Recently purchased a 97 stiletto from another forum member, (so excited to be apart of this small family!) and am looking to upgrade from the current mechanical fuel pumps to electric pumps.. I've already bought the pumps (Aeromotive A1000's) and know that I'll have to plumb in returns.. My question is how is the factory pick up setup in the tank? I assume that the access is through the plate in the engine compartment, but the boat is in storage until April. I'm just trying to get ahead of the game and figure out exactly what I'll be in for when I start the conversion. Any info/pics/alternatives would be greatly appreciated!

Justin

Welcome Justin, you are going to love the 37, it is an amazing boat, I had a 98 for 16 years. Not exactly sure how the pickups are sitiuated in the tanks but access to the tanks was under the rear seats not the engine compartment in my 37 with triple 500's. For what it is worth I never had a problem with my fuel pumps ( 470 hours ) stock merc 500's.

Thanks Hardcore! I'm wondering if yours might be a hair different in the access location where yours was a triple boat? This panel is front and center above the step for the fuel tank. Or maybe it's in the rear seat access like yours? I feel like the pumps are maxed out on mine at 650hp, and without getting into a pissing match over which pump is better, I'll feel better with an electric pump at the end of the day. Hoping someone has a pick of the sending unit so I can see if there's room for the returns without having to drill holes in the tank itself? I've heard people mention T'ing into the pickup lines with the returns, but I feel like there is a possibility of aeration if done this way? Gonna be a long winter waiting to use this thing!!

Justin

Typically the electric pump is plumbed into the outlet side of the mechanical pump with a one way check valve, no returns needed. This way you have two forms of pumps and you'll always get home. I currently use this setup and it stays steady at 12psi underway.

Congrats on the purchase! Did you buy the one out of TX? (that came from NY and WI before that)

JJ30, that's an interesting way of doing it, never thought of that.. I know the pumps I bought will outflow the current mechanical pumps, so I don't know if that'd work the same for me.. Also from the research I've done on the A1000's is that a return system really helps the life of the pump too.

32fever, yes that's the boat I bought! Can't get over how well kept its been..

Also, I'll likely be mounting the pumps along the stringer, and I've never drilled holes in the stringer of any boat and I'm scared to death of it.. Using small stainless screws and pre drilling, I assume I should use some sort of sealant on the threads to prevent moisture? What are you guys using for stuff like this? Sorry, it's a little off topic!

Justin

Is your 37 a side x side? If so, you can see in these pics of my bilge where the access plate is. One pic shows plate off and one with plate on. Fuel pumps are mounted on the gas tank step down area right outside the access panel. I might be able to get you a picture of the pickup as I had to replace my pickups to be able to accommodate bigger motors. If my builder still has it, I'll have him snap a pic and I'll post it here. Good luck! You'll love the 37 OL! [ATTACH=CONFIG]547998[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]547999[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]548000[/ATTACH]

Great info! If he could snap a picture of that pickup, that would be awesome! Just curious on why you had to change out your pickups? I presume by plural there are two separate sending units mounted in the tank? And that's the plate I assumed gain access to the pickups, just wanted to make sure. And yes, my motors are side by side..

Justin

The original pickup was too small to provide enough fuel to the bigger motors. Learned from my builder that it's a fairly common mistake for people to install bigger HP motors and not upgrade their fuel system which starves the engines and then poof!

I'm going to his shop early next week, so I'll see if he still has the old pickup. If so, I can even send it to you if it would help.

That would be awesome! I'll cover shipping and a six pack on the house, let me know what you come up with, thanks!!

Justin