Weather proofing cabin & bilge installation, Venture 222.

[Little_Shenandoah]

Just a few questions for anyone with a Venture 222 out there. I was wondering if there is an aftermarket manufacture out there that makes gaskets in order to make the cabin door, pop-top, and forward hatch water tight? I am only concerned because the previous owners let it sit for up to 7 years and it took on a good 20-40 gallons of water through the exposed seams... This effectively ruined the upholstery, and gave the padding throughout the boat a musty smell. I am going to garage the boat when she's out of the water but when she's in it I would like the cabin to be comfortable and dry regardless of the weather.

On a different note, does anyone have experience installing a bilge pump in a Venture 222? In the event of a wave cresting over an open door I would like a quick and convenient way to dry her out without having to do it manually. I'm wondering where the most effective location for the pump/mud-valve would be in your opinion. Also, would it be worth installing a discharge pipe in the transom? Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Little_Shenandoah]

Ok, so I just found this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Trim-Mol ... 737301.uts

It looks like it may be just what the doctor ordered for the forward hatch and pop-top.

[81venture]

I've also thought about installing a bilge pump....being a powerboater I have always had one previously in every boat. When I bought the VN-23 I was surprised there was none...

I have spares, but installation location has me on hold at the moment.

The compartments down below in the cabin are not connected so to speak...depending on rain, or wet people, etc I can collect water in 3 different areas...Forward V storage and where the head is a small amount can collect...the area under the table has had water in it, but nowhere to drain, as well as the stern, and a small area in the stern behind the table water can collect and water in the center of the cabin goes aft and pools where the batteries are, directly behind the keel winch panel.

I am hesitant of drilling drain holes though...so that ideally any water that would collect in the cabin would make it's way to the far stern to drain/bilge out.

But I haven't done anything yet...is on the list to research and what not...seems trying to get water from all these areas to stern would require drilling and I am not sure if that is a good idea


Dave

[Russ]

That rubber trim looks exactly like what you need. The main component of these boats that is custom is the hull and deck. Just about all the fittings etc. are standard parts with a few exceptions.

Power boats have more thru hull stuff that can leak. Generally, our boats have no holes in the bottom, therefore they don't leak seawater. It's doubtful a wave will come over unless you are in some really crazy stuff. However, most bilge pumps are installed to pump out rain water.

If you are going to install a bilge pump, do it properly. Realize that sailboats do not remain level when sailing. The discharge outlet needs to be high with a high loop to prevent backflow.

Here's a good article on the subject.
http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2012/february/diy.asp

[Tomfoolery]

It's doubtful a wave will come over unless you are in some really crazy stuff.

That line caught my attention, too. If you're out in those conditions, which can make for exciting times, all hatches and vents should be closed. Batten down the hatches, to use a corny nautical term, but it's still just as applicable as ever.

OP - Bilge pumps can be challenging on a boat without a bilge, so you'd need multiples. Discharged high up, as Russ said. And the water that runs back down the hose when it shuts off will still leave a mess. Me? - I'm happy with my little wet vac that I keep on board (cheap-o unit, on sale at HD a couple of years ago). And finding and sealing leaks, to keep rain water out in the first place.

[Little_Shenandoah]

I've sailed on board a friends 26' boat from Catalina island to Long Beach in bad conditions in the past. It felt more like surfing than sailing! My concern is water will get inside even with the hatches closed since the boat is anything but water tight. I guess installing the weather stripping will prevent most of that ...but just in case I think I'll bring along a small portable bilge.