Hull Ventilation

[radioshop]

First, allow me to apologize for not having a SeaCraft. My boat isn't from Princeton, it's from Hialeah. It's none other than 73 22.2 Aquasport. I have been lurking here for a while. I'm impressed and amazed at your boats. I also learn something every time I'm here. We don't have a Classic Aquasport site yet, so please pardon me for imposing a non-brand specific technical question here.

I notice on many of your projects, you plug the aft freeboard vent. I assume Mr. Potter put that in for fuel tank ventilation. Is this a correct assumption? I also noted that plugging done mainly to keep water out of the boat. If my first assumption is correct, is the lack of ventilation an issue? Have you done anything to provide more if it is?

I have a similar vent on my Aquasport and, am considering plugging it when I redo the hull this winter. The only caveat is that I have a "sealed" bilge. Which means it's ventilated, but there's no bilge pump. The entire underdeck area is filled with foam. I'm thinking about re-vamping the ventilation system.

Thanks for your patience and, any advice in advance. I really do admire the SeaCraft's from the Potter era. Someday maybe I can even afford one. You're all doing a great job preserving the classics. Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Jason Swift