Vents or no vents?
 

In the process of restoring my boat. My fiberglass guy is busting my chops because I want to keep the hull vents in my 23 SeaCraft. Personally I have always liked the classic look but he got me thinking.

Like to get some opinions from you guys.

Vents or no vents?

Leave the vents they are there to allow forventalation below decks and were not put there by mistakenly. I agree with you as well they’re a sign of a true classic!

The vents are the signature of a true classic.

Why do you suppose that there are many 23' SeaCrafts still are on the water with their original 45 year old decks still in place ? The ones that needed repair or replacement generally were not maintained and were compromised from the outer skin. Many threads on this issue via the search function. Even some turn them facing the wrong way.

Capt. Chuck, I do understand about the ventilation of the wood floor. My boat is a 77' with the original deck so I get it. Reality is, after the restoration, there is no wood left in my boat. It is all composite core, fiberglass and foam.

The ventilation also does a lot to reduce mold and mildew below decks.
More important on a Sceptre/Tsunami than a CC but still pretty useful on a CC.

I will also mention that proper ventilation and a dry bilge will help to greatly extend the life of your fuel tanks; don't foam them in and keep air circulating around them.

Tell him to make some nice low profile grills for em and fair em into the hull!

Keep the vents

I took mine off my 20MA and I'm happy with the look. Was always worried about water coming in and bad things happening. As to the ventilation, I have a door in the back the will be made of starboard with ventilation