Shower Pump alternatives

one of the items that was not winterized when I bought my boat was the shower system.   Unfortunately, the failure point was the pressure switch on top of the pump.   When the water from the pump froze, the housing of the switch cracked.    I figured I could purchase another switch/housing and just reuse the pump, but apparently Heatercraft has changed pump designs and no longer sells parts for the pump I have .    Since we have had to use the BOAT acronym several times this season, I want to try and save some money on the pump if I can.   Does anyone have experience with the Seaflo brand?     Is there a reason I am overlooking to stay with the $130 OEM replacement pump? shower pump alternative?

I would certainly look on Amazon for a suitable replacement. Then when you winterize pump the water out. I have been doing this on my boats for 20 years and have not had any issues at all. Heater Craft isn't about to give you a good price for their stuff. I've replaced heater cores about 4 times in 20 years and have always procured them on the open market. Best of luck with the repair.

good to know.... I didn't think it was anything special, but wanted to check. I'll find one and save myself the extra Benjamin... oh wait, I already spent that on the damper plate today     I guess the good news is that each hour I put on the boat significantly reduces the cost per hour

That's cool!    I too am not really liking the engine cover access.   I think I will wait a bit for re-installing the shower and will see if I can modify in a similar way to your design.   I was thinking about adding hose to put the temp valves in the back under the seat, again, looks like I don't need to re-invent    I love seeing everyone's ideas! thanks for sharing.    

I also see your tank has the extra "sump" on the bottom of it!   do you pull the tank to do the rudder packing?   I ordered Gore-Tex packings on my last order as I'm really looking forward to being on the water and not having to do anything else for a while.

I used some kind of ShurFlo pump, I think at the time what HeaterCraft was also using.

12-volt, on demand self priming. Basically same pump used for a sink in an RV.

I use a garden hose Y in the bilge near the tranny. I can access it from just opening the motorbox but never actually do make any adjustments.

My pump is above the tank, I've also put them beside the tank. Modern boats had them on the cradle under an exhaust manifold. I didn't feel the need to further cramp the engine compartment.

TRBenj wrote: The mid 90's factory shower installs I recall seeing had the mixing valve tucked under the (port?) gunnel, IIRC.

Yep, my 94 has one of these mounted under the port gunnel ahead of the rear speaker:


The pump is under the motor box, bolted to the port side of the engine cradle.

halfnelly wrote: TRBenj wrote: The mid 90's factory shower installs I recall seeing had the mixing valve tucked under the (port?) gunnel, IIRC. Yep, my 94 has one of these mounted under the port gunnel ahead of the rear speaker: The pump is under the motor box, bolted to the port side of the engine cradle.

^^^yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

Maybe mine was broken and the PO just used the Y hose bib it was mounted below the rear speaker where the combing pad meets the floor.
Kris the pump mounts to the bracket under the motor box then the hoses run to where ever you want to mount the mixer valve. The pump turns on with a breaker on the dash so no reason to open the motor box to use the shower.
I like my set up as you can grab it, adjust temp, use it and put it away all from standing on the swim deck. Works great for warming up your wetsuit on cold days.
Kris the mixer is red/hot in blue/cold in. Yellow goes to the shower head.
Pump is on demand meaning when you turn off the shower the pressure switch shuts off the pump till you turn it on again switch senses pressure drop pump kicks on. No need to turn breaker on and off