washdown

[thewalshies]

Where is the best place to put a thru hull on a 20'?

[abl1111]

Not a pro here, like many others, but away from the center of the boat ( as in not near the drive ). That could cause cavitation and screw up the props ability to bite into 'solid water'. Also, I drilled a few extra holes in the aft side of the water pickup ( it was a recommendation from someone here, awhile ago, to help reduce the water jamming into the intake w/ such force that it would cause blow-by, past my pump - making water spray out the through the pump hose even when it was off. It reduced that blow by by 75%.

[Fishjack]

I also remember reading about the holes drilled in the back of the pickup. I have looked back and could not find the post. How many and what size holes did you drill?

[abl1111]

It really wasn't a science - I just drilled with 1/4" bit ( or so... ) a few holes, maybe (5-6) holes. I don't think there is any detriment w/ a few more or less. But, it did work. I bet if I drilled a few more holes it would reduce the pressure even more. I just keep a hose attached all the time and I have a plastic, garden variety on/off valve that has been on for several seasons without a leak. I initially bought a bronze one, thinking it was TOUGH! it leaked terribly, the plastic valve works like a champ !

FYI:

I am also really happy with the ITT/Jabsco PAR 4 washdown. It is built tough and gives plenty of pressure. I use it for my live well too. Screw the fancy/shmancy spray nozzles - I bought a yellow plastic one for a $1 at my local hardware store - works better than anything else.

[thewalshies]

Where on the hull did you place the thru hull? Where is your access to the valve and pump?

[abl1111]

I have a 23' Tsunami w/ an i/o so I'm sure it's different. It's in toward the outside of the middle 'rise' from the center line. I access it from inside my engine compartment. See picture:


This had (2) i/o's and I converted it to one i/o, so it might look different from most other stock, single i/o's.