bilge drain?

[kokko]

On my recently acquired DSI I have a hole in the longitudonal rib, the rib extending forward into the cuddy from the centerboard locker. The hole is about 3/4 to 1" and is on the port side of the rib.

What is the functional of this hole? It may drain the cockpit and cuddy, but to where? THe DSI has a cockpit drain but no separate bilge drain. Should this be plugged when underway? when on the trailer?

[algonquin]

A couple possibilities. Not likely its for drainage to the outside of the hull. May have been an owner modification at some point to run wires or attach some accessory. The rib shouldn’t be opened to the outside of the hull but just to be safe dump a generous quantity of water in it and get under the boat to check for leaks. If still in doubt before your first sail have a plug available. Brad

[Phill]

I have a hole, aprox 1", on each side of the keel box just in front of the CB Trunk. It drains the keel box. My box is not attached to the forward bow tank, so water collects in there very easily. My mast step hardware also allows a small amount of water to be able to get in the keel box, even if the box was sealed to the bow tank. These holes freely drain any water that collects in the keel box.
phill

[Roger]

those may be limber holes. they allow water to move towards the lowest spot in the boat so that it can be pumped out, sponged up, drained, or just left to evaporate without creating numerous pools throughout the boat.

[algonquin]

I have a hole, aprox 1", on each side of the keel box just in front of the CB Trunk. It drains the keel box. My box is not attached to the forward bow tank, so water collects in there very easily. My mast step hardware also allows a small amount of water to be able to get in the keel box, even if the box was sealed to the bow tank. These holes freely drain any water that collects in the keel box.
phill

Phill - Just curious and fairly new to the DS. Is "keel box" the actual term ? Brad

[Phill]

NOPE !

real sailing terms befuddle me

I think some call it the 'keelson'

either way, its the box shaped thingy at the bottom in the bottom of the boat that runs from CB trunk (thingamajig) to the front wall

[rsdtr1600]

I have the same holes in my new boat. I have pured water down them but do not see where it goes. I'll be bring it out of storage in a few days and will check further with the trailer in different positions and pouring water dow these again.

I post my what I find out

Steve