1979 20' SF Question

ztagator · #1 01-05-2004, 09:13 PM

Bought a new boat this weekend, a 1979 20' SF. I have a few questions:

1- What are the side vents on both sides of stern called and what are their function. Should the vents be facing stern or bow? I have one of each with a dryer type hose connected to one.

2-I hear alot about these boats being sinkable? Could someone explain why they would sink and how to have a sink-proof plan in place?

3- Is there a better scupper than the rubber ones. Mine are above trim tabs and it seems to me that water could get in.

Thanks,

ZtaGator

ScottM · #2 01-06-2004, 09:53 AM

Welcome to the site and congratulations on the purchase.

1) They are called just that, vents. Typically the bow vents face forward and the stern vents face aft. What a lot of members have found is the bow vents will also scoop water while underway, so you may want to turn them around or remove them and glass over the openings. I couldn't tell you what the dryer hose is doing in there. Trace it to see where it's going.
2) SC's reputation as sinkers (aka SinkCrafts) comes from the scupper design in the earlier years. They drained straight through the floor and many times the copper pipe connecting deck to hull would corrode and let in water. Also, the floor is below the water line, so water will come in when at rest with one or two people in the stern area. Many owners plug the scuppers while at rest and open them up underway. Some have even gone so far as raising the deck while doing a total rehab. "Sink-proof plan" - keep the boat out of the water [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .
3) Not sure what you mean by this. If your hull scuppers are through the transom versus through the floor, then you're in good shape and most likely your deck is above the water line. If you mean the flap is rubber, you can replace the scuppers with stainless or chromed brass versions.

Scott · #3 01-06-2004, 12:58 PM

Welcome to the show !!!!

The vents are in mounted in "boxes" .... the "Dryer" hose is connected to the vent box... the hoses should lead to the bilge

They are there to promote airflow through out the bilge ....especially on inboard (23') and I/O applications. With the fuel tank mounted below the deck.....no need to go boom [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] but they are not intended to replace the "sniff test"

I would turn the bow vent around (vents facing aft) as Scott mentioned ..... And the thing of glassing in .... I would like to do that too .... But several fiberglass guys (familiar with these boats) in the yards up here are cautious about doing that .... Its good to let the bilge breathe….And there are always ways around venting the bilge if you really need to get rid of the vents mounted on the hull sides….

Capt Chuck · #4 01-06-2004, 06:41 PM

welcome Ztagator

Both Scotts have given you good advise. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I dumped the boxes and left the vents "as is" forward facing forward and aft facing aft. I do not get water in mine at all as the water line when the boats on plane is well aft of the forward vent. The ventilation will help keep your decks breathing.

On a very rough day you might get some spray in there but that will wash the wasp nests out [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

ztagator · #5 01-06-2004, 10:30 PM

Thanks for the encouraging advice. My boys cant wait to go fishing. First I have to get the bilge working. I have a switch type and rule 2000 down there that none of the console switches seem to work. I tried pushing test button on little switch bilge but got nothing. I assume the wooden piece behind engine I need to take off for access to them?