Foul smelling bilge stuff

[John]

During this winter's lay-up, a tiny crack opened up at the upper edge of my H31 bilge sump. About a tablespoon of smelly coffee colored water has slowly trickled out. Because he boat is tarped over (and dry) for the winter and the water has a nasty odor, I think that this is old water trapped in the hull.The tiny crack is along the meeting line of the sump's hull/liner join. I think that the coffee colored ooze is long-ago water trapped in the infamous little compartments between the hull and liner on the H31 models.I'm considering establishing weeping holes in that area (both upper sides of bilge sump). I'd also consider injecting some bilge cleaner (or ????) into the weeping hole to flush the area.Has anyone addressed this issue, or have ideas?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Whatever you "inject"...

You'll need to follow it up with a lot of fresh water to rinse out the dirty water and cleaner. Otherwise, all you'll do is create soapy dirty water. Adding bleach doesn't change that, either. I'd suggest you look for limber holes, and if they're clogged, unclog 'em...if there aren't any create them where you need them so that water can travel freely between accessible and inaccessible areas of the hull.

 

[Jay Hill]

Just went through this...

...on my 1985 H31. Suggestions: 1) buy some of Peggie's kills-everything-and-smells-great stuff2) clean/clear all bilge compartment flow tubes3) Use Dremmel tool to lower the drain capability of the liner holes in every bilge compartment (under engine, under companionway, under cabin sole, under passageway outside head, under shower sump grate). Remember, the icebox drains into the bilge as well and even a cleaning now will not keep water out of it later. Shower sump also flows under liner, then into bilge; biggest problem obviously.4) Create weep holes in lower sump/bilge by removing screws holding float switch wires to sump bulkhead. (Remount wires to underside of cabin sole.)5) Take cleaner and recommended solution and pour in shower sump, icebox, and engine compartment to ensure it gets in every compartment.6) Let sit for 15-30 minutes7) Rinse thoroughly in all compartments.8) Use wet vac to remove any extra water from spaces in between liner and hull via the drain/weep holes.9) Repeat steps 7 and 8 at least two more times.10) Place Stick-Up on bottom side of cabin sole panel over bilge.11) Enjoy nice clean boat!Whole process takes about 4 beers...uh....two hours.