Searay 220DA forward bilge pump access

Question
Ron,

We have an '89 SeaRay 220da midcabin. I'm at least the 3rd owner. It's been well-cared for most of its life but suffered some neglect and the beginnings of water intrusion just before I purchased it.

I've discovered both culprits - one a gash in the gel coat in the bilge area (fixed). The second-- seems to be a forward bilge pump somewhere ahead of the midcabin. There's a thru-hull located at about the rear of the port v-birth cushion. Inside the boat, beneath the cushion, there looks to be a factory-glassed 4x6" panel above the fitting itself. I can't find any access, however, on the floor, beneath the stairs (port-side location) beneath the galley... And the carpet is glued to everything.

How is someone supposed to service that pump? I know there's water down there, because I can evacuate it with a shop-vac at the thru-hull.

Thanks,

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike

Thank you for directing your question to the undersigned.

Boat manufacturers seem to make it difficult for anyone to maintain a craft properly, and your situation is a perfect example. I don't know the solution Mike, but I recommend you contact a nearby SeaRay retailer and consult them. If they don't have the answer, perhaps they can refer you to a source at the manufacturing level to solve your problem. Have you attempted to contact SeaRay online? Is there any info in the 'Owners Manual' that would be helpful? Check with boat repair facilities. They may have encountered a similar situation and may know the solution or the source to contact.

When you determine the solution, please let me know.

Safe boating,
Ron