bristol 30 exhaust
 

does anyone have a bristol 30 with a waterlift exhaust system ? and if so where is the waterlift located. At this time I have a copper jacketed system that I would like to replace but the only place I can think of to put the waterlift is on top of the stuffing box below the fuel tank

I have the same hull as you do and an expert mechanic friend told me when
I asked in advance what his advice on replacing my copper pipe was he
would just run a hose to the transom.

As our motors run pretty quietly to begin with I'd like to see what others say
about the need for a water lift muffler, as some day I may have to address
this issue (replacing my copper pipe exhaust system).

exhaust
 

no way would I just run a hose that is just asking for water to intrude back to the manifold

Another option to look at is the Vetus Waterlock.

The only part my mechanic said to not bother with was the muffler; you'd still
have a loop up from the manifold.

I don't believe there is room for a Vetus waterlock (I personally don't care for the Vetus mufflers because they are plastic and would melt very easily if the injected water were stopped or blocked for some reason). I have basically the same boat as the Bristol 30 and have used this very successfully since 1988 when I repowered:

http://www.centekindustries.com/vernaliftfig3.html

I believe the A-4 uses a 1-5/8" hose from the exhaust manifold to the muffler. So that would be 1.63" or model number
1500035 which is about 10.5" x 6.3" or if you can fit a larger capacity muffler
1500037 which is about 14" x 9"

The size of the muffler must be able to hold all the water in the exhaust hose from the muffler outlet to the transom outlet to keep the water from backing up into the engine. I haven't measured it in about 20 years but I think mine is 14 x 8 inches.

The muffler on my boat is situated directly behind and the engine, even with the bed logs, and to one side so that I can access the stuffing box. The hose from the muffler exits under the fuel tank shelf and runs aft to the lazarette.

Good luck,

David
1971 Bristol 29 #165
www.bristol29.com