side hull vents

[chaz]

I would like to here all your thoughs on blocking off the side hull bow and stern side vents. I have a 23' 1978 scepter with an outboard. I look around the boat yard and don't see any other outboard boats with vents. The only thing I can think is Sea Craft stamped out one hull for both I/o and outboard. Most times I don't have any problem with them except when I'm in rough seas my feet get wet at the helm. I think what I'm going to do is make up a rubber gasket for behind the actual vent on the hull. So what have others done ? Shoud I just block off the port bow vent or do all 4? I'm sure that the water comes in on the starboard side I just don't stand there. And if one of the kids got wet I would just tell them to move. It's tough to move from the helm. Thanks for any input. CHAZ

[Capt Chuck]

go here Chaz-----> Vents

or use the search function for more info on these or other discussions

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Ha Chaz;

I did not like those vents either. I didn’t see they served any purpose on a outboard either so I filled them in. Check to see if you have small vent holes under the cap by the transom area in the inside. I have one on port and starboard. I also installed a vent on top of my gas tank under the CC I use it for both for a access plate and vent. For me it gives the boat a more sleek appearance.







FellowShip

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My motto: Just for the Grins

[SCSeacraft]

I agree that under some sea conditions that some water will splash through those vents.
The small amount of water will never overcome the MASSIVE amount of fresh air that constantly moves throughout the internals of the boat keeping things dry and fume free.
I kept mine for the air flow,they may date our old hulls but they are old hulls that are still here for a reason,good ventilation.
Donnie

[BigLew]

Gentlemen,
I might be wrong, so let me know.

Just because you don't have an internal combution engine mounted below decks, doesn't mean that there is no other possible source of spark; wiring, defective bilge pump, other/improperly selected motor driven device. I'd really feel terrible if anyone were to be injured by gas fume explosion because their below deck fuel tank was inadequately vented.

It is good practice to run a "bilge blower" from 5 minutes before engine start to five minutes after cutting the ignition. I witnessed a Donzi I/O explode at the dock as a result of a teenager jumping in the boat and immediately turning the key.

PS- He was killed and the boat tied up next to him was severely damaged as well.

PPS- Personally, I don't let anyone on board when I start my engine, if at all possible. Further, I open the engine hatch for a few minutes before I start the engine and leave it open while starting and then close. I guess I err on the side of caution.

[LEVERETTE5]

I would have to agree with this .I to saw two people get burned bad one morning fishing a tournament out of palm beach.there are still alot of these boats with the original tanks in them that makes the odds even worse. the other thing I see are some of these boats with the decks completely close with no access.I looked at a few boats that had this done and did not buy them for this reason. when I make long runs to the islands or were ever I like to be able to open a hatch and check the hull for water ,gas,oil or any other problem. I guess you could call me an old school captain.

[1bayouboy]

I'd call you safe.... I run an I/O and I'm always checking.....I run the blower but I also usually lift the engine cover "just because".....I like to know what's in there.