What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

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

I have just owned a 1995 Sea Ray 18-ft Laguna center console. One of
its feature is a self-bailing fiberglass hull. How does the self
bailing work in the context of this center console?

I see that there is very low freeboard in the stern area (like 6
inches). I suppose most of the water that goes over the bow onto the
deck will flow back into the sea through the stern because there is
nothing to stop the water from flowing out. This should work if the
boat is managed to be on plane and the bow is tilting up slightly to
move all the water to the stern area.

I also see that there are two one-way valves on the deck level right at
the edge of the stern to drain what little water remaining on the deck
out to the sea.

And I also see that it has a bilge pump in the bilge area near the
stern of the boat. I suppose water that somehow finds its way into the
bilge area will be pumped away.

Are these what "Self Bailing" means?

There is not any other holes on the hull to drain water out.

I am asking this because I would like to add a splashwell near the
stern area to prevent water from getting onto the deck when the boat is
in idle or when I drive the boat backward. But I don't want this
splashwell to defect the purpose of "Self Bailing". Therefore, I want
to understand how this "Self Baiting" works before I add the
splashwell.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
I would like to know how a 18-ft center console to be able to
self-bailing.

This is the self-bailing aspect of your boat.

I see that there is very low freeboard in the stern area (like 6
inches). I suppose most of the water that goes over the bow onto the
deck will flow back into the sea through the stern because there is
nothing to stop the water from flowing out.

I also see that there are two one-way valves on the deck level right at
the edge of the stern to drain what little water remaining on the deck
out to the sea.

This is not considered self bailing, and is the reason you have the bilge
pump.


And I also see that it has a bilge pump in the bilge area near the
stern of the boat. I suppose water that somehow finds its way into the
bilge area will be pumped away.

Are these what "Self Bailing" means?

There is not any other holes on the hull to drain water out.

I am asking this because I would like to add a splashwell near the
stern area to prevent water from getting onto the deck when the boat is
in idle or when I drive the boat backward. But I don't want this
splashwell to defect the purpose of "Self Bailing". Therefore, I want
to understand how this "Self Baiting" works before I add the
splashwell.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
I would like to know how a 18-ft center console to be able to
self-bailing.

Self bailing is a feature which some of us wish the current president would
adopt.

Sorry. I just couldn't help it.

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

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

This is the self-bailing aspect of your boat.

I don't understand this. Am I missing something?

I see that there is very low freeboard in the stern area (like 6
inches). I suppose most of the water that goes over the bow onto the
deck will flow back into the sea through the stern because there is
nothing to stop the water from flowing out.

I also see that there are two one-way valves on the deck level right at
the edge of the stern to drain what little water remaining on the deck
out to the sea.

This is not considered self bailing, and is the reason you have the bilge
pump.

If neither of these considered as part of "self bailing", then, what
may contribute to the "self bailing" feature in the boat?

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Self bailing means water will drain out of the boat on its own accord
through openings in the transom, usually at deck level or just above it.

In practice this means that if the boat is balanced properly (not down
at the bow), rainwater will drain out on its own accord if the boat is
at anchor or tied up at a marina, and, if you are running and take on
some water, it will drain out these same openings without your having to
do anything.

In that case, the very low freeboard in the stern and those two one-way
valves in the stern should be a part of the self-bailing feature in my
boat assuming that the boat is balancing properly (and it is). Thanks.

Some older Makos had a deck flush with the cut out of the transom
opening. Any water that came aboard will whoosh right out.

No, my boat is not like that.

Most boats nowadays that are self-bailing have round or
rectangular transom openings to allow water out. Do not
block these in any way.

My boat has two round openings at the transom flush with the deck to
allow water on the deck to drain out. And No I will not block it. I
will clean them and remove any fallen leaves in that area.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Jay,
Any combination of low freeboard or scuppers that do not require any
mechanical device to remove the water, is self bailing.


wrote in message
ups.com...
I would like to know how a 18-ft center console to be able to
self-bailing.

This is the self-bailing aspect of your boat.

I don't understand this. Am I missing something?

I see that there is very low freeboard in the stern area (like 6
inches). I suppose most of the water that goes over the bow onto the
deck will flow back into the sea through the stern because there is
nothing to stop the water from flowing out.

