How do you reach the float switch, 1997 245 Osprey????

[Callyb]

Long time, no post.... I hope everyone is well!

So... How do I squeeze my fatness into the bilge to change out the float switch? My kids are too grown and old to coax into the job, I don't know any "little people", I tried renting the neighbors kid (parents wouldn't agree), my cat is uncooperative.... Any ideas??? My arms are about 2 feet short of reaching.

[RickK]

Good to see you back Carl.  I don't have any idea on how to get at the float switch.  On my Explorer I could take out the fish box in the aft and it opened access up to everything. But with your Euro transom, I have no idea.

[Capt. Bob]

You need this.
https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=6311.msg44087#msg44087

Pics are not the best but the main takeaway is the installation of an additional deck plate to allow access. Photos of the pump and float switch are taken through the new plate opening.

Read through the thread and you'll see what Pete did for his fishbox problem plus allow access to the bilge pump.

Good luck.

[Callyb]

Rick,
I only wish it was set up like that. Years ago I had a Wellcraft Sportsman 250 that you could pull the fish box out of. A much better setup for sure!

Capt. Bob,
Thank you very much for the thread! That is a very simple solution, and quite ingenious! Once again, I am in your debt. I have to ask though, do you have the entire forum memorized?

Thank you very much!!!

[Capt. Bob]

I have to ask though, do you have the entire forum memorized?

Just the important stuff, though it seems to take longer to find it.

[flounderpounder225]

Too funny, I haven’t been on here in a longgg time, but when I do, the first post I saw was one that perplexed me also.  I kind of did what Pete did years ago, but I used a rectangular hatch.  I think it was about 9 x 12 or so, cut it into the aft bulkhead of the fish box, open it up, do anything you want in the bilge, pump was a breeze to get at.  Also put a garboard drain in the fish box, so when it rains, it just flows through the bilge and out the garboard drain.  I mean it’s just a fix box, if the hatch leaked a little, I really didn’t care, it’s all coming at the end of the day..

[flounderpounder225]

Hey, I found a picture! 

[Capt. Bob]

Hey Marc,
Long time, no read.

Are you still boating?

Thanks for the pic.

[flounderpounder225]

Absolutely, can’t keep me off the water!  We bought a new Berkshire TriToon about 5 years ago, my first new boat I’ve ever owned, don’t have to constantly find those hidden skeletons from the PO. Lol. Old Marc-Time was going to need some $erious rehab, deck, fuel tank (while deck was up) and to add to it I wasn’t going offshore as much.  So I had been seeing these “new to the water scene” tritoons, have the space of a pontoon, but the speed and handling of a monohull.  We love it, I can still go out in the gulf for several miles, and fish, and if the seas come up a little it’s no problem, this boat flies across a 2’ chop easier than a mono hull, comfy and dry.  With the Yamaha 150 4 stroke I  can hit 40 with a light load, fuel efficiency is great, and cruising the ICW is a blast, like sitting in your living room recliner at 35 MPH.  So what brought me over, was Farley found my name over on a pontoon forum, he said he and the wife were thinking about a pontoon and wanted to talk with me, so I thought I’d visit the old stomping grounds.  And see what folks were up to.  And Lewis and his wife Bridgett moved over here from GA. have a small spread just across the line in Lilian AL.  So we see them quite often.  He still has sweet 222, but now has a 25 Hydrasport cuddy project boat.  So he’ll be very busy for a while LOL.   Good talking with you, have a great weekend.

[RickK]

Good to see you back Marc, even if it's just for a post or two. Say hi to Lewis for us - he stopped in for a couple days not too long ago.  Farley is in regularly. He's more of a valued motorhead and we don't get a ton of engine problems, but he's here when needed.

[flounderpounder225]

Thanks Rick, Will do, I still have a ton of rework knowledge in my aging brain for these boats, but as all of us who have been working and playing with boats all of our lives know..  an education is seldom cheap or easy, so if we can pass on some worthy information to those who follow it makes us feel better. :aom

[Capt. Bob]

Yes sir, that 150 Yammi is an all round good powerplant. I love how it pushes my 210. When you see Lewis, tell I said hey.

[LI Explorer 96]

These are really great ideas. Thank you. I am new to the aquasport family and was trying to figure out how to get my 6' 210 lbs body into the bilge to rewire the bilge and fish box pumps.