To Vent or not to vent. That is the question.

[KenB]

and,how did you prep in the inside of the hull,before you "unrolled the matting" ?

Didn't do it and don't plan on doing it (based on this thread).

But I would take the sandpaper off the sander and do it by hand. I think epoxy would stick pretty well. Mine has a pretty rough surface in there, so I think you don't need to prep the inside surface of the hull too much beyond getting it clean and solvent free.

Also I suggested using 6 or 10oz cloth. Matt is probably too thick for this step.

This is my picture, but it's crappy so worth much less than 1000 words... the red part is much smaller than what I would actually use, and I am only showing one of 4 sides:

[KenB]

Anyway, thanks to everyone for the great comments. I don't think we solved anything, but I feel like I have more than enough good information all in once place to make a good decision.

For the official record, I will keep my vents.

[Seacraft84]

Gotcha chief. Makes sense now.

[shine]

on my 23 rebuild the previous owner had filled them, but did not do a grest job and the patch was printing through the paint. There was just a piece of foam core in the hole layered with a thin piece of mat.

So after Im finished with the rebuild and before I paint, i will make a real repair and blend them in. I dont think they look terrible, but personally, i do not care for them. My boat will not have a liner so i would not even be getting the perceived benefit of venting the bilge.