bilge pump repair/replace

[aloysius]

I have a 2000 Carver 406 and can not reach my forward bilge pump to check it's operation. I am trying to reach it from the bilge area where I clean the AC sea water inlet filter.
Is there a way to reach it thru the steps that go down into the galley?
A previous owner has removed the carpet that I think came originally on the boat with artificial wood flooring and possibly covered up a trap door or something that might allow access to the pump. That's my idea anyway because I can not figure out any way anyone can reach back that far in the forward bilge compartment short of removing all the plumbing and pumps supplying the air conditioner systems accessible through the galley floor.
Any good advice would be highly appreciated. Bad advice might be of some value also, if even to help me laugh at these challenges that are associated with owning a boat.

[Viper]

Ya I'm thinking they may have covered a hatch. Usually there is reasonable access to hardware that's considered part of a safety system. Hopefully someone with the same model will chime in and confirm if there is another access hatch.

[g36]

My 405s (which is the same boat) fwd bilge pump is under a 2 part bilge hatch that is located right outside the fwd head door and by the dinette. If i remove it there is access to the fwd pump,the ac water pump and the sump box for the fwd head and galley sink. There is no access at the stairs. If you sit on the galley floor and face the dinette you will be at the hatches my pump is right there, when hatches removed practically the whole floor in that area to the fwd stateroom door is open.

[aloysius]

Thank you guys. My bilge pump sets right up against the bulkhead to the engine room. Maybe sombody changed the opening in the galley floor. Anyway, I'll get to the pump one way or the other and get it into a more accessible spot.
The bilge pump in the engine room is conventely located beneath the generator. Oh well, maybe they had something else in mind when the installed my bilge pumps.
I wonder if it'd be easier to cut a hatchway through the bottom of the hull.
I'm thinking a strong drink is in order.