Thru Hull??? Opinion

[Islandtrader]

This is an opinion question.

I have a 17 foot Renegade Skate Flats boat that I am boat sitting. I noticed it does have floor drains but no thru hull drains(except bilge pump). Everything from the floor goes into the bilge.

Why would (or would not) I do that to the 21 I am restoring. Less holes, and the boat will be lift kept and have a couple of auto matic bilges, plus a drain plug.

What do you think?

[Old'sCool]

My 23 drains to bilge now w/2 BIG pumps. If and when I rework anything I'll have it self bail. From the safety aspect to washing out leaves it would suit me better. My .02

[RalphNitt]

I've always been a fan of a self-bailing deck myself.
These holes are above the waterline - either through the sides or through the transom. There's a lot of wrong ways
to penetrate the transom. Sure is a great way to eliminate a lot of water if you eat one. Draining it into the bilge and having to pump it overboard works as long as the pump does - and freaky things happen when you least expect it...

[strick]

You will be happier with self bailing thru hulls. Constant Water in the bilge is a pain. Corrosion can be a problem with wiring, fuel tank, fittings etc... Here on the west coast they are checking for zebra muscles on trailered boats. One of the requirements is that you have a dry bilge upon inspection. "A dry bilge is a happy bilge" No jokes please Capt Chuck

strick