[Outlaw]

The Aft Bilge Pump trips the breaker on the main panel almost instantly.    I thought I would start by checking out the pump and float switch.  However it looks to be about a five foot drop between the access hatch in the trunk and the floor of the hull.  I can not even get my hand on it.  Does anyone have any thoughts on access to the pump and switch, or had any experience with this issue?

[Uhehner]

Can you get to the wiring harness going to the pump? If so I would suggest cutting the leads and mounting a new switch and pump on a stainless or aluminum plate.  Attach a handle that can be fastened at the top end. Then wire up the new unit with long leads and drop it in place.  Capt.  George

[Outlaw]

Captain George, very creative. After viewing your suggestion I did find a Youtube video of a similar design on an S2 sailboat (AKA Slicker)

Let me ask you:
How about using starboard instead of stainless steel for the plate?
I will need to secure it in place and was thinking of just fastening the handle to bulkhead or other structure to keep it in position?

thanks again for your help

[Uhehner]

I made a few using soft aluminum plate as it sets lower and comes on sooner and is easy to bend.. You might also consider PVC sheet, it's much less expensive.  Capt. george

[Outlaw]

Good point on using the aluminum, and I appreciate your help on this. I will post a reply on the outcome, thanks again.

[Outlaw]

No slack in the wiring harness or in the exit hose. Had to dismantle the trunk lifting arm and remove the covers on the starboard access hatch as well as the center access hatch. this allowed one to lie down in the trunk and work with only one hand to complete the job, took four hours.