RuleMate 1100 replacement in 16' Cruiser

rjg

Greetings bratties. I recently acquired a 2006 16' Cruiser. One of the improvements I'd like to make to "name pending" is replacement of the base of the RM1100 bilge pump. One of the 2 latch points which retains the upper "works " of the pump has gone missing. (I will test the pump for functionality--if it fails I will be replacing the entire 3-wire version pump.) The problem is in how the RM1100 base is attached to the hull. No visible screw attachments, which is a relief in a way. But it appears the plastic base is really bonded to the rough hull interior bottom--? as in epoxied or glue welded. I don't relish getting out chisels and other major surgery tools. If someone can confirm the base is epoxied or glue welded in place, my tendency would be to leave the problem base in place while carefully "dremeling off" the side, or vertical edges. I would then attach a replacement base/new pump (as needed) to the original base horizontal. I would probably silicone the replacement in place, assuming durable bonding properties between the old and the new.

Please & Thank you for some "bratty advice." rjg

rogerbum

Rcbeach · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 1:40 pm Post subject:

On my 2006 16' the pump base had some sort of adhesive (it cured hard and was over the entire base) that held the pump base to the hull. I never replaced the pump so I don't know how much work it would be to remove the base. If it were me, I would pry as much of the base off as I can and then use a grinder gently to remove the remaining. However, I would not use silicon to attach the new base. I would probably use some type of epoxy, but only on a small part of the base so in the future the base would be easier to remove. I am sure others on this site may have additional ideas.

Good luck!

ghone · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 3:26 pm Post subject:

I generally use a "soft" adhesive such as 4000 or 4200 by 3M. I figure a bilge pump lasts a few years maybe so you want it easy to change out. My new 22 had sealant and 3 screws holding it down. ( I specified no screws there on my order). Fortunately I checked when new and filled the holes with epoxy then 4200 to secure. Heat from a hair dryer or solder gun may help you remove the base.

rjg · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:26 pm Post subject:

rogerbum, Rcbeach and ghone, I really appreciate your responses to my RM1100 pump situation. Once I've resolved the situation I will post what was found and the solution chosen. Thanks. rjg

jimicliff · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:18 am Post subject:

Oh I read your post the other day and forgot the woes I had with that crummy blue plastic base. I broke two on my B Whaler, so I took a new one to a frabration shop and had them make me one out of metal, well it never broke again. I run a 16 cruiser now and have for two years managed to not break this one, how ever if it does I'll go back to the shop and have one fabracted, oh I'll also get it powder coated instead of paint. Good luck, I sure hate having to lay on the floor and do that kind of work. Cry