Replacing Bilge Blower

[Red57Bird]

The blower in my 03 SAN is on it's last leg and needs to be replaced. I have the new blower and started to take a look at removing the old blower. What a pain in the butt. It's mounted on a bracket that is attached to the transom, underneath the muffler and right next to a wire bundle.

Has anyone replaced the blower on this year SAN and are there any tips to getting this thing off?? I can't fit both hands down in there to hold the nuts on the back side of the bracket. I can't imagine what it will be like putting it back on.

My next question is do you think there is any way to relocated it to a more accessible location. I don't want to create a problem of not getting the compartment vented properly, but I'm thinking about the next time the blower goes out. Any advice is appreciated.

[bmh2208]

RE: Replacing Bilge Blower

The easiest thing to do is to pull the port tank out. You will then be able to get to everything much easier. It shouldn't take too long. Take the carpet dividers and tank cover out. The hardest thing is getting the old hoses off the tanks. There should be three that you need to disconnect. The overflow and drain hoses should be taken off at the hull. Then the fill one has to be disconnected from the rear of the tank. On a few I had to split the hose at the end with a utility knife. Then you can just trim that much off. There is enough slack that a few inches won't matter. You will then have to reach down and disconnect the drain pump at the back rear of the tank. You will then be able to finagle the tank out and have easy access to the blower. Might take about 30mins to get out but will save you headache from trying to get to the blower.

[Red57Bird]

Took the advice and removed the port ballast tank to get better access to the blower. Took a while, but I finally got it replaced and the new blower works like a champ. I learned that being a boat mechanic is for small people with small hands. I do enjoy working on my own boat, but the cuts and scrapes from bolts/nuts/fiberglass/etc. and general aches and pains the day after are no fun.