An interesting thing about bilge pumps is that they are typically located at the furthest point from where the water is . . . which in a power boat is near the transom. I'm sure that the manufacturers locate the pumps in a convenient location, up near the bulkhead, where they can be serviced, etc. However, the best place for a bilge pump is near the transom where water levels are deeper and the water accumulates when coming on plane.

So, I decided to relocate the bilge pump to a location near the transom. In order to do this, I figured that I needed to fabricate a 'carrier' of some sort to hold the pump and float switch. This 'carrier' would allow the pump and float switch to be pulled out for servicing needs, etc.

I had a few failed attempts at some designs for the 'carrier', but finally came up with a re-engineered design . . .

This design would put the bilge pump near the transom and the float switch just forward of it. The carrier is contoured to fit the ribs in the hull so that the float switch and pump can sit fairly low in the bilge. I scrounged up some material to fabricate the carrier and cut out the parts . . . Then I fastened everything together.

I made the float switch level and facing across the boat, so that the inclination of the hull would not falsely activate the pump. I made the bilge pump set at an angle to match the shape of the V-hull, which allowed it to be slightly lower than the float switch. This would ensure that the pump will not suck air or any other adverse effects.

Then it was a matter of test fitting the carrier and components in the bilge.

After the test fitting of the carrier, I fastened all the components, wiring, etc.  The carrier is designed to slide back under the port engine and then is fastened into place. If maintenance is needed for the pump and/or switch, I can easily pull everything back out for good access.

Here are the carrier and components installed in their intended location (below left) . . . The pump is right along the keel about 1" forward of the transom . . .  Now it was time to test the thing . . . I left a garden hose running into the bilge and checked to see that the bilge pump cycled properly.  I let it go for about four cycles, seems to be fine. If I really want to clear out the bilge I can switch the pump 'on' while coming up on plane, as all the water will be back at the transom.

I'm glad that project is done . . . it took a lot longer than I had expected .

Quick Links:

Back to Maintenance Page

Back to Home Page