Need some bilge "routing" assistance

Hello to All, I need some assistance on determining where and how to run the hoses and the bilge pump wiring from the bilge to thru-hulls and the electrical connection points. I do not have any photos of how this was setup in the original boat, and there are no hoses or wiring there now. In short, all hoses and wiring will be new. I have tried routing things from the bilge up and over the aft bulkhead of the bilge and then up though a 1.5" or so hole that is nearly directly under the companionway hatch. That works okay, but the hose is pinched between the sole and the top of that bulkhead at the backside of the bilge, reducing flow rates and so on. I have found one other hole that is further to port, but that hole is only about 1/2" or so and it appears to work as a drain rather than a route for hose and wiring. Also, I am planning on installing a more powerful secondary bilge pump that would handle more serious leaks or events, and so I need to know a good way to route the hose and wiring for that. Has anyone cut new holes at the back of the bilge for such things? If so, what route do those things follow and what is involved in doing those cuts? I am tempted to start with a hole saw, but want to know what others have done before I tempt fate! Finally, as I recall the original hose and wiring actually ran on the bottom of the bilge and under that bulkhead and popped out somewhere aft on the way to the thru-hull. However, to date, I cannot find a way to snake a hose up from the bilge or down to it using that approach. Thanks in advance for any insights and advice, Brad Bates Play Mate Saint Petersburg, FL

What is your boat model, Brad? Hole saw sounds fine to me. I've done that before. You might want some wiring clips to keep wires from clanking around. Strain relief is important. Take Care Charlie CAL 25 and CAL 40 Annapolis, MD From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Brad Sent: Monday, July 29, 2013 7:49 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [External] [Cal_Boats] Need some bilge "routing" assistance Hello to All, I need some assistance on determining where and how to run the hoses and the bilge pump wiring from the bilge to thru-hulls and the electrical connection points. I do not have any photos of how this was setup in the original boat, and there are no hoses or wiring there now. In short, all hoses and wiring will be new. I have tried routing things from the bilge up and over the aft bulkhead of the bilge and then up though a 1.5" or so hole that is nearly directly under the companionway hatch. That works okay, but the hose is pinched between the sole and the top of that bulkhead at the backside of the bilge, reducing flow rates and so on. I have found one other hole that is further to port, but that hole is only about 1/2" or so and it appears to work as a drain rather than a route for hose and wiring. Also, I am planning on installing a more powerful secondary bilge pump that would handle more serious leaks or events, and so I need to know a good way to route the hose and wiring for that. Has anyone cut new holes at the back of the bilge for such things? If so, what route do those things follow and what is involved in doing those cuts? I am tempted to start with a hole saw, but want to know what others have done before I tempt fate! Finally, as I recall the original hose and wiring actually ran on the bottom of the bilge and under that bulkhead and popped out somewhere aft on the way to the thru-hull. However, to date, I cannot find a way to snake a hose up from the bilge or down to it using that approach. Thanks in advance for any insights and advice, Brad Bates Play Mate Saint Petersburg, FL ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links