Bilge pump wiring - '75 170

[c master]

Any suggestions for how to run wire from the console switch, under the floor, to a bilge pump at the transom?  My battery is under the console.

I'm thinking, "drill a small hole in the fuel tank cover, add a rubber 'grommet'-style sleeve in the hole, for the wire to go through.  Pass the wire through the fuel tank space, out the back of that space (through another grommet) and into the bilge."  Except I'm sure I'll encounter beaux coup obstacles.  

And then how to pull the discharge hose from the pump to 'overboard'?  Assuming I'll discharge on the aft quarter...somewhere around the A-sport logo?  

Pump recommendations also appreciated...I'm thinking at least 1500 gph + due to being a small boat with limited ability to withstand a big leak.

Thanks.

Cliff

[seabob4]

Cliff,
With small boats, it's been said, "Install the biggest bilge pump that will fit!"  That being said, I'd go with the 1500.  Now, if you can drill holes through the fwd and aft b/heads of the fuel tank compartment, then you'll be good to go.  Shouldn't be anything on top of the tank to impede your process.

Now as far as getting the discharge hose outboard to the hullside, well, that could be fun.  1500 pumps have an 1 1/8" discharge hose, keep that in mind.  Also try and locate the t/hull as far up on the hullside as possible.  I doubt putting an anti-siphon loop in it is going to be doable...

If you want, I have some 1 1/8" SS capped t/hulls (I think both straight and elbow), let you have one for the cost of shipping...

[c master]

Seabob -

Thanks for the offer of the t-hulls.  After looking at some of the under-construction 22-2 photos, I'm not sure I can even run a proper discharge hose for a bilge pump...at least not to the side of the boat.  I could drill a passage through the port stringer and push the hose through, but when it reaches the point where the outermost (chine) stringer meets the floor, I'm blocked, right?    

Anybody ever added a bilge pump to a 170 (or other) without tearing the floor out?  If so, where/how did you run the discharge hose?  I'm open to suggestions...

Cliff

[MarshMarlowe196]

Seabob -  

Anybody ever added a bilge pump to a 170 (or other) without tearing the floor out?  If so, where/how did you run the discharge hose?  I'm open to suggestions...

Cliff

I have, in my 19-6.  Your idea is the same way I installed mine.  I have a pair, one automatic, and one manual, with their own discharge hoses.  When you go to drill through the bulkhead between the gas tank and the rear bilge compartment, use a long drill bit ( I used a 16" bit, 1/4" diameter ).  After you run your wires, seal the bulkhead up on both sides. I installed a large access hatch in the aft of my deck; If you don't already have one there, you're going to need one.

Here's some pics.  I apologize for the quality, they were taken a long while ago with a cell phone and a dirty boat:

[bandaidmd]

why not run the wires back in the rigging tray/trough and drop them below deck near the transom? my 77 170 is stock and there is no access to or a pump below the upper deck. I added a pump above deck so i can leave my scuppers plugged at anchor.