i need to install a bilge pump and running lites. i need ideas on how to do this right the first time. it will be done to my 14 ft jon. i just want the pump to get rid of rainwater. do i go thru the hull? i dont think i need an auto pump. the lites are something i will use very little. but i want them to work when i need them. i like everything to look profeesional, not mickey mouse.i hate to go back and mess with stuff because i didnt do it right the first time. thanks ahead of time

Yes you want an automatic bilge pump.  It should be in the lowest spot in side your boat.  Usually next to the drain plug.  While through hull is more professional looking it is not any better functioning and requires more work.  I went up and over the transom next to the motor for mine.  Captain obvious wanted me to ad, if you do go trough hull make sure your through spot is above the water line.  Way above the waterline.

The bilge pump will have 3 wires. Neg, Pos switched, Pos Automatic. Hook the Neg to the Neg on the battery.  Hook the Pos auto to the Pos on the battery.  You can stop there or you can wire in a switch for the manual control of the bilge.

For running lights the lowest maintenance you can get is the battery powered clamp on ones.    This may look to jury rigged for you though.  If so then you will probably have to run wires from your battery to the bow and stern with a switch on each or one switch for both. There are a few tricks to running wires for longevity, maintenance free, professional looking.

1. Get a big enough wire for the job.

2. Hide them.

3. The parts that can't be hidden should run straight and or follow some structure of the boat.  Think coloring within the lines.

4. Secure them well enough that they don't jiggle out into view.  Don't for get you don't want to redo this so that means that they should not jiggle out for ten + years.  Zip ties, screws, epoxy, liquid nails, and no duct tape.

Now I still haven't addresses where to put your switches.  You are on your own for now.

Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 should take about 6+ hours if you include a 1 hour trip to the hardware store.  Or you can get the battery powered light and leve it below deck out of site until you need it.

Let me suggest these running lights from Cabelas.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0019050017532a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=boat+light&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=boat+light&noImage=0

No wiring needed, they are LED so they use very little power, and they run on 2, DD batteries. They claim to work for 100 hours on one set of batteries. I've run mine for 2 full seasons on the original batteries. The battery compartment is sealed with rubber O-rings, but I don't take chances, I pop the lights off after every trip.

As far as a bilge, I just use a milk jug with a big hole cut in the top.

You can buy blue plastic flexible electrical conduit at home depot to run your wires through

It's 10' x 3/4" for $5