New to me Thompson 18 w/outboard

[aburke120]

I've had bad weather issues where I couldn't work on another project and it's already the end of july and I was hoping to be done with it. I need to get out fishing, so I bought another boat, 78 Thompson with a 79 Johnson 115hp. This boat doesn't have a bilge pump in it, or a fitting to pump water out of, Is this common. I'd like to have a bilge pump in it, just in case, there's a place at the transom that a pump could sit in. I may use this outboard for my project boat but want to get fishing before the ice gets here. Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

If there is a transom drain plug any water in the boat can be drained by getting on-plane and removing the plug. Obviously that's a little difficult if you are alone so a bilge pump is nice to have. Don't need to add another hole in the transom or side of the boat. Just plumb the discharge over the side.

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Just run a hose into the splash well.

 

[cptbill]

There's nothing more satisfying than drilling a hole in a perfectly good boat! Add a through hull fitting and hose put a bulge pump in and away you go, the expense in minimal and it won't take long