Scott bailamatic

[jrm80]

I’m about ready to reassemble my 60 hp Scott after getting it back from the powder coating shop and have a decision to make with regard to the bailamatic impeller. From my past experience, the bailamatic was a good idea followed by bad execution. Back in the day when every boat on the water leaked, it was a good thing, at least when it worked. Impeller failure was rampant however to the point that we all just quit replacing them. That was especially true with those motors with the water pump right below the powerhead instead of being in the lower unit.
That being said, I’m debating whether to reassemble with or without the bailer impeller. Although my engine has the water and bailer pump in the lower unit so it will be getting adequate lubrication, I don’t need the bailamatic as the boat I’m putting the engine on doesn’t leak and I have a bilge pump anyhow. My inclination is to simply not install the bailer impeller and leave the space vacant. I have seen some posts suggesting that a plug should be put in to fill the empty space, but I can’t say I have seen an adequate explanation as to what the benefit would be in doing so. Can anyone tell me if there is a problem with not installing the bailer impeller that I’m not aware of?

[billw]

This is just my personal feeling; but if you spent the time and money to have the parts powder coated, you are going to have one nice motor. Wouldn’t it bug you to know something wasn’t as it should be, when it was done….the missing bailer impeller, which was what made that engine unique? Again, it’s just where my own head would be at. For what it’s worth, I had a 16 Boil-O-Matic once. I put in the bailer impeller and made a small, dedicated water pick up, which I attached to the transom, so the bailer would always have something to pump.

Long live American manufacturing!

[retiredoz]

I’d say if you have the old bailer impeller, put it in and not worry about it. I can’t think of nor have I heard a reason to leave it out..

[Author]

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