1986 Sea Nymph Fish-n-Ski.

Motivation for this upgrade: Corrugated hose that is smaller ID than my upgraded bilge pump requires to reach full potential. Second motivation: I want to add a second thru-hull fitting and hose next to the original one for a back-up pump.

Existing bilge hose starts in the center of the stern which is under the transom well. The hose enters a compartment to the left (when facing the stern). The compartment is made up as follows: Top is the gunwale, left wall is the hull, right is a compartment wall separating it from the bottom of the hull where the drain plug is, but that section continues into the transom well. When looking at this compartment from the stern while standing next to the engine, there's an inlet where the motor controls go. Inside this compartment is foam. What looks like it could be an access door is riveted (behind the tackle box in the photo on left).

I thought that maybe I could remove the rubber seal/door where the engine controls go and reach in, but then I'm thinking the foam may prevent access.

In the worst scenario, I suppose I could run new hoses where I can gain access and not worry too much about having them in the passenger area for a short run. I just wanted to try to find a way to use the OEM location first.

Please let me know what other info I can provide that would help figure out a solution.

(By the way, the photo on the left is my boat, the photo on the right is a boat I saw at the launch ramp that I photographed to use a reference while restoring mine!!)

Boat-image.jpg
 

Stuff4Toys

Cadet
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
26
Re: Access to bilge hose for replacement purposes

Best bet is to start taking screws out until you can disassemble enough of the boat to gain access.
JOhn ><>
 

deerhuntre

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
186
Re: Access to bilge hose for replacement purposes

Unfortunately it's all rivets. I've considered drilling out rivets for access, then I can use screws or re-rivet. There's a square panel behind the tackle box (in the photo) that might be enough access.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Access to bilge hose for replacement purposes

i would give that a try, may have to dig out some foam.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: Access to bilge hose for replacement purposes

then I can use screws or re-rivet.

Ayuh,...... Use Rivets,.....

Screws will loosen,... Long before Rivets will........

If you're worried about water intrusion,..... Google "Closed-end Pop Rivets"....
 

deerhuntre

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
186
Re: Access to bilge hose for replacement purposes

Thanks for the info....I do already have plenty of rivets in stock in varying sizes. I've been re-riveting the hull!!

After digging out foam, do I need new foam? Or can the old foam be reused? What is the recommended foam for this type of application, if new is needed?
 
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