2010 Chaparral 216 SSI Bilge Pump

[tgexley]

I have a 2010 Chaparral 216 SSi with a 5 Liter engine. My bilge is not working. When I turn on the manual switch the light on the switch comes on (so there is power) but the pump does not run. It is 12 years old so probably due for a new bilge pump. Easy enough I thought.

It appears the bilge pump is directly underneath the engine. I can see the hose that purges the water but cannot see the pump -- much less get to it. It looks like it is all molded fiberglass around the engine that cannot be removed to get access to the pump. I must be missing something! What is the trick to get to the bilge pump? Thanks in advance!

 

[alldodge]

Bilge pumps have to be under the motor, just the way it is.
If unable to get to it you can mount pump on a piece of flat stock aluminum, or something else. Pump is mounted and slid under motor, then aluminum is secured in another location which has more access

 

[Lou C]

That’s exactly what I did with mine both the pump & auto switch mounted to a piece of alu stock bent @ 90* and screwed into the bulkhead in front of the engine. Remove 2 screws the whole thing lifts out.
BTW Chap seems to have changed this in my brothers 21SSI it’s right in front of the engine easy to get at.

 

[Scott Danforth]

many bilge pumps are mounted to a quick-turn base that you can turn and release the pump from the base. I have done this on more than one occasion and replaced the pump with the same.

sometimes you have to pull the motor to get to the pump (or starter, or exhaust manifolds, etc)

 

[Lou C]

Note to new I/O owners:
Get an old school mechanic to go look at the boat and ask them how easy it would be to access normal service items. Many boats I’d never buy because you can’t get at a starter or manifolds. I was able to replace the steering actuator on my old boat by removing the rear seats & exhaust system. Starter just remove the seat on that side & battery

 

[Lou C]

Some people question why I keep this old boat...I say...accessability and simple mechanicals, frees me from dealers and marine mechanics. This boat has not been to ANY mechanic but me in over 15 years. I keep lots of spare parts on hand as well. I redesigned the back seats & bulkheads so the seats lift out easily and the bulkhead opens like a door.