Larry, it looks to me that the big corrugated hose for the Whale Gusher is running through solid filler at the aft end of the bilge with no space on either side. But yeah, if that hose runs back through the void under the engine, then it would follow that any space on either side of it would allow that void to drain.

I can try poking wires around on either side to see if I can dislodge anything.

I think I also read of someone ripping out that hose and replacing it with a smaller diameter, which results in room for the engine bilge to drain. Mine has some air leaks at the end near the bilge, so unless the bilge is completely flooded, my Whale Gusher won't do a darn bit of good. I may consider replacing that hose at the same time.