How to keep a 1976 20' MA from sinking at the dock

RS · #1 05-19-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Obviously not self bailing.... In the end the boat sits in the water without the plugging up the scuppers

Your description sounds like it is self bailing to me.

Callipygian · #2 05-19-2010, 10:38 AM

Roger - I was referring to the scuppers in the motor well. I used to have to plug them up because they were always under water, even sitting at the dock. I suspect that the 175 4 stroke is just too heavy but maybe some added weight up front will correct that problem. Won't be able to test that theory for a week or 2.

eggsuckindog · #3 05-22-2010, 04:56 PM

I was referring to the scuppers, they should always be open, the splashwell scuppers should have flappers on them, mine do and don't get much water at all. That being said water in the splashwell should NOT be an issue, that area should be sealed tighter than a...., any access hatches must be water tight back there. I think the majority of sinkings occur from not well sealed access hatches in the splashwell area, the self bailing scuppers in the boat have no access to the bilge or the boat would have to be half sunk already for it to find another avenue.