Hello all. Regarding the 'false bilge' (or whatever it's called, since the H31 seems to have multiple false bilges, among other strange things) that is located just forward of the engine, beneath the companionway ladder, I have a dumb question: is this area supposed to drain to anywhere in particular? Mine doesn't. If not, what is the source of water that seems to accumulate there? Mine has a hole leading to somewhere toward the aft portion of the compartment; just aft of the aft keel bolt, if that makes any sense. I have no idea where the hole is supposed to go, of if the compartment fills through that hole, or if it's supposed to drain through the hole. And, moreover, I wonder what would happen if I just plugged the aforementioned hole? Would that prevent the accumulation of water in this compartment? It's a bit of a pain, insofar as I have to suck the water out of this area from time to time, and by that point it has become stagnant and funky. Plus, the aft keel bolts are continually bathed in the water sloshing around in there. My boat is an '87. I've had this boat for several years, and I've always been too embarrassed to ask about this issue, thinking that it would become, as they say, intuitively obvious to the casual observer. But I'm tired of having to suck out the funky, stagnant friggin' water from down there, so I'll just have to finally ask what is probably a truly stupid question. Thanks - Rick
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I think stupid sailor don't ask questions.
Rick: My 1985 H'31 has an engine bilge. It has a hole that passed between there and the bilge that is under the companionway step. Honestly I do not remember if there is a hole from that bilge into the main bilge, but it does not make much of a difference. The area where the aft keel bolts on my boat are lower than any hole would be to do anything to drain that area. I think that some of the water enters during rain storms, washing the boat down etc. If you are getting water in there from the engine bilge it may be from your packing gland. I don't know if this help any. I may be down at the boat this weekend (now that it has stopped raining) and I will look at it a little closer.
Rick: My 1985 H'31 has an engine bilge. It has a hole that passed between there and the bilge that is under the companionway step. Honestly I do not remember if there is a hole from that bilge into the main bilge, but it does not make much of a difference. The area where the aft keel bolts on my boat are lower than any hole would be to do anything to drain that area. I think that some of the water enters during rain storms, washing the boat down etc. If you are getting water in there from the engine bilge it may be from your packing gland. I don't know if this help any. I may be down at the boat this weekend (now that it has stopped raining) and I will look at it a little closer.
False Bilge
Rick, I don't think this is a dumb question. I always thought that this "bilge", and the starboard cockpit lazarette had a common channel. At least that's what I thought was the case in my 87' H31. I think this is a sealed bilge due to the fact that the fuel tank is in the lazarette, and you would not want any fuel spillage from a leak being pumped over the side. If anyone has any other thoughts please post as now I am curious also if there may be another source of this water. John s/v Sanctuary II
Rick, I don't think this is a dumb question. I always thought that this "bilge", and the starboard cockpit lazarette had a common channel. At least that's what I thought was the case in my 87' H31. I think this is a sealed bilge due to the fact that the fuel tank is in the lazarette, and you would not want any fuel spillage from a leak being pumped over the side. If anyone has any other thoughts please post as now I am curious also if there may be another source of this water. John s/v Sanctuary II
No dumb questions, Rick.....
I also have a Hunter 31 - '87 vintage. The bilge under the slats at the base of the companionway (on my boat, at least) drains into the space between the hull and the inner liner (henceforth to be known as the 'liner-space'). Unfortunately, it seems that a couple of inches of water will accumulate in this bilge and stay there without effectively draining into the main bilge. If you look in your large bilge opening (the one between the dinette and settee, you should see a hole in the upper shelf on the port side. This also opens into the 'liner-space'. There is probably a hole in the starboard side of the engine pan where the... I think it's water lines go through. This hole drains the engine pan into teh 'liner-space'. Open the cover right at the port front of the quarterberth... inside that is 'liner-space'. Open the covers under the settee cushions... that's liner-space. So any water anywhere in there all is supposed to eventually drain into the bilge. How well or quickly pretty much depends on the attitude of the boat, and what might be down there blocking the passage of water to that hole. I find that water often drains INTO the companionway bilge from the liner-space. If the water is 'stagnant and funky' then you might want to consult with Peggy (the Head-Mistress, but also the acknowledged guru on all things foul and stinky in a boat ;D I recently had a LOT of water in the liner-space from a leaky and stuck stuffing box. I learned a lot about how water moves around in this space. What was different from what you are describing is that the water was clear and clean (although salty). I ended up sucking most of it out of the hole in the side of the main bilge that I described above, using a battery bulb. The problem was that the water would just seep into the space and collect slowly before it would then seep into the bilge. I think the idea - the companionway bilge collects drippings, like from foul weather gear and drains them into the main bilge - is a good one. What doesn't work well is the relative heights of the various openings. So, in long-winded answer to your question: You probably won't go wrong by plugging the hole, other than having to drain it by hand if water gets into it. But beware that if stagnant, yucky water is collecting in that bilge, it probably means that stagnant, yucky water is collecting in the liner-space. You've now got me thinking about plugging that hole too!!! BTW, John, the starboard cockpit lazarette has inner liner that the fuel tank and water heater sit on. I think there are a couple of holes there into the inner-liner space, but they are pretty high up, so they don't really enter into this discussion.... unless heeled on port tack ;D Also, beware of holes in the engine bilge (even the one where the hoses pass through on the port side). If you have a fuel or oil leak, a hole in the engine bilge might cause you to pump the fluid over the side without even being aware of it... and that could cost a lot
Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
I also have a Hunter 31 - '87 vintage. The bilge under the slats at the base of the companionway (on my boat, at least) drains into the space between the hull and the inner liner (henceforth to be known as the 'liner-space'). Unfortunately, it seems that a couple of inches of water will accumulate in this bilge and stay there without effectively draining into the main bilge. If you look in your large bilge opening (the one between the dinette and settee, you should see a hole in the upper shelf on the port side. This also opens into the 'liner-space'. There is probably a hole in the starboard side of the engine pan where the... I think it's water lines go through. This hole drains the engine pan into teh 'liner-space'. Open the cover right at the port front of the quarterberth... inside that is 'liner-space'. Open the covers under the settee cushions... that's liner-space. So any water anywhere in there all is supposed to eventually drain into the bilge. How well or quickly pretty much depends on the attitude of the boat, and what might be down there blocking the passage of water to that hole. I find that water often drains INTO the companionway bilge from the liner-space. If the water is 'stagnant and funky' then you might want to consult with Peggy (the Head-Mistress, but also the acknowledged guru on all things foul and stinky in a boat ;D I recently had a LOT of water in the liner-space from a leaky and stuck stuffing box. I learned a lot about how water moves around in this space. What was different from what you are describing is that the water was clear and clean (although salty). I ended up sucking most of it out of the hole in the side of the main bilge that I described above, using a battery bulb. The problem was that the water would just seep into the space and collect slowly before it would then seep into the bilge. I think the idea - the companionway bilge collects drippings, like from foul weather gear and drains them into the main bilge - is a good one. What doesn't work well is the relative heights of the various openings. So, in long-winded answer to your question: You probably won't go wrong by plugging the hole, other than having to drain it by hand if water gets into it. But beware that if stagnant, yucky water is collecting in that bilge, it probably means that stagnant, yucky water is collecting in the liner-space. You've now got me thinking about plugging that hole too!!! BTW, John, the starboard cockpit lazarette has inner liner that the fuel tank and water heater sit on. I think there are a couple of holes there into the inner-liner space, but they are pretty high up, so they don't really enter into this discussion.... unless heeled on port tack ;D Also, beware of holes in the engine bilge (even the one where the hoses pass through on the port side). If you have a fuel or oil leak, a hole in the engine bilge might cause you to pump the fluid over the side without even being aware of it... and that could cost a lot
Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8Recently dealt with this issue
Hurrican Wilma recently forced me to deal with this long-standing issue. After the storm, I had 1.5' of water in the cabin and every possible void I never before knew existed. The first reply was exactly what I discovered on my 1983 version H31. However, I didn't find any hose between the campionway bilge and the main bilge. My compainway bilge just drains into the interspace, and supposedly the interspace water eventually makes it to the main bilge. Nice plan, but doesn't often happen. I too had water backing up into the campionway bilge. I found the problem was that there wasn't any direct route for the interspace water to get to the main bilge. Following the water's path, I discovered there were two openings into the aft end of the main bilge from the interspace and they were occupied by drain hoses (icebox & outgoing bilge line). Any water making it's way from the innerspace to the bilge had to seep its way around these drain hoses, and those holes were fairly tight. It probably wasn't a great idea, but I pushed the icebox's drain hose out of its hole into the bilge and into the innerspace. This allowed the innerspace water to flow freely into the main bilge and I haven't since had water backing up into either the campaionway or engine bilges. Another major problem I encountered with this backed-up water, was that it also accumulated under the galley sole and rotted the plywood away causing the floor to collapse. There's a fairly sizable cavity under that floor, with a sizeable drain hole in the forward port corner. That problem was cured by the water now being able to pass through the interspace and into the main bilge, and I've since replaced the floor. This project can be viewed at the following web page: http://www.scottssweaters.com/rubicon/floor.htm For some reason, my boat has always had a slight list to starboard, so I suspect this is why the galley floor rotted out first. The flooring on the port side of the companionway (at the base of the nav station) seems to be getting a bit soft as well, so that may be my next project.
