H23 bilge access

[Heath]

Last Fall, I used a shop vac. with a length of skinny tubing to get the water out of my bilge through the little holes near the keel bolts. I wondered if anyone has ever installed a small deck plate in the cabin sole between the aft bulkhead and the keel bolt access. It seems like this would allow me to either install an electric bilge pump, or at least use a hand pump. Before I cut anything, I want to make sure this is the smart thing to do. Maybe there's a better way to pump out the bilge? I would appreciate any suggestions/experience. Thanks

 

[Jim Maroldo]

H23 HAS A BILGE?

I thought those depressions under the sole plates WERE the bilge! At least they seem to be the lowest point in the hull. We had about 20 gal of water inside our H23 when we bought her, but we got it all out with just a W/D Vac (held the hose up against the hole, not in them). Water just seeped into the 3 wells until there was no more left. It's been dry ever since (3 yrs). If you had a pump in the lazarette, you'd probably stop anything from ever getting into the cabin, unless there's a leak topside. Anyway, why not ask the technical folks at Hunter Marine? I'd sure be interested myself in what they have to say about it.

 

[Jason]

seal it instead

I wouldn't get too crazy cutting holes. I tightened the keel bolts then put silcone sealant around them and have never had a leak since.