vent on the bottom?

jacuthbert · Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 8:31 am Post subject: vent on the bottom?

I was underneath the hull yesterday installing a keel guard when I noticed a little oval shaped vent looking thingy on the bottom of the boat (Situated I think close to where the cockpit and cabin meet). It was too far away to see clearly and I was already tired of laying on the ground. I thought perhaps it was there to drain the cabin and/or cockpit. Does anyone know anything about this? I am not alarmed. It obviously has a purpose, I would just like to know the idea of it. Thoughts?
Amanda

Aurelia · Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 9:36 am Post subject:

That is a thru-hull fitting for intake of water for toilet flushing and possibly the washdown pump if so equipped. If you open the little cover on the step as you enter the cabin, you will see the valve to open or close that intake.

jacuthbert · Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 2:43 pm Post subject: vent on the bottom?

Thank you. That makes perfect sense. It is for the washdown. I have used that valve in the step, but never realized the water was coming from there!
Amanda

hardee · Posted: Thu May 05, 2011 7:16 pm Post subject:

Amanda,

That "vent" --does it set between the bunks? Mine is close to the transom, and it is why my boat likes to slide to the port slightly, so it never sits right lined up in the middle of the trailer. If it is on the bunk, it may be putting a deforming pressure on the hull at that point. I can't remember if you have bunks or rollers. Either way, you want to be sure that "vent" is not on a bunk or roller when you are storing and trailering the boat.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 8:33 am Post subject:

Harvey, the thru hull for the pump (not a "vent") must not be on a bunk or roller since she saw it when she was under the boat while it was on the trailer.

Charlie

jacuthbert · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 8:39 am Post subject: vent on the bottom?

I looked at it a bit more carefully (although I still did not soldier crawl to take a good look). It is to the port side of the middle of the hull just aft of the cockpit door (I am trying to impress with my nautical terms). It is well clear of the bunks.
Thanks for clearing up its use. It seems I find out something new about this boat every time I mess about with it.
Thanks
Amanda

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 9:07 am Post subject:

"Is it so nice as all that?" asked the mole, shyly...

"Nice? It's the only thing," said the Water Rat Solemnly, as he leaned forward for his stroke. "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
Mr. Green

Charlie

jacuthbert · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 11:26 am Post subject: vent on the bottom?

Indeed, messing about with my boat(s) is fun and rewarding and occassionally exilerating!
Amanda