Bilge Pump Hose Disconnected from outlet

Boat Rich · **Joined:** Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:31 pm **Posts:** 12

I pulled my 214 Funship out of the water this week to clean it and noticed more water than usual in the bilge area. The bilge pump hose came loose from the plastic connector where it exits the starboard side of the stern and any water pumped out of the bilge area was just running back into the boat. The boat slip is covered but there was still enough rain water getting into the boat to cause a problem. Given where the hose runs to the outlet, I can't see well enough to know if the hose clamp rusted or if the plastic connector is broken.

Question is, how on earth do I get the hose reconnected given that only a five year old can fit into the opening below the stern seat? Will a new hose run from the outside of the boat back through the hole in the stern fit through the hole, especially with the plastic connector and hose clamp on it? I have the boat out of the water but can't reach the plastic hose connector. And I don't have a five year old kid to stick down in the space. Ideas?

ric · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2015 11:09 am

You would be amazed what the human body can fit into.

Installing my inverter for the A/C required me... 6'2 200lb to fit in a hole not much larger than an automotive battery. It required my father pulling on my legs to get me out, but i fit.

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2015 11:46 am

You might have to make due with a 4 year old :lol:

I have had to do a couple jobs that I could reach with my hand, but not see what I was doing. This is where two smartphones come in handy. A Skype or FaceTime call between two phones can give you a video image of what you are reaching for, in real time (almost). Just prop up a work light and one of the phones inside the compartment so you can see what you are doing.

Boat Rich · **Joined:** Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:31 pm **Posts:** 12

Well, I'm only 6', 185 lbs. but can't see how I can contort my body into the pretzel that's required. And my father-in-law is in California, and I'm in SC, although I doubt he would elect to pull me back out. As for the cell phone idea, sounds interesting, and I never say never, but...
Will see if anyone else has a different thought. Appreciate the responses though.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2015 3:12 pm

Don't be afraid to jump in the engine bay and dive in head first, upside down.

pickledboater · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:10 pm

+1 on what ric said.
Replaced the blower on my Horizon last spring and I swear they put the blower on the assy. line and built the boat around it!
See what you can easily remove so you don't break it and dive in!

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2015 5:40 am

ric wrote:

Don't be afraid to jump in the engine bay and dive in head first, upside down.

When I had to tighten my transom assembly bolts/nuts, I had to remove the engine cover (doghouse), seat/storage covers on both sides, then open the battery access door (literally 12"x 16") and get one arm and my head in there. My other arm went under the exhaust manifold, between the engine mount. I'm 6'1" and go about 210. Lots of sweat, blood and cussing ensued, but I got it done.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:10 am

Boat Rich wrote:

Well, I'm only 6', 185 lbs. but can't see how I can contort my body into the pretzel that's required. And my father-in-law is in California, and I'm in SC, although I doubt he would elect to pull me back out.

ric wrote:

Don't be afraid to jump in the engine bay and dive in head first, upside down.

Somebody should check on him in a couple days and make sure he made it back out.
Jdpber... I think you are the closest.
:lol:

ric · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:44 am

hahahaha

Boat Rich · **Joined:** Fri Jul 22, 2011 4:31 pm **Posts:** 12

Great ideas guys! At least I'm dealing with an outboard motor and not an I/O. Still doesn't mean there's a lot of room to maneuver.

Stay tuned. You may read about a man being rescued (or recovered depending on how many days I'm trapped) from the transom well (or whatever the space is called) with only his lower legs sticking out. Going to wait until it stops raining here so I don't drown while I'm at it. Being 68 I'm not as limber and flexible as I once was.

JeffLW · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2015 7:31 am

Yup, dive right on in there. :lol:

www.iFourWinns.com

Bilge Pump Hose Disconnected from outlet

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