Jeff Morris wrote:
Lots of boats have cockpit seat/hatches that are open to the engine
compartment. Of course, this is one of the issues that has to be dealt
with before going offshore.


Yes, very much. Also the issue of how water that is blocked off from
entering the main compartment is going to be removed!

In a lot of cases, limber holes in bulkeads & stringers get plugged up
over time with grime (another example of why cleanliness is important)
and this results in neither a watertight bulkhead nor a dry
compartment... and often th encapsulated wood structural member rots away.


I agree with other comments - why turn back into the weather?

Maybe lack of confidence?


Joe wrote:
You only carry 10 spare filter..? I like to have at least a case.

Isn't 12 a case? Anyway you have more stowage than I do. 10 filters (or
more properly, filter elements) is plenty.

Nothing like being thrown into a hot engine in 20 foot seas while
changing out filters.

No problem. I mounted our fuel filters in a twin mpunt accessible easily
through a door in the aft cabin. It isn't even necessary to go in the
engine room to change filters.

... I also installed a vaccume gauge in the fuel
lines so I know when to change them before they shut down the engine.

Yep. We also log the vacuum reading at various throttle settings.

Plus I have a air purge system(tank) for bleeding any air off, it's
large enough to take care of all the air in the raycore housing.

Never had this problem, our filter is below the level of the fuel in the
tanks... unless we're below 1/4 tank.


... I have
a primary bilge pump that takes care or all 4 water tight compartments
thru hard piping and a manifold, and secondary atwell pumps in each
compartment.

How accessible is the manifold if the bilge is flooded? Sounds to me
like too many pumps. A maintenance chore. I want a hi capacity back up
12V pump, but not more.


... And 2 big ass Whale gusher MK-3 in the engine room and aft
compartment. If I go open ocean I would buy a new gas P350.


Why?

I have to disagree with your assumption that boats leak enough to cause
alarm due to heavy seas dumping on deck unless you have poorly designed
hatches and improper scuppards.

You mis read my statement. I did not say "all boats." Just the
majority... mass-produced boats do have poorly designed hatches & ports,
and no scuppers at all.

... Those canooks sould like half assed
weekend warriors who choked on what they bit off.

I see you're still working hard at setting a good example of
compassionate conservatism in action. Here's a suggestion Joe... try to
not call people names quite so much. It just makes you look dumb.

DSK