I also see that there are two one-way valves on the deck level right at
the edge of the stern to drain what little water remaining on the deck
out to the sea.

This is not considered self bailing, and is the reason you have the bilge
pump.

If neither of these considered as part of "self bailing", then, what
may contribute to the "self bailing" feature in the boat?

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Just to clear this up a bit, your boat itself is NOT "self bailing"!
The cockpit (the area where you can walk around) of your boat my be
"self bailing" through the one-way scuppers in the transom as long as
they dont get clogged or when water runs out over the cut-out in the
transom. Since you have a bildge with a bildge pump, your bildge is
only "self bailing" for as long as the pump and float switch operates
correectly. I would consider this as part of the "self bailing" feature
of your boat.

You should NOT be counting on water rushing out over the cut-out in the
transom! Why do you have that much water in this boat? Why are you
backing down so hard that the water is coming in the boat over the
transom? What make boat is this and what size engine is on it? Where
are you running this boat?

I would not consider blocking the cutout in the transom, not a good
idea.

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Any combination of low freeboard or scuppers that do not require any
mechanical device to remove the water, is self bailing.

Thanks for the confirmation. This means the bilge pump is not a part
of self-bailing because it will fail if it runs out of power.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

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

I hear you. I intend to only put at most 4 adults on the boat and the
boat is supposed to be able to handle 6 persons (max), and the stern
was clear of any water when I had a sea trial with the boat with 4
adults on board. I think I am OK with that. I am just not very sure
about what will happen if the boat is idling and waves start kicking up
but I really want to catch the last fish of the day.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
Any combination of low freeboard or scuppers that do not require any
mechanical device to remove the water, is self bailing.

Thanks for the confirmation. This means the bilge pump is not a part
of self-bailing because it will fail if it runs out of power.

Jay Chan


Add to your shopping list one of those grey plastic manual bilge pumps.
Every boat should have one. Even if you never need to bail the boat, they
can come in handy when you have a big bucket of lively panfish and you need
to transfer some fresh water INTO the bucket from the outside. Much easier
than hoisting the bucket into the water, at which point the fish will jump
out, you'll lean over to gawk at the spectacle, your glasses will fall in
the water, followed by you, your wallet and your keys. All for the lack of a
manual bilge pump. :-)

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

... Since you have a bildge with a bildge pump, your bildge is
only "self bailing" for as long as the pump and float switch operates
correectly. I would consider this as part of the "self bailing" feature
of your boat.

Thanks for the clarification. This means I should not consider the
bilge pump as a part of "self bailing".

Why are you backing down so hard that the water is coming in
the boat over the transom? What make boat is this and what
size engine is on it? Where are you running this boat?

No, I have not been backing the boat yet. The boat is still sitting in
the driveway for the rest of this cold winter. I was just mentally
thinking through all the possible situations, such as when someone is
fighting a big fish, and the big fish is pulling almost all the line
from the spool, and I need to back up the boat to recover the fishing
line before the fishing line runs out. Now, I think about this one
more time; I have a feeling that this situation probably will not
happen; the reason is that the person doesn't have to fight the fish
from the stern of the boat; he can simply walk up to the bow and fight
the fish from there; then I can recover the fishing line by moving the
boat forward instead of backward. The situation that I originally
thought would only happen if that person was fighting the fish from a
rear-facing chair; my boat doesn't have such a rear facing chair;
therefore, this situation will never happen.

The only situation that I think I may see water coming through the
transom cut out is when I put the boat in idle and waves start kicking
up, and the fishing is going good that I don't really want to quit.
Now, I think about this. The amount of water probably will not be much
in that situation.

This means I really don't need to build a splashwell at the transom,
and I really don't need to worry about the issue of having a splashwell
that may block the drain holes in the transom that are for
self-bailing.

I would not consider blocking the cutout in the transom,
not a good idea.

