adding an autobailer to our 67 mariner?

[H. Hey]

We have a 67 Mariner that we sail in the block island sound. This particular boat has really no bailing system -- aside from my shipmate with a quick plastic scoop. Has anybody here installed an autobailer on their old mariner? I am sure that It would take a lot of desire, and some painful (looking) cutting into the hull. any thoughts?- h. hey

 

[Tracy]

Mariner Auto Bailer

I installed a small 12v sump pump on a float switch under the vee berth where most of the water collects. I attatched a length of garden hose to it and just leave it hanging over the side of the boat (tied down of course) when I'm not there to tend it. When I go for a cruise I roll up the hose still attatched to the pump and stash it under the berth. I bypass the float switch with a manual one. Very simple and hides away nice. Can be brought online in less than a minute if needed. If you wanted to I guess you could put a tee in your sink drain instead of another thru hull fitting but you would have to use an expanding plug in your sink to block it when you pumped your bilge. Not complicated but a one way valve wouldn't hurt too just to be sure. The hose idea is simpler and works very good.A solar panel keeps the battery up no sweat! Hope this helps you it's worked flawlessly for me since day one!

 

[Aurel]

Over the side!

I have a manual bilge pump and hose over the side on my Mariner.

 

[Aurel]

How do you know?

I've been trying to figure out the age of my Mariner. The P.O. said it was an 80 but there are no numbers on the transom so I believe it must be before 1971. There is also a traveler on the stern deck with 1964 nickles neetly soldered to it.