Do I need a bilge in my 170

[JimCt]

Transom on my 170 is solid too.  It appears to be the original.  

 I really don't relish the idea of drilling holes anywhere in a hull but the safety factor in having a pump help protect the whole investment outweighs my prejudice.  I agree with Wilson;  if you start filling with water, be it from rain, seas or hull damage, every drop you can get out of the hull may make the difference.

 The law of "How Things Work Out" dictates that if you put the pump in you'll never need it.  If you don't put it in, you surely will need it.

[RickK]

Are there no drains of hoses in your bilge? No thruhulls for hte baitwell? If not then there is less danger, but if one of those goes bad or break... goodbye.

Mine hull never had an intended hole through it (still doesn't), although it looked like the previous owner liked to beach it on anything that looked dry, oyster bar or not.  Had a pretty serious scrape/gouge along the keel when I bought it (down to the glass) - didn't find out the source of water in the bilge for a few years until I restored the boat.

[Anonymous]

I'm finally putting the finishing touches on my 74' 17" and I'm certinaly not a wiring guru. can anyone help me figure out how to rewire a bilge pump with a float switch?