Good. This means I can forget about the issue of building a
splashwell, and I can save my time. Thanks.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Jay,
I can tell you are very obsessive (and I mean that in a good way) when you
take on new hobbies or ventures. The NG is an OK way to get info, but you
really need to find some new friends who are experienced boaters/fisherman
you can go fishing and boating with.
Check out the power squadron and USCGAUX courses. You will probably get an
insurance discount, provide you with some basics, and find some new friends
to go boating with.
http://www.usps.org/d_stuff/classes.html

http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.html




wrote in message
oups.com...
... Since you have a bildge with a bildge pump, your bildge is
only "self bailing" for as long as the pump and float switch operates
correectly. I would consider this as part of the "self bailing" feature
of your boat.

Thanks for the clarification. This means I should not consider the
bilge pump as a part of "self bailing".

Why are you backing down so hard that the water is coming in
the boat over the transom? What make boat is this and what
size engine is on it? Where are you running this boat?

No, I have not been backing the boat yet. The boat is still sitting in
the driveway for the rest of this cold winter. I was just mentally
thinking through all the possible situations, such as when someone is
fighting a big fish, and the big fish is pulling almost all the line
from the spool, and I need to back up the boat to recover the fishing
line before the fishing line runs out. Now, I think about this one
more time; I have a feeling that this situation probably will not
happen; the reason is that the person doesn't have to fight the fish
from the stern of the boat; he can simply walk up to the bow and fight
the fish from there; then I can recover the fishing line by moving the
boat forward instead of backward. The situation that I originally
thought would only happen if that person was fighting the fish from a
rear-facing chair; my boat doesn't have such a rear facing chair;
therefore, this situation will never happen.

The only situation that I think I may see water coming through the
transom cut out is when I put the boat in idle and waves start kicking
up, and the fishing is going good that I don't really want to quit.
Now, I think about this. The amount of water probably will not be much
in that situation.

This means I really don't need to build a splashwell at the transom,
and I really don't need to worry about the issue of having a splashwell
that may block the drain holes in the transom that are for
self-bailing.

I would not consider blocking the cutout in the transom,
not a good idea.

Good. This means I can forget about the issue of building a
splashwell, and I can save my time. Thanks.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Add to your shopping list one of those grey plastic manual bilge pumps.
Every boat should have one. Even if you never need to bail the boat, they
can come in handy when you have a big bucket of lively panfish and you need
to transfer some fresh water INTO the bucket from the outside. Much easier
than hoisting the bucket into the water, at which point the fish will jump
out, you'll lean over to gawk at the spectacle, your glasses will fall in
the water, followed by you, your wallet and your keys. All for the lack of a
manual bilge pump. :-)

Yes, I have seen it before in a marine supply store. No, I will use a
cut off plastic milk jar for putting water into a livewell. But I can
see the value of using a manual bilge pump to pump out the water from
the bilge area in case the bilge pump fails. Thanks.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
Add to your shopping list one of those grey plastic manual bilge pumps.
Every boat should have one. Even if you never need to bail the boat, they
can come in handy when you have a big bucket of lively panfish and you
need
to transfer some fresh water INTO the bucket from the outside. Much
easier
than hoisting the bucket into the water, at which point the fish will
jump
out, you'll lean over to gawk at the spectacle, your glasses will fall in
the water, followed by you, your wallet and your keys. All for the lack
of a
manual bilge pump. :-)

Yes, I have seen it before in a marine supply store. No, I will use a
cut off plastic milk jar for putting water into a livewell. But I can
see the value of using a manual bilge pump to pump out the water from
the bilge area in case the bilge pump fails. Thanks.

Jay Chan


They work quite well. Just be sure to get one that's big enough to reach
over your gunwales.

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

They work quite well. Just be sure to get one that's big enough to reach
over your gunwales.

Thanks. I will keep this requirement in mind.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Doug Kanter wrote:

wrote in message
oups.com...

Any combination of low freeboard or scuppers that do not require any
mechanical device to remove the water, is self bailing.

Thanks for the confirmation. This means the bilge pump is not a part
of self-bailing because it will fail if it runs out of power.