Hurrican Wilma recently forced me to deal with this long-standing issue. After the storm, I had 1.5' of water in the cabin and every possible void I never before knew existed. The first reply was exactly what I discovered on my 1983 version H31. However, I didn't find any hose between the campionway bilge and the main bilge. My compainway bilge just drains into the interspace, and supposedly the interspace water eventually makes it to the main bilge. Nice plan, but doesn't often happen. I too had water backing up into the campionway bilge. I found the problem was that there wasn't any direct route for the interspace water to get to the main bilge. Following the water's path, I discovered there were two openings into the aft end of the main bilge from the interspace and they were occupied by drain hoses (icebox & outgoing bilge line). Any water making it's way from the innerspace to the bilge had to seep its way around these drain hoses, and those holes were fairly tight. It probably wasn't a great idea, but I pushed the icebox's drain hose out of its hole into the bilge and into the innerspace. This allowed the innerspace water to flow freely into the main bilge and I haven't since had water backing up into either the campaionway or engine bilges. Another major problem I encountered with this backed-up water, was that it also accumulated under the galley sole and rotted the plywood away causing the floor to collapse. There's a fairly sizable cavity under that floor, with a sizeable drain hole in the forward port corner. That problem was cured by the water now being able to pass through the interspace and into the main bilge, and I've since replaced the floor. This project can be viewed at the following web page: http://www.scottssweaters.com/rubicon/floor.htm For some reason, my boat has always had a slight list to starboard, so I suspect this is why the galley floor rotted out first. The flooring on the port side of the companionway (at the base of the nav station) seems to be getting a bit soft as well, so that may be my next project.
Thanks a million, guys.
Thanks for all the info. In my case, whatever water ends up in the 'liner space' generally seems to end up in the main bilge and is eventually discharged by the bilge pump. As a matter of fact, I've gotten into the habit of flushing the liner space with fresh water from the shower via the head bilge from time to time to keep it from getting stagnant. Unfortunately, however, the compainionway bilge on my boat apparently does not drain properly into the liner space. If it does anything at all, it almost seems to work in reverse; as if (as Steve said) the drain hole is too low to drain into anywhere else, and then water becomes trapped there and, if I don't remove it, eventually get's stagnant. I'm not sure where the water that accumulates there is coming from, but I don't think it's from the engine bilge, insofar as it is generally dry there since I installed a PSS shaft seal a few years ago. Maybe it's seeping up from the liner space. Now that (I think) I know how it's supposed to work, I feel a bit better about the whole issue. I'll probably plug the drain hole and see what happens, since the drain is not working like it's supposed to anyway. PS - Scott, thanks for the link. Quite a job, but it looks great now. Incidentally, my boat also lists to starboard, and I've always wondered about that. I figured it was because of all the beer and booze stored on that side. PPS - Steve: Stay dry out there. It finally looks like a week with no rain, thank goodness. Thanks again, Rick
Thanks for all the info. In my case, whatever water ends up in the 'liner space' generally seems to end up in the main bilge and is eventually discharged by the bilge pump. As a matter of fact, I've gotten into the habit of flushing the liner space with fresh water from the shower via the head bilge from time to time to keep it from getting stagnant. Unfortunately, however, the compainionway bilge on my boat apparently does not drain properly into the liner space. If it does anything at all, it almost seems to work in reverse; as if (as Steve said) the drain hole is too low to drain into anywhere else, and then water becomes trapped there and, if I don't remove it, eventually get's stagnant. I'm not sure where the water that accumulates there is coming from, but I don't think it's from the engine bilge, insofar as it is generally dry there since I installed a PSS shaft seal a few years ago. Maybe it's seeping up from the liner space. Now that (I think) I know how it's supposed to work, I feel a bit better about the whole issue. I'll probably plug the drain hole and see what happens, since the drain is not working like it's supposed to anyway. PS - Scott, thanks for the link. Quite a job, but it looks great now. Incidentally, my boat also lists to starboard, and I've always wondered about that. I figured it was because of all the beer and booze stored on that side. PPS - Steve: Stay dry out there. It finally looks like a week with no rain, thank goodness. Thanks again, Rick
Love your salvage yard
Scott, nice job on the floor. I am so envious of your source of teak, although my heart goes out to the original owner whose misfortune is your gain. Go into the teak business!!
Scott, nice job on the floor. I am so envious of your source of teak, although my heart goes out to the original owner whose misfortune is your gain. Go into the teak business!!
Secret bilge
Hunter apparently didn't learn much about any of this. Seven years later they had a secret bilge tucked between the holding tank and fuel tank. I found out the hard way, because diesel leaked into it. I had to pull out the aft board and the holding tank hose to access the secret bilge with a pump, baking soda & vinegar, and hairdryer to dry it out. Big paid.
Hunter apparently didn't learn much about any of this. Seven years later they had a secret bilge tucked between the holding tank and fuel tank. I found out the hard way, because diesel leaked into it. I had to pull out the aft board and the holding tank hose to access the secret bilge with a pump, baking soda & vinegar, and hairdryer to dry it out. Big paid.
