Is there any good reason to omit a center line limber hole in a frame
between the engine room and forward bilges of a 36 ft double cabin boat?

My boat has limber holes in all the frames except this one and the same is
true of other boats of the same model. If forward bilge water gets to be 12
inches deep it will spill over the frame anyway so I don't see any real
safety reason. And, engine room bilge water can easily flow aft to the
bilge below the aft cabin.

What am I missing. I'd like to drill this limber hole but don't want to
make a mistake. BTW, there IS a separate bilge pump in the forward bilge
area.

TIA
Jim

If "the same is true among other boats of the same model" there must be a
design reason, and not a manufacturing oversight, behind the missing limber
hole.

Who made the boat? Is the NA still around?

The boat is '85 Mainship double cabin. This model was made 1984 to 1988.
Mainship says they have no information on a boat "of this vintage."


"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
If "the same is true among other boats of the same model" there must be a
design reason, and not a manufacturing oversight, behind the missing
limber
hole.

Who made the boat? Is the NA still around?

I wouldn't drill it if your boat is gasoline powered. Just guessing but the
solid bulkhead may be required by ABYC or other standard. Drilling the
bulkhead may allow gasoline vapors into an "enclosed" area that doesn't have
sufficient ventilation!

Bottom line... I wouldn't trust anyone's opinion on this, including mine,
unless they are a qualified marine surveyor.

Steve P.



"Jim" wrote in message
et...
Is there any good reason to omit a center line limber hole in a frame
between the engine room and forward bilges of a 36 ft double cabin boat?

My boat has limber holes in all the frames except this one and the same is
true of other boats of the same model. If forward bilge water gets to be
12
inches deep it will spill over the frame anyway so I don't see any real
safety reason. And, engine room bilge water can easily flow aft to the
bilge below the aft cabin.

What am I missing. I'd like to drill this limber hole but don't want to
make a mistake. BTW, there IS a separate bilge pump in the forward bilge
area.

TIA
Jim

Thanks Steve

The boat is gasoline but the bulkhead is not solid. There is a 3" diameter
hole in that frame
about 8" above the bottom, for wiring to pass through. Also, there's a 1"
gap between the top
of the frame and the sole. And there are plenty of other small openings
between the engine room
and the forward cabin area. It would be better if it were sealed off but it
is far from it.

I'll try to check ABYC. Thanks. I'll also ask my surveyor.

Jim

"Steve P." wrote in message
...
I wouldn't drill it if your boat is gasoline powered. Just guessing but
the
solid bulkhead may be required by ABYC or other standard. Drilling the
bulkhead may allow gasoline vapors into an "enclosed" area that doesn't
have
sufficient ventilation!

Bottom line... I wouldn't trust anyone's opinion on this, including mine,
unless they are a qualified marine surveyor.

Steve P.



"Jim" wrote in message
et...
Is there any good reason to omit a center line limber hole in a frame
between the engine room and forward bilges of a 36 ft double cabin boat?

My boat has limber holes in all the frames except this one and the same
is
true of other boats of the same model. If forward bilge water gets to
be
12
inches deep it will spill over the frame anyway so I don't see any real
safety reason. And, engine room bilge water can easily flow aft to the
bilge below the aft cabin.

What am I missing. I'd like to drill this limber hole but don't want to
make a mistake. BTW, there IS a separate bilge pump in the forward
bilge
area.

TIA
Jim

Subject: Limber Holes
From: "Jim"

Is there any good reason to omit a center line limber hole in a frame
between the engine room and forward bilges of a 36 ft double cabin boat?

Keeps the oil out of the forward bilge?
And if you plug the hole just behind the engine you now have a drip pan.

Capt. Bill