Jay Chan



Add to your shopping list one of those grey plastic manual bilge pumps.
Every boat should have one. Even if you never need to bail the boat, they
can come in handy when you have a big bucket of lively panfish and you need
to transfer some fresh water INTO the bucket from the outside. Much easier
than hoisting the bucket into the water, at which point the fish will jump
out, you'll lean over to gawk at the spectacle, your glasses will fall in
the water, followed by you, your wallet and your keys. All for the lack of a
manual bilge pump. :-)



When that happened to me, I lost my watch too, and my teeth, and I
woulda lost my hairpiece, only I don't own one.

Another bucket to sit in the first one might be a better idea.

Terry K

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

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

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Lloyd's answer is very complete.

I would only add, since the topic comes up often on the CS group, is that
many boats claim "self bailing" but rarely deliver fully on that promise.

If a heavier engine is put on the transom ( often a 4 cycle instead of the
designed for 2 cycle) it can cause the stern to be heavier than the original
design. If one stores their batteries; gasoline tanks; baitwells, etc. near
the stern... often that weight will put a drain under water. If it rains a
lot, and the boat is left in a slip, lots of time leaves or other debris
will block the drain holes, and the boat will fill and can sink. If a
heavier than designed boater runs the boat, and he steps near the stern...
often the boat will be below the designed level.

In the case of a Carolina Skiff; a Boston Whaler; or other fully foamed
hulls, sinking isn't the normal result. However, they, too, can still allow
a lot of water to get in... if the stern gets too heavy.

Lloyd's comments about boats ( such as yours... apparently,) that have
bilges below their "self bailing " decks can go under if the "self-bailing"
doesn't work well. Water, sooner or later, can work its way below and sooner
or later the battery will run down after pumping that water out. This is
assuming that a boat is left for a long time moored or tied to a dock, and
lots of rainfall is present.

I installed "flapper" and "ball type" fittings on the drain openings on my
former boats, to allow water out, but not in. They didn't work perfectly,
since the seal is not compete. Water would leak in if I stood near the
stern. Not a lot of water, but enough to have to clear the decks with a run
forward, allowing the "self bailing" hulls to finally, self bail.

Certainly, most self-bailing hulls will clear their decks while you are
under way. Not quickly, but they will clear. If you took a heavy wave over
the bow, the long drain time can be disconcerting.

I hope all of this isn't too discouraging,...but I haven't found a perfect
"self bailing" hull yet. RG
--
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners
..

"

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

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

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

RichG wrote:
Lloyd's answer is very complete.

I would only add, since the topic comes up often on the CS group, is that
many boats claim "self bailing" but rarely deliver fully on that promise.

If a heavier engine is put on the transom ( often a 4 cycle instead of the
designed for 2 cycle) it can cause the stern to be heavier than the original
design. If one stores their batteries; gasoline tanks; baitwells, etc. near
the stern... often that weight will put a drain under water. If it rains a
lot, and the boat is left in a slip, lots of time leaves or other debris
will block the drain holes, and the boat will fill and can sink. If a
heavier than designed boater runs the boat, and he steps near the stern...
often the boat will be below the designed level.

In the case of a Carolina Skiff; a Boston Whaler; or other fully foamed
hulls, sinking isn't the normal result. However, they, too, can still allow
a lot of water to get in... if the stern gets too heavy.

Lloyd's comments about boats ( such as yours... apparently,) that have
bilges below their "self bailing " decks can go under if the "self-bailing"
doesn't work well. Water, sooner or later, can work its way below and sooner
or later the battery will run down after pumping that water out. This is
assuming that a boat is left for a long time moored or tied to a dock, and
lots of rainfall is present.

I installed "flapper" and "ball type" fittings on the drain openings on my
former boats, to allow water out, but not in. They didn't work perfectly,
since the seal is not compete. Water would leak in if I stood near the
stern. Not a lot of water, but enough to have to clear the decks with a run
forward, allowing the "self bailing" hulls to finally, self bail.

Certainly, most self-bailing hulls will clear their decks while you are
under way. Not quickly, but they will clear. If you took a heavy wave over
the bow, the long drain time can be disconcerting.

I hope all of this isn't too discouraging,...but I haven't found a perfect
"self bailing" hull yet. RG
--
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners

Not discouraging at all -- I know nothing is perfect. I just want to
know what my boat can do in term of self-bailing, and I think I have
got the info that I need here. Thanks.

