Built a new compartment for my bilge pump.

416rigby

We have a 2001 model with the bilge pump in that silly location above the low point of the cockpit. Getting it to remove any water was a pain the in butt. I set out to do something about it. I built a new compartment and had at it with some fiberglass.

The new set up may not be much better, but it sure isn't any worse!

Here's a pic...more in our projects album.

Rick

mikeporterinmd · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject:

Looks nice! Is the non-wood looking part fiberglass and gelcoat
or Decraguard?

Mike

416rigby · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Mike.

The white board is the Decraguard that used to be the shelf above the water tank. I removed the shelf in order to get more storage in the seat box...I could just fit more stuff in there with the shelf gone.

I have since done it one better by removing the 20 gallon water tank and replacing it with a 6 gallon Todd unit. We just don't need that much water and the difference in room available now is huge!

Rick

oldgrowth · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:51 pm Post subject:

Rick – only time will tell if it does a better job, but it sure looks a 100% better.

You did good.
________
Dave

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:38 am Post subject:

Rick-

Nice looking improvement!

It should remove the water much better with the pump in the center.

First class, all around!

Joe.

Jeff Brigner · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:07 am Post subject: bilge pump

Looks great Rick. Now lets go fishing Laughing

See you in Apalachicola this weekend. Thanks to Wefings we have slips and a great fishing spot according to Marc. From the pictures of his last fishing trip I would say he knows where the big ones hang out.

Not For Hire · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:12 pm Post subject:

Lovely mod! The pump works very well in that location. It will usually be lower than any stern bilge pumps and so will activate before they do, particularly at night when weight is forward. If you put in a stern bilge it will be for emergencies and perhaps it would activate first if you were on plane, depending on how the float switches are set.

Nice work,

Mark

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:22 pm Post subject:

The biggest advantage of the forward centered bilge pump is to remove rain water at rest, either with the boat occupied or moored.

If the rain water is not pumped overboard, it very soon reaches the 3-4" hieght necessary to come through the doorway into the cabin. I've seen a number of moored or slip stored boats with enough water in them to do so.

One of the incentives to build a flat raised floor in the cockpit as well as add a pump down the center like this is to be able to step into the boat's cockpit floor without having water over the top of your shoes!

Joe.

Byrdman · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject:

Nice Job Rick. Sure with my schedule would allow me to make it down to Apalachicola with the 4 of you this weekend....but, I have to go carry Sherryl's luggage for a trip to CA in hope to see some whales...and just spend some time together.....and of course go see my friends new boat!!

Happy fishing!!