If you’ve been following the “Big Dreams, Part 1” restoration, you know the original bilge pump was literally smoking. On a boat, that’s a non-negotiable fix. Today, I’m installing the replacement: a Seaflo 750 GPH (Gallons Per Hour) pump.
I decided to upgrade from the original 500 GPH unit because, frankly, I want the water out of my boat as fast as possible. Here is the technical breakdown of the install.
The Tool Kit
When you’re dealing with marine electronics, “good enough” isn’t good enough. You need watertight connections, or the salt and moisture will eat your wiring in a month.
- Heat Gun & Heat-Shrink Connectors: Essential for making sure your wire splices are 100% sealed.
- Marine Grade Crimpers: To get a solid mechanical connection.
- Silicone: I used this to fill the old mounting holes. I don’t want any unnecessary moisture sitting in the fiberglass.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver: For the new mounting screws.
The Installation & Troubleshooting
The Seaflo unit has the screws located at the very back of the housing. This actually worked out well because it sits further back in the bilge, allowing it to pick up more water from the lowest point of the hull.
The biggest headache was the wiring. The previous owners apparently used whatever color wire they had lying around, so I had to spend some time troubleshooting to figure out the actual circuit. Once identified, I crimped and heat-shrunk everything to ensure it stays dry.
The “Water Hose” Test
We decided to put the 750 GPH rating to the test while scrubbing the deck. We ran a garden hose directly into the bilge to see if the pump could keep up.
- The Result: The Seaflo pumped the water out faster than the hose could put it in. That’s exactly what you want to see.
A Quick Tip on Sizing
I picked this up on Amazon, but my advice is to shop around for the best deal. Just keep in mind that if you jump up significantly in GPH (like going from 500 to 1100), you may have to replace your bilge hose to match the larger outlet diameter. The 750 fit my existing hose perfectly.
While I handle the mechanical safety, Danielle is still hard at work on the cosmetics. We’re getting closer to making this $1,000 project sea-worthy!
Watch the full install and flow test here: Seaflo Boat Bilge Water Pump 750gph EP #6