When looking in the bilge of the H37c I'm looking at buying, the figerglass under the sole has been cut for to aft down the center appro 14 to 16" wide, exposing the 3/4" bilge frames. The cut is not straight which leads me to believe this was not a factory cut and there is no cross support other than the bilge/floor franes. If from the factory I would have expected access to the bilge would have been through seperate access panels in the floor not one long cut. Is this method normal for a H37c.???
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I thought not
Landsend, the owner informed that it was like that when he purchased her. I'm assuming this wekens the structural integrity. Could you describe your bilge/floor layout.
Landsend, the owner informed that it was like that when he purchased her. I'm assuming this wekens the structural integrity. Could you describe your bilge/floor layout.
Bilge access.
I cannot visualize your description. The bilge access, aft to forward, is as follows. At the foot of the ladder a grate about 18" x 10"(w) for access to the engine cooling thru-hull. Next section is about 48" x 10". The next section has the cutout for the mast and is about 36" x 10". Then there is a little stub fore of the mast. When these panels are pulled you will see the 3/4" plywood cross frames exposed. It sounds like you are seeing a much wider cutout. I know a couple of owners have cut out to port and starboard of the original. There is reportedly a lot of storage space under there just inside of the two settees. You are not buying "Rainbow Chaser" by chance? The Related Link is Gene's description of this project.
I cannot visualize your description. The bilge access, aft to forward, is as follows. At the foot of the ladder a grate about 18" x 10"(w) for access to the engine cooling thru-hull. Next section is about 48" x 10". The next section has the cutout for the mast and is about 36" x 10". Then there is a little stub fore of the mast. When these panels are pulled you will see the 3/4" plywood cross frames exposed. It sounds like you are seeing a much wider cutout. I know a couple of owners have cut out to port and starboard of the original. There is reportedly a lot of storage space under there just inside of the two settees. You are not buying "Rainbow Chaser" by chance? The Related Link is Gene's description of this project.
Bilge cut out
Thanks Ed, Panel compartments are as you describe, maybe a little wider than 10" didn't have my tape measure with me. When all panels are removed there is no seperation other than the 3/4" cross frames. The cut in the fiberglass floor is not straight which led me to presume that this was not done in the factory, although I could be wrong about this. If all the compartments are pulled what do you see,?? an open bilge with the 3/4" cross frames only or is there fiberglass seperation for each panel.??? Robert
Thanks Ed, Panel compartments are as you describe, maybe a little wider than 10" didn't have my tape measure with me. When all panels are removed there is no seperation other than the 3/4" cross frames. The cut in the fiberglass floor is not straight which led me to presume that this was not done in the factory, although I could be wrong about this. If all the compartments are pulled what do you see,?? an open bilge with the 3/4" cross frames only or is there fiberglass seperation for each panel.??? Robert
One long opening.
It is just one long opening with all the covers removed Max. The cross frames are, on my boat, just a black looking plywood. I think they are about three or four inches lower than the bottom of the sole. They do not support the covers in any way. The covers sit on what looks like a fiberglass molding, both sides from the engine bay to the forward bulkhead. The opening is not as wide as the bilge. There is probably a three inch overlap on both sides. Maybe I can remember to get a picture this next week. She comes out on Friday the 20th.
It is just one long opening with all the covers removed Max. The cross frames are, on my boat, just a black looking plywood. I think they are about three or four inches lower than the bottom of the sole. They do not support the covers in any way. The covers sit on what looks like a fiberglass molding, both sides from the engine bay to the forward bulkhead. The opening is not as wide as the bilge. There is probably a three inch overlap on both sides. Maybe I can remember to get a picture this next week. She comes out on Friday the 20th.
Bilge Floor Photo's
Thanks Ed,I'll be going down to the yacht tomorrow and I will post some photos of the bilge opening and we'll see if it is the same as everyone else.
Thanks Ed,I'll be going down to the yacht tomorrow and I will post some photos of the bilge opening and we'll see if it is the same as everyone else.
Rainbow Chaser is the same as yours
Rainbow Chaser is in the yard getting a bottom job, etc, as the new owner and I try to bring her up to snuff. I checked and her's are just as you describe. The entire floor was made as a unit and put in as the boat was assembled. I'm sure they cut the holes after this, leaving it for support until it was in the boat. They probably sent a newby with a sabre saw and told him where to cut. It does look worse than something I'd do, and I'm not that careful at times. So, I'd say with about 99% certainty that it is the factory original that you are looking at. Gene Gruender
Rainbow Chaser is in the yard getting a bottom job, etc, as the new owner and I try to bring her up to snuff. I checked and her's are just as you describe. The entire floor was made as a unit and put in as the boat was assembled. I'm sure they cut the holes after this, leaving it for support until it was in the boat. They probably sent a newby with a sabre saw and told him where to cut. It does look worse than something I'd do, and I'm not that careful at times. So, I'd say with about 99% certainty that it is the factory original that you are looking at. Gene Gruender
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