Shut my big pie hole !

[Billybob]

Well I filled in my 2 pie plates in the aft hatch, matched the non skid, and sprayed it this weekend.Looks good.I'm gonna hinge the whole hatch.I like this idea, because now I'll have quick full access down into the bilge where the pumps, transducer and batts are.My only concern was that I could seal it off well enough,and I picked up this seal from Mcmaster Carr that should be perfect.I let you know when I get it done and washdown tested.I just like the idea that if something goes wrong down below, I can get my whole head and arms down in there to check it out.You know how I like to get my head down into my work [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[John R]

There is an intersting article here that goes into hatches: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/sinking.htm

[Hooper]

John-

Thanks for that link. It has certainly gotten me thinking about making some changes. I really do not like that my scuppers are so close to the water and they are much less than 4"! try no inches. The Lexan deck plate sounds interesting, I may get with my marina and give that a shot.

What do you guys think about closing off the scuppers and allowing drainage into the bilge? I am curious to hear how some of you feel about this.

Thanks again John, good link.

-Hooper

[ocuyler]

Hooper,

While redoing my 23, we filled in every hole in the boat, including the scuppers and splashwell drain. We decided to eliminate these altogether and drain both directly to the bottom of the bilge and set up a Rulemate 500 down low and a 2500 up a little higher.

As it is a trailer boat, I don't see an issue except putting more hours on the pumps and the risk of battery rundown while the boat is moored unattended. With 220 amp hours to work with, solar back-up I don't see a problem. Offshore with lost power? Bucket power.

I'll let you know as the season is experienced.

Otto

[boatdoc]

If it were my boat, I wouldn't want to drain it into the bilge. Most of the boats I have seen sink have been due to improper sealing of the deck. Sea Crafts do have a history of sinking, however usually from bad thru-hulls. Personally I like to minimize the amount of water in the bilge. I usually leave my deck drain plugs open, then put rubber stoppers in when I am using the boat.