Bilge access for H-23

[Rick Rountree]

I just bought a '87 Hunter 23 which has some standing water in the bilge I'd like to pump out. Can anyone tell me where the access panel is in this model Hunter to reach the water. I've checked several panels udner the seat cushion but nothing seems to provide an access point to the bilge area. Any suggestions?

 

[Jim Parks]

H23 Bilge

I too have a 1987 H23. In the 6 years that I've owned this boat, I haven't found any one access panel that allows me to pump the bilge. When I have had water (which entered the boat through leaking window seals, leaking chain plates or at the lower rudder attachment point), I have had to remove the water by pumping it out of the cockpit lazerettes, removing the cushions and pumping or sponging the water through the storage access covers and sponging the water from the very shallow bilge beneath the floorboards.Eventually, you can get it all dry, It will take more than one attempt, though, as water will continue to seep into the accessible bilge area from non-accessible areas.

 

[Dave Condon]

Water Water Water Water Water

The only placee you can access to get water out of the bilge is the bilge area. The is specific model had several low areas unacessable to us to get the water out but it was mimimal and nothing to worry about. Rick, if you have any further questions, feel free to call since you know me.

 

[Rick Rountree]

bilge issue

Thanks, Dave. I don't feel quite so bad for not having been able to spot the bilge access point! I'll keep in mind to call you.Rick.

 

[Mark Sanford]

Additional Tip

Last week I had a small amout of water in the bildge of my H23 which is very unusual. Like others mentioned, I soaked up the majority of it with a sponge in the three areas under the floorboards of the main cabin. I also discovered that the fiberglass formers which seperate these 3 areas are hollow and also hold a fair amount of water. To remove the water here, I used a large syringe with a small rubber hose on the end. I was able to snake the hose down the small access holes and remove all of this also. We like to keep all water out of the boat to minimise the moisture and mildew problems otherwise this small amout of water would not be a problem.

 

[Tim Witt]

Turkey Baster works good

I used a turkey baster with a small vinyl hose in it.I also enlarged the holes in the hollow ribs/seperators to 1/2 inchfor better access.My water came from: Loose lower rudder bracket. Leaking window. Leaking anchor locker drain.Not all happened at once but over 10 years.You should not normally have any water in the bilge.My bilge was dry except for these problems.Former h23 1985Tim WittC25 1990