Replacing the bilge pump deck plate

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Like I assume most of the First 260s, we have a Whale Gusher bilge pump mounted in the cockpit. It’s a solid pump, the sole flaw being the vulnerable lid. Ours got kicked and snapped off during a race a few years back.



As the actual performance was not effected, I resisted the immediate urge to replace the pump, having seemingly been unable to find just the lid. But it looked terrible, and I also knew that the sun and UV were not good for the rubber boot over the pump lever.

So this year I put my google-fu to work and was able to find the part: Whale Deck Plate with Lid - DP8904. The part is only about US$30, and comes with a new boot as well, making it a great deal.

The install is rather straight-forward, but a bit of a trick if you are doing this single-handed. The pump body is suspended on the cockpit wall by the same screws that hold the plate on.


The ‘trick’ is to remove two screws, and then place them in backward to hold the pump body and allow it to rest on the fiberglass ‘lip’, holding it place while you do the other two. Obviously if you have a helper, this all is much easier. Also wetting the boot and pump base with a water/dish soap mix will help it slide in place.



Once done it fixed an eyesore in the cockpit, and helps protect the pump from UV exposure. I think it also makes the boat just a bit faster as well!




Comments

  1. Arístides GallardoNovember 28, 2023 at 12:53 PM

    Hi there!! Thanks your post. It has been very helpful for me to find the spare!!! In Spain the spare cost around 100 usd. A bit more expensive but it worth it!

    ReplyDelete

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