20 CC Questions - Self Bailing

[bring]

I am close to purcahsing a 1988 20 Seacraft CC. Other than cosmetic changes - its a stock boat (meaning no work done to deck or transom). Its a 25" transom. There is no engine currently on the boat.

Assuming I install an approx. 420lb engine (F115, Optimax 135; Suzi 140, etc.) will it self bail at dock? Do the deck drains remain above water.

I would be keeping the boat in the water full time so it must be able to shed rain water from our South FLA storms.

After searching the issue on this site, it would seem that the answer is "no" for the unmodified pre-tracker 20's; but I am not sure of the answer for the early tracker boats. I know that the ping pong ball scuppers are recommended.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Bill

[HatTrick]

I have ping pong balls on the scuppers and I must not have installed them correctly because water can still come in from the sea. I am thinking that the angle of the transom does not allow the ball to sit in the seal properly. I wonder if other folks have shimmed out the bottom of the ping pong ball housing so the housing is more level?

[dcobbett]

Try putting a shim/wedge in the top of the plastic cage so the ball can't rise above the opening. Works, and it easier that changing the angle of the whole unit.

[76Red18]

Great idea. Gonna do that with mine.

[dcobbett]

Thanks, but it's not my idea; came from a friend and fellow SeaCraft owner. I think he cut a thin, longitudinal section out of a piece of PVC pipe. He drilled a small hole in the flange at the top of the cage holding the ball in check, and fastened the wedge in place with a SS sheet metal type screw once he got the results he wanted.

[eggsuckindog]

I have a 20 MA with a 406 lb Merc 200 - it will self bail without anyone in it- if one person 200# walks to the back some water will come in, then run out if they go to the console. I would recommend though be very careful to have a good seal on the splashwell access or any bilge access. 2nd have 2 completely separete bilge pumps wired direct too 2 different batteries- and even a high water alarm - they will wake the dead

Stay as light as possible, and as close to 400 as possible, stay away from that doggie 4S yammi the other 2 are fine

[jwclbi]

I'll put my two cents in on here. I have 475 lb merc 225efi on my 1973 20 with the original transom and mine still self bails. But like egg said when i go back there a little does come in. kinda nice on your feet on hot day though!

[SOS]

I would add that if you beach your boat at Longpoint park which pushes the bow up a bit some water can come in the back as well becuase the scuppers/ping pong balls will be just below the water line. Then if your bilge access leaks and you do not have a float switch on your bilge pump you could potentially wake up at 6am with a boat/bilge full of water. Speaking hypothetically of course!

Who needs coffee to wake you up when you look in your boat and see water up to the console!!!

Needless to say a float switch is now on the list as well as a new livewell drain pump which quit working this past weekend.

SOS

[bring]

Thank you for all responses and recommendations. I am looking forward to finishing and rigging the boat - I think it will turn out to be a cool little boat. If it all comes together i will share some photos. I just want to make sure she will float!

Bill