Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
On Wed, 07 Dec 2005 00:14:02 -0500, gfretwell wrote:

On 6 Dec 2005 09:45:29 -0800, "
wrote:

I would like to know how a 18-ft center console to be able to
self-bailing.

Just remember that if you load the boat to the point that the
scuppers go under it is self sinking.

I think this is the "crux" of the situation.

A boat is "self-bailing" if the cockpit sole is above the waterline. This
allows water to drain off the floor through whatever scupper you have. If
the sole is below the waterline, you need a pump to get the water out, and
if you have a scupper, it will let water IN rather than OUT.

I suppose the concept gets a but complicated if the SOLE is above WL but
there is a BILGE below the WL. Looks like that's your case. So if there's
some kind of bulkhead to keep water on the sole from getting into the
bilge, it's still "self-bailing", but if not, the water will go into the
bilge instead of overboard, and you will need a pump to get it out.

Lloyd

Yes, the drain hole at the stern is above the water line, but the bilge
pump itself is below the water line. Fortunately, there is a cover to
prevent water from getting into the inspection hole of the bilge area.
This means the boat is still "self-bailing" according to your
definition. I am glad to hear this.

Having said this, my boat is probably not "self-bailing" if the boat is
left in the water uncovered for a long time. In this situation, rain
water will find its way inside the hull because there are openings
above the water line that can let water inside the hull, such as the
hole in a rod holder that holds a fishing rod in an upright position,
and the holes for a rod holder that holds the fishing rod horizontally.
Luckily, I don't intend to leave the boat in the water for a long time
and I will cover it. I guess this means I will be OK.

Thanks.

Jay Chan