Bilge pump plumbing and hull patching

[NicholasH]

Recently I purchased a 1998 aluminum Northwood hull that came equipped with a livewell.
Since the livewell was too small to be anything other than a baitwell and I didn't like the way it was mounted in the hull (as a bench across the rear of the boat), I decided to remove it.

Now I have two problems:
1.) - The overflow hose from the former livewell used a 1.5" hose and has the appropriate thru-hull fitting. My bilge pump uses a 3/4" hose. What can I use to join the two hoses?

2.) There are two holes left behind in transom from where the livewell intake and drain used to be. I need to seal these up. I've one of three ideas I've been kicking around:
A.) Use two thru-hull fittings and tie them together with a piece of 3/4" hose.
B.) Cut a piece of aluminum from the former livewell and have it welded over the two holes.
C.) Use fiberglass strips to shore up the holes.
What would be the best solution in this case?

Thank you.

 

[PondTunes]

Re: Bilge pump plumbing and hull patching

Probably the best long term solution if you are never going to use them again is take it to a shop and have it welded up. No larger than the holes are it shouldn't be a very expensive venture. I would worry about the possibility of springing a big leak one day if the 3/4" hose broke/leaked/got pulled loose.


As for joining the 1 1/2" hose to a 3/4" hose you would need something like this:

http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/itemdetail.asp?itemid=PF-SP439-209

Its a pvc 1 1/2" to 3/4" reducer depending on how the 1 1/2" thru-hull fitting is made the simplest way would be to screw the 1 1/2" side on to the thru-hull fitting using a coupler then a 3/4" nipple would provide a place to hook in your bilge pump line.

Other than that you can probably find enough plastic fittings at a local home center to go from your 1 1/2" pipe (using a nipple) into a 1 1/2" coupling then use a 1 1/2" to 3/4" reducer (like pictured above) and screw a 3/4" nipple into the adaptor. Secure it all with hose clamps and you should be good to go.
Be sure to use some teflon tape on the threads to prevent any leakage!

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Bilge pump plumbing and hull patching

If you're never going to use them again, and want a quick fix you could use JB Weld, and a Rubber Cork. I did this on an old Jon Boat I bought about 10 years ago, and it's still holding.