Next time when I bring the boat out in the water, I will try moving
people and coolers around to see how far I can go without upsetting the
balance or flooding the drain hole. I want to put a live-well and a
second cooler right behind the cockpit where no one is supposed to stay
there when the boat is in motion and therefore is a wasted space.
Therefore, I want to make sure I won't upset the self-bailing function
of the boat by adding the live well and the cooler there. Thanks for
pointing this out.

Talking about CarolinaSkill, I almost bought a 2001 (or 2003?) center
console from CarolinaSkill at a reasonable price if not for the fact
that the one that I saw was only 16-1/2-ft when I was looking for a
18-ft boat. A couple weeks later when I got back to the same marina
where the boat was, it was gone. This means I almost joined your
owners-group.

Jay Chan

What Does "Self Bailing" Mean for a 18-ft Center Console?
 

Sorry you couldn't find the right sized CS boat. CS is coming out with some
new models that have V bows, and will, no doubt, increase ownership of these
tough little boats. We would have enjoyed your company, I'm sure.

with regard to putting your live wells in etc..... a couple of five gallon
buckets full of water strategically placed should give you a quick look at
what will happen to your balance when add ANYTHING to any part of the boat.
That goes for extra batteries; live wells; center consoles etc.. It is a
cheap and easy way to see what's going to happen with a new install of
anything heavy.

RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners
..

wrote in message
oups.com...
RichG wrote:
Lloyd's answer is very complete.

I would only add, since the topic comes up often on the CS group, is
that
many boats claim "self bailing" but rarely deliver fully on that
promise.

If a heavier engine is put on the transom ( often a 4 cycle instead of
the
designed for 2 cycle) it can cause the stern to be heavier than the
original
design. If one stores their batteries; gasoline tanks; baitwells, etc.
near
the stern... often that weight will put a drain under water. If it rains
a
lot, and the boat is left in a slip, lots of time leaves or other debris
will block the drain holes, and the boat will fill and can sink. If a
heavier than designed boater runs the boat, and he steps near the
stern...
often the boat will be below the designed level.

In the case of a Carolina Skiff; a Boston Whaler; or other fully foamed
hulls, sinking isn't the normal result. However, they, too, can still
allow
a lot of water to get in... if the stern gets too heavy.

Lloyd's comments about boats ( such as yours... apparently,) that have
bilges below their "self bailing " decks can go under if the
"self-bailing"
doesn't work well. Water, sooner or later, can work its way below and
sooner
or later the battery will run down after pumping that water out. This
is
assuming that a boat is left for a long time moored or tied to a dock,
and
lots of rainfall is present.

I installed "flapper" and "ball type" fittings on the drain openings on
my
former boats, to allow water out, but not in. They didn't work
perfectly,
since the seal is not compete. Water would leak in if I stood near the
stern. Not a lot of water, but enough to have to clear the decks with a
run
forward, allowing the "self bailing" hulls to finally, self bail.

Certainly, most self-bailing hulls will clear their decks while you are
under way. Not quickly, but they will clear. If you took a heavy wave
over
the bow, the long drain time can be disconcerting.

I hope all of this isn't too discouraging,...but I haven't found a
perfect
"self bailing" hull yet. RG
--
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners

Not discouraging at all -- I know nothing is perfect. I just want to
know what my boat can do in term of self-bailing, and I think I have
got the info that I need here. Thanks.

Next time when I bring the boat out in the water, I will try moving
people and coolers around to see how far I can go without upsetting the
balance or flooding the drain hole. I want to put a live-well and a
second cooler right behind the cockpit where no one is supposed to stay
there when the boat is in motion and therefore is a wasted space.
Therefore, I want to make sure I won't upset the self-bailing function
of the boat by adding the live well and the cooler there. Thanks for
pointing this out.

Talking about CarolinaSkill, I almost bought a 2001 (or 2003?) center
console from CarolinaSkill at a reasonable price if not for the fact
that the one that I saw was only 16-1/2-ft when I was looking for a
18-ft boat. A couple weeks later when I got back to the same marina
where the boat was, it was gone. This means I almost joined your
owners-group.

Jay Chan