1976 19'6 Aquasport

[ralpht44]

I just bought her recently and I am coming to find a lot of smaller differences than the boats I had in the past. Maybe I am just rusty from being away from boating for five years. Anyone know of any tricks for replacing the bilge pump? There is no traditional well in this boat and in front of the motor there is a flange that allows access to the bilge. Problem is, I have no room there as it is somewhat confined and leaves very little room to work. I am hoping someone from here could add some insight.

[scott_gunn]

You'll have to do the best you can with the hatch, or cut out a larger one yourself.  You can buy new hatches at a marine store and they'll have a template to cut from.

If you can get your arms inside the bilge, you should be able to replace the pump.   The hardest part is usually the wiring.  If you're going to run new wires, use the old wires to pull the new wires through to the center console (or wherever your battery/switches are).  Connect the wires to the new pump before installing the new pump inside the bilge.

[ralpht44]

I am going to attempt to change it myself. I really don't want to cut through the deck. I will unfortunately have to use new wiring as the old ones don't appear to work however it could be that the old pump is burned out. Thanks for the reply and information. much appreciated.

[JimCt]

Ring out the existing circuit.  If it's good that's one less thing on the project list.  Check the float switch too.