Questions re: replacing Whale Gusher Manual Bildge Pump

Apr 6, 2013
159
Catalina 310 Annapolis
The OEM bilge pump in my 2002 Catalina 310 is not functioning well and I plan to replace it with a new Whale bilge pump from Catalina Direct. I also plan to run a new hose to the bilge. I have two questions: 1.) Has anyone replaced their bilge pump hose and, if so, how difficult was it to run the hose from the aft port lazarette, where the pump is mounted, to the bilge? How hard was it to remove the old hose? 2.) The end of the old hose has a strainer attached. I've attached a picture of it. I can't find a replacement for the original strainer anywhere so I plan to replace it with the Whale bilge pump strainer in the final picture. Does this seem like an appropriate strainer for the manual pump?
 

Attachments

john2

.
Nov 26, 2022
65
Catalina 310 58 Leimuiden
did't do the bilge hose, but when cleaning the bilge for forst time there was 1 hole in the floor. to get acces to all parts of the bilge i made extra holes ( see picture). this gives better acces to bilge hose also. be carefull you don't damage wires or hoses under the floor!
it helps to warm up the old hose with a hair dryer/blower for flexability
 

Attachments

Apr 10, 2010
100
Catalina 310 166 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
I have replaced the old hose with a new smooth bore hose. I attached the new hose to the old and carefully pulled and pushed it to the aft port locker . Taking the hose securing clips off and feeding the new hose through without kinking was a pita especially in the "very roomy" aft locker. Boat yoga at its best! It's done and works well. I have also rebuilt the whale pump with their kit and it works fine. I completed both jobs without running out of nasty words. Just be patient and keep the kinks and twists out of the hose. The original strainer was taken apart cleaned up and used again. I have also replaced the original small bilge pump with a diaphragm pump mounted on a platform above the bilge with the suction hose going to the bilge. The pump can run dry without an issue and is superior to the original configuration. Thanks.
.
 
Apr 6, 2013
159
Catalina 310 Annapolis
I have replaced the old hose with a new smooth bore hose. I attached the new hose to the old and carefully pulled and pushed it to the aft port locker . Taking the hose securing clips off and feeding the new hose through without kinking was a pita especially in the "very roomy" aft locker. Boat yoga at its best! It's done and works well. I have also rebuilt the whale pump with their kit and it works fine. I completed both jobs without running out of nasty words. Just be patient and keep the kinks and twists out of the hose. The original strainer was taken apart cleaned up and used again. I have also replaced the original small bilge pump with a diaphragm pump mounted on a platform above the bilge with the suction hose going to the bilge. The pump can run dry without an issue and is superior to the original configuration. Thanks.
.
Thanks! That was really helpful. After you took the retaining clips off the bilge hose, did you notice if the manual bilge hose was attached to anything else where it runs under the cabin sole before emerging in the bilge—either the hose for the electric bilge pumps or any wires? I am hoping it isn't.
 
Apr 10, 2010
100
Catalina 310 166 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Attachment points were in the centre aft under the bunk where the prop shaft is. Of course where is starts up to the connect to the whale and finally to the discharge hose. Boat yoga at its finest. Just be patient and ensure your connections are tight. Used one complete hose so the only connection is at the whale.
 
Apr 10, 2010
100
Catalina 310 166 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
The wiring was a non issue as the diaphragm pump is on a shelf above the bilge so wires are well above the bilge water and their attachment point allowed plenty of slack for the electrical connection. This was heat shrunk and waterproofed.