H34 False Bilge Depth????

[PGIJon]

Before we go cutting out the false bilge I would like to make sure that one of the PO's didn't already do this and end up in the keel. Could someone tell me the depth of the cut out bilge to the center? I measure just shy of 6" from the top of the bilge using a straight edge to the center to read the tape measure. Thanks... Jon

 

[Richard Bryer]

I have never actually measured mine, but from memory I think it would be something near to 6" from the very bottom to the "ledge" formed by the hull. I am judging by what I remember of the height of the bilge pump. It sounds like there has been no cutting by the PO. I understand the concern with cutting into the bottom of a boat in the water!

 

[timdey]

I have never actually measured mine, but from memory I think it would be something near to 6" from the very bottom to the "ledge" formed by the hull. I am judging by what I remember of the height of the bilge pump. It sounds like there has been no cutting by the PO. I understand the concern with cutting into the bottom of a boat in the water!

Is this false bilge particular to the H34, or is this a problem on other models? A Hunter 41DS for instance?

 

[Don Crowther]

PGIJon
Here's a picture of the bilge opened up with a large hole saw. Hope this helps

 

[woodster]

that is a very good example of the work in question Don

 

[PGIJon]

Thanks for all who responded and Don for the Picture...

Was that 6" before or after you cut?

I understand the concern with cutting into the bottom of a boat in the water!

Exactly! Not to mention what the neighbors would say!

While I'm not sure if this is unique to the H34 I've never head of it mentioned before...... If no one is sure about the 41DS, I'm fairly certain that a post on this board would produce an answer. However I'm sure there is a contact at Marlow-Hunter who could answer that question.

 

[Allan12210]

The actual hull is 1-3/8" thick above the keel. You will not cut through that. You are only cutting through the hull liner which is suspended above the hull. The hull liner is around 1/4" thick, then there is a 1/2" piece of plywood (rotten) stuck to the bottom of the hull liner and finally a 1/4" gap to the hull. You can use a small drill bit first and will feel when it goes through all the layers (hard for the liner, soft with wood shavings for the wood and then no resistance when reaching the gap. Once you have cut through the liner, it is not necessary to cut the wood. Its all going to just pull out exposing the inner surface of the hull. You are a long way from even touching the hull. When i originally did the job, I used a 4" hole saw. I later cut those points off with a multi tool. I now recommend using the multi tool or Dremel saw for the entire task. From the picture you can see, you don't cut the bottom of the boat, just the liner.

 

[markwbird]

Not all false bilges are alike

I have started this process myself and I found the real bilge to be only about 1/4" below the false bilge so be careful. I used a hole saw for the initial cut and the drill bit tip drilled into the bottom underneath a little bit. Fortunately, it did not go through. It should be pretty obvious if this has already been done. The floor under the false bilge is rough with wrinkly fiberglass, etc. Also not painted.

 

[Allan12210]

I have started this process myself and I found the real bilge to be only about 1/4" below the false bilge so be careful. I used a hole saw for the initial cut and the drill bit tip drilled into the bottom underneath a little bit. Fortunately, it did not go through. It should be pretty obvious if this has already been done. The floor under the false bilge is rough with wrinkly fiberglass, etc. Also not painted.

Maybe a test hole makes sense then. Perhap your's didn't have the wood under the liner? Still no danger in touching the bottom as its real thick. I screwed my pump screen into the hull with 1/2" screws and it hasn't sunk yet.

After drilling with a hole saw just through the liner, take a screwdriver and pry the "cookie" up if its stuck to the wood.

 

[splax]

Here is a previous thread with some pictures.
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1175392&highlight=bilge

 

[markwbird]

false Bilge

The liner was actually quite thick complete with plywood. When I said 1/4" I meant the clear space between the bottom of the liner and the new bottom. It took some prying with a screw driver but I finally got the "cookie" out. It was about 3/4' thick or so. The wood was soaked through. The water under the liner was black and smelled of engine oil. I did some rinsing of the bilge with a hose by spaying water in at the engine compartment. I noticed it actually takes awhile to migrate to the bilge. Maybe an hour.

 

[SteveB]

Thanks, Jon

Thanks for posting, Jon. Drilled a couple more test holes after removing water heater and Richard, Don, Allan, Markw are correct. About 1/2 inch space under visible bottom and most of the black gunk that came up is rotten wood. Will remove false bottom next week. Let you know when.

 

[PGIJon]

Very very much appreciated!

I have to let you know that after 2+ years on the boards, I'm finally feeling like I am beginning to become a certified (certifiable?) fledgling Hunter owner thank to everyone here!

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge!