Bilge Pump Installation

[tonytav]

I just bought an 84 Sea Ray Express Cruiser (26ft), 5.7 Mercrusier thunderbolt. Old Bilge Pump was never attached. It was just sitting in the well. I would like to install a new automatic bige pump. Sounds dumb, but can I screw the pump to the bottom of the boat? It is a Rule 800 pump with a plastic mounting plate. How thick is the hull? Can it be done? What size screws? or should I make some sort of stainless bracket? Space is tight. Can't really get in there to do alot. Thanks for your help. Tony

 

[tobnpr]

You never want to run screws into the bottom of the hull. Take a small piece of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood and coat it thoroughly with epoxy (glass over is better still) , after it cures screw the pump (with sealant) to the wood base.

Then coat the bottom of the plywood base with 5200 (or 4200) and stick it down where you want it. Be sure to thoroughly clean and prep the fiberglass first to remove all traces of bilge oil and dirt so the adhesive gets a good bond.