Where to install bilge pump on O'Day 25

[Tito C.]

I just bought a 1982 25' O'Day. The boat is in pretty good shape for it's age. I am getting ready to put it in the water and leave it there for the rest of the season. Even though the previous owner told me that it had always been a dry boat, I would feel more comfortable if I had an automatic bilge pump installed. My questions are:

Where is the best location in the boat to install it?
Where should I have it discharge? The boat already have two manual pumps tha discharge through the transom and trough the starboard side of the hull
Happy sailing!

 

[Mike]

Not many options

The Oday 25 has very shallow bilges; that will limit your options. The lowest point in the bilges (I won't call it a sump) is in the main cabin, and is accessible via the sole hatch. This is the logical location to install a pump, but there isn't much clearance. You may have to install the pump further aft (under the cockpit) and run some hose from the bilge low point to the inlet of the pump. Not a great solution, but may be your only option. If you already have an extra manual pump thru-hull, you may want to appropriate it for your new auto pump. Don't forget the siphon break.