bilge pump installation

[guyren]

I am installing a bilge pump in my '87 15 foot tempests fibreglass center console boat. I took the old one out as it was fried. What mess back there. The bilge pump discharge hose was routed nowhere! It was pumping the bilge back into the bilge LOL. I bought the boat last fall like this and am now just getting the time to look it over. I haven't had it in the water since last fall.

Anyway, I do not have an above water discharge port for the bilge pump. There a two capped ports just at or below the water line on the transom. One either side of the motor (outboard). Can anyone help out with ideas on how and where to run the discharge of the electric bilge pump? Can I place the discharge at or under the water line? How would I prevent flooding?

Guy

 

[INJUN]

Re: bilge pump installation

I don't think putting a hole for anything under the waterline is ever a good idea.
With mine, I routed the discharge hose up and over the transom and secured it with u-type fasteners. You have to try and keep the distacne from the pump to the discharge point as short as possible with as few bends in the hose as possible. The idea is to not have alot of water coming back from the hose to the bildge when it stops pumping.
If your boat is an OB with a well, just let it flow into the well.

G

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: bilge pump installation

Post a couple of pictures of your boat one showing the stern and one of the rear 1/4 from the side.

My discharges are high on the gunnel in the last foot or so just below the top of the gunnel.

See the white spot near the very back. I have one on each side (one for each pump) in the same location. The port side discharge was added by me when I installed a secondary pump.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: bilge pump installation

Most bilge pumps discharge high on the starboard side gunnel near the transom.
If you can get to that area then drill a hole for the install kit like this one.
http://www.iboats.com/Seasense_Bilg...14410942--**********.183128256--view_id.56027

 

[guyren]

Re: bilge pump installation

Thanks for the ideas. I will be pulling the tarp off the old boat tomorrow.

So by the looks of the posts I have received, the "neater" option would be to drill a hole through the hull in the rear 1/4, up high. I may be able to do that but will that affect the structural integrity of the hull?

Would it matter if the hole was on starboard of port? My battery, disconnect, wiring, etc is all terminated on the starboard side so putting the hole on port side would be easier and cleaner.

If all else fails then over the side she goes eh!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: bilge pump installation

It can go either side. Don't drill through the transom but drill the side..Its much thinner.
I use a step bit and it works great.