Guzzler 500 Manual Bilge Pump

Rebuilding My Manual Bilge Pump

One of the first projects I tackled after buying my 1987 Pearson 27 sailboat last summer was rebuilding the Guzzler 500 Manual Bilge Pump. It might not sound glamorous, but trust me—this was an essential task for keeping my boat safe and dry.

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Disassembly Process

Breaking down the Guzzler 500 step-by-step.

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Service Kit Essentials

A close look at the crucial parts to be replaced and cleaned

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Reassembly Success

Bringing the bilge pump back to full functionality

Watch Sashe on YouTube

Armed with a service kit from West Marine, I dove into the project, determined to bring this crucial piece of equipment back to life.

Taking on this repair was a real hands-on introduction to my new boat. The Guzzler 500 is a workhorse, and with a little TLC, it’s now ready to keep things dry and secure below deck if my automatic bilge pump stops working. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just getting into boat maintenance, this project is a great reminder of the importance of reliable systems on the water.

Now, you might be wondering—why bother with a manual bilge pump when the boat already has an automatic one?

The truth is, that a backup manual bilge pump is an absolute must. While your automatic pump handles the day-to-day water that finds its way into the bilge, in an emergency or if the automatic pump fails, having a manual option is critical. It’s your hands-on defense against rising water, and in those high-stress moments, you’ll be glad it’s there. It’s one of those pieces of equipment you hope you never have to use, but you’ll be thankful for it if you do.

Having a reliable backup manual bilge pump is a small but essential part of ensuring your boat’s safety.

I hope this post and the accompanying video help you tackle your own boat projects with confidence!

In the video, you’ll see exactly how I took the pump apart, replaced worn-out parts, and got it back into action. It’s a satisfying process—one that adds to the growing list of upgrades I’m making to restore my Pearson 27 to her former glory.