Bilge on Deck

[Sean]

This is probably a stupid question, but here it goes… The new hull has a solid deck and I assume is self bailing (two big scuppers in the transom)? Do I need to still install a bilge pump on the deck against the transom? Since there is no splash well I assume if I take a wave over the back of the engine why anchored up it would be needed? My Whaler (17’ Montauk) was also a solid deck/hull but it had a little area in the rear that was open were the bilge was installed, the Steiger just has a solid deck (it has a one of those round openings that is sealed to get to the through hull and the back of the transom) I don’t ever recall ever seeing a bilge on the deck. Any info/guidance will be appreciated

[Sean]

To add to my 1st question, if the boat is moored and the plug of course is kept in how does the water that drips in through the anchor locker or any were else get out if there is no bilge underneath? Very confusing…

[macojoe]

I can't believe there is no access to the bottom? Why have a plug if thats the case??

As someone who has taken a wave that filled the boat to the gunnel's I will always have a pump now!

All water on deck should go out if you can get moving, but if dead in the water how will it go out?? And as long as it is in the boat it will be leaking to the bottom of the hull if not sealed.
Is it foam filled? Call the Mf and see what they have to say.

[THEFERMANATOR]

If your hull is set up like the skiffs I've seen, then your deck is the bilge. Between the floor and the bottom of the hull is filled entirely with foam, hence the unsinkable term that many use. There is enough foam inthat area that the deck couldn't ever hold enough water to completely sink the boat untill water would begin to run out of it. In most boats like that you normally either leave your deck plug out so it is self bailing, or they have a little retention area by the plug where water can collect and be pumped out.

[Airslot]

No pics in this thread, but I'm guessing its much like a C-Hawk 18, with a pie-plate near the stern and maybe 10-12"'s under the deck. You can put a pump down there, but you have to bring the hose and wires through the deck to do it. Being that your not ready to lauch yet, I'd leave the plug in through a few good rains and maybe run some water into the boat with a hose on deck. See what if any water finds its way to the "bilge".

[Sean]

There is access to the "bilge" area through one of the litle pop off round hatches on the deck and the bilge area is about 18" deep and the width of the boat. We have had rain over the last few days and with the plugg in it did hold a decent amount of water, were it is comming from is prpbably going to be for a diffent thread
The hull is filled with foam, and the deck was actually removed and the stringers and foam were replaced in 94 (I have every reciept for work that was done since the orginal owner purchased in 1986)
I think I am going to install a small automatic 500gph pump in the bilger area having the wires/hose come up through the hatch so I do not need to cut the floor. I figure I can leave a few extra feet of wire/hose in the bilge area so after I seel them to the hatch I can still have room to remove the hatch if I need to get into the bilge area.
Then I am thinking of installing a 2nd pump (1000gph) directly on the deck. I fish and anchor up in some harry area's and would feel safer knowing there is a back up plan.
If you see any issues with my plan, or can think of a better root, please let me know.
As always, Thank you for your help!!