Replacing aft bilge pump 38XX-gctid388610

Matt,

That would be a real job for most 38's. When I replaced my water tank was replaced last year I made a hatch on the passageway next to the galley and the steps are rebuilt to be removeable. The entire area at the aft of the new water tanks is accessible from stringer to stringer. If you or anybody else has to do this job it would be worthwhile to do the same.

Richard

Try replacing the forward bilge pump below the water tank

Matt

After 23 years the reliable manual bilge pump in the keel in the engine room died. I didn't relish the job but it was necessary. Access is difficult and after studying the project I decided not to lift the floor but go through the hatch that covers the auto high water pump. Below this pump is the 450 gph manual pump. The wires to it are readily accessible,cut with enough left to splice. The exit hose enters the keel forward below the fuel filters at the bulkhead. There is a hose clamp there coupling the two exit hoses for both pumps. Removing it was tricky but a small right angled phillips works but slow allowing enough slack to bring the pump out and back. Reaching down the access hatch allowed me to grab the pump, it is clipped to the base/strainer which is anchored to the keel with 4 ss screws. Be prepared to break the clips as they cannot be accessed to release the clips. With a flashlight, phillips and patience I was able to remove the screws and the base. Working through the hatch with trifocals is a b---h. I put in an 800 gph pump, the size and design is the same as the old one.

Looking back I wonder if it would have been easier to take up the floor. Also. removing the auto pump hose would have made access better, now I think about it. Boats are not engineered with the repair/replacement of parts in mind.

Richard