Rick, your boat could be stern-heavy
With the way we are all describing the water 'seeping' around, I suspect that even a couple of degrees of pitch could make the water collect in the companionway bilge. I suspect that is what is happening on my boat. Aside from the fuel and water tanks, my lazarette lockers reveal 4 dive tanks, 2 anchors etc, etc,... and in the v-berth it's all sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, etc. I do love your sole in spite of its unfortunate source. Refinishing my sole is creeping up the list Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
With the way we are all describing the water 'seeping' around, I suspect that even a couple of degrees of pitch could make the water collect in the companionway bilge. I suspect that is what is happening on my boat. Aside from the fuel and water tanks, my lazarette lockers reveal 4 dive tanks, 2 anchors etc, etc,... and in the v-berth it's all sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, etc. I do love your sole in spite of its unfortunate source. Refinishing my sole is creeping up the list
Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
Plugging the hole
The bilge in my 2000 H340 is not much different from what has been decribed here. There are a series of layered compartments beginning under the floor of the engine pan and interconnecting with several mysterious caves, nooks and crannies. There are holes and opennings (some unseen)that seem to connect and hopefully drain all of these compartments into the main bilge through a single final hole just aft of the last keel bolt. In an attempt to clean and deodorize some of the unreachable compartments I bought a large rubber plug (cork) and plugged the final hole. I then added about two gallons of a mixture of warm water and WM bilge cleaner to the hole that drains the water from the stuffing box just aft of the engine drain pan. I also added some of the mixture to the bilge compartment that receives the water from the shower drain and the refrigerator drain. I took the boat out for an afternoon sail and made sure that I took full advantage of the wakes provided by my motorboat friends. Back at the slip, I pulled the plug and was greeted by an interesting mixture of brown and smelly water. I have since repeated the procedure a few times and the boat smells a lot better. I would not leave the hole plugged for a long time for fear that water might accumulate in one or more of the stern bilge compartments and compromise the boat.
The bilge in my 2000 H340 is not much different from what has been decribed here. There are a series of layered compartments beginning under the floor of the engine pan and interconnecting with several mysterious caves, nooks and crannies. There are holes and opennings (some unseen)that seem to connect and hopefully drain all of these compartments into the main bilge through a single final hole just aft of the last keel bolt. In an attempt to clean and deodorize some of the unreachable compartments I bought a large rubber plug (cork) and plugged the final hole. I then added about two gallons of a mixture of warm water and WM bilge cleaner to the hole that drains the water from the stuffing box just aft of the engine drain pan. I also added some of the mixture to the bilge compartment that receives the water from the shower drain and the refrigerator drain. I took the boat out for an afternoon sail and made sure that I took full advantage of the wakes provided by my motorboat friends. Back at the slip, I pulled the plug and was greeted by an interesting mixture of brown and smelly water. I have since repeated the procedure a few times and the boat smells a lot better. I would not leave the hole plugged for a long time for fear that water might accumulate in one or more of the stern bilge compartments and compromise the boat.
Great idea, John!
I reckon I'm going to do that this weekend, see what comes out *yks Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
I reckon I'm going to do that this weekend, see what comes out *yks Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
same on h28.5
same problem on my h28.5. i had to change my teak floors, and when i did, i cut them so may gain access to these area's. it should be noted that the underside of the floor boards were never sealed so the water rot's them out. a new sheet of teak and holly here cost $250 for 4 x 10 and will only do the main salon. good luck with your solutions rick
same problem on my h28.5. i had to change my teak floors, and when i did, i cut them so may gain access to these area's. it should be noted that the underside of the floor boards were never sealed so the water rot's them out. a new sheet of teak and holly here cost $250 for 4 x 10 and will only do the main salon. good luck with your solutions rick
Here is what I did
The false bilge is supposed to prevent oil/fuel contaminated water from being pumped overboard by your bilge pump. Water is probably coming from your shaft seal, engine raw water or leaks from other plumbing that pass through the engine compartment. I installed a regular bilge pump float switch that provides an alarm in the cockpit if there is water in that bilge area. My reason, I really did not like the idea of using the engine for long periods and not knowing if my shaft seal is leaking excessively. Before the installation of the switch, I would go below and check every hour or so - guess my navy training is getting the better of me.
The false bilge is supposed to prevent oil/fuel contaminated water from being pumped overboard by your bilge pump. Water is probably coming from your shaft seal, engine raw water or leaks from other plumbing that pass through the engine compartment. I installed a regular bilge pump float switch that provides an alarm in the cockpit if there is water in that bilge area. My reason, I really did not like the idea of using the engine for long periods and not knowing if my shaft seal is leaking excessively. Before the installation of the switch, I would go below and check every hour or so - guess my navy training is getting the better of me.
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