engine fumes in cuddy

[veritas honus]

My cabin generally smells like the engine compartment, only more concentrated. I know that it's from the small amounts of water and fluids which accumulate in the bilge under the engine and of course flow back and forth between the engine compartment and the bow. There's a small opening at the bow which allows excess water to spill into a blocked off watertight compartment in the "V" of the bow inside the cuddy cabin. Can anyone direct me to something that will absorb these fluids before they get past the engine compartment?... or something that will eliminate the odor completely? Any ideas are very much appreciated. Thank you!!!

Happy and safe boating always!!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Have you tried to wash out the bilge?

I would make sure it's clean because that smell could be from older spills

 

[Fireman431]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Mixture of bleach and water (mix about 1/2 gallon total). Roughly 2-3 cups bleach for 1/2 gallon water.

Pour it into the bow area through the cuddy access. Drive the boat around to slosh it everywhere, the plow the boat so it's bow-up and use the bilge pump to clean it out. Dry the remainder by hand.

The only way to totally get rid of the water in the bow is to drill an access hole through the offending stringer so the water returns to the bilge area, but make sure it's totally glassed in and sealed. You don't want anything down there absorbing water. It's not a good idea.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

The compartment in the "V" forward section of your boat should be the anchor locker. The hole is for the anchor rode to feed into the locker so the hatch can remain closed. I would think that there is a drain hole in the bottom that ideally should drain overboard, but apparently drains to the bilge.

You could see if it was possible to run the drain to a thru hull so it could be routed overboard, but this is unlikely for most of us.

So, you might consider some absorbent mats or or types, like Seachoice Bilge Absorbent tube. They wont remove the odor, I don't think. That will have to be accomplished by a good cleaning with bilge cleaners and engine cleaners.

Might try; Marine Fresh Odor Absorber, X-Odor Absorber 3 Per Pack, or Nature's Air Sponge (supposedly removes gasoline smells", just to name a few.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Have you tried to wash out the bilge?

I would make sure it's clean because that smell could be from older spills

I'll wash the bilge out and see how that goes. Hopefully you're right about it simply being older fluids. Thank you.

Safe and happy boating!!!

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Mixture of bleach and water (mix about 1/2 gallon total). Roughly 2-3 cups bleach for 1/2 gallon water.

Pour it into the bow area through the cuddy access. Drive the boat around to slosh it everywhere, the plow the boat so it's bow-up and use the bilge pump to clean it out. Dry the remainder by hand.

The only way to totally get rid of the water in the bow is to drill an access hole through the offending stringer so the water returns to the bilge area, but make sure it's totally glassed in and sealed. You don't want anything down there absorbing water. It's not a good idea.

Won't the bleach, even at the dilution you suggest, damage the gasgets in the bilge pump? I know that you'll destroy a pressure washer and void the warrenty by running bleach through it. Pump sprayers, unless they are made specifically for use with bleach, will be ruined after only a few uses with a 5:1 ratio of water:bleach. Have you done this yourself with good results? Thanks for the help.

Safe and happy boating always!!! And by the way, how did your coastal voyage home go? hope you had a great trip...

 

[sea wolf]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

I would mix some Dawn dish detergent with water, let it slosh around then pump it out. I don't think there's any need to use bleach, & Dawn is an excellent grease cutter & won't harm you're bilge pump. If u use bleach, you'll be trading one bad odor for another. IMHO.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Quote:
The compartment in the "V" forward section of your boat should be the anchor locker. The hole is for the anchor rode to feed into the locker so the hatch can remain closed. I would think that there is a drain hole in the bottom that ideally should drain overboard, but apparently drains to the bilge.

There is no through hull anchor hatch at the bow of the boat. I assumed that the hole is for ventilation from the bilge, though I didn't understand why that would be. Twice, I've found a small amount of water in the bottom of what I also thought was the anchor locker. The 1992 brochure on the Chaparral web site mentions an anchor locker, but doesn't specify whether its at the bow in the cuddy cabin or under the deck hatch where there's access to the fuel tank connections and sender. There is a small storage area separated by plywood, forward of the fuel tank. I'm assuming that when you mention the anchor rode feeding through the hole, that your under the impression that there's a through hull anchor system at the bow. There is not. Please bear with my ignorance if I'm off base and seem clueless. Please educate me. Are you talking about an anchor secured on the bow of the hull, with the rode and anchorline running through the hole and into the anchor locker? There is no drain hole in the bottom of the anchor locker, it's completely watertight. When you said, "...so the hatch can remain closed.", were you under the impression that the anchor rode and line run through the hull? Thank you for the help and patience.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Won't the bleach, even at the dilution you suggest, damage the gasgets in the bilge pump?

No, because after using bleach (even diluted), everything should be flushed with clean water.

I know that you'll destroy a pressure washer and void the warrenty by running bleach through it.

I have always run bleach through my home pressure washer. In fact, it has a venturi siphon which is even labeled "soap/bleach". Again, flush afterward with clean water.

Pump sprayers, unless they are made specifically for use with bleach, will be ruined after only a few uses with a 5:1 ratio of water:bleach. Have you done this yourself with good results?

Again, I have used the same hand pump (bug sprayer type) for the last 4-5 years with bleach. I put in a gallon of bleach and fill the rest with 2 gallons of fresh water. I use it to spray the white aluminum pool enclosure down. Works great and afterward, I flush with fresh water. Everything still works as it should.

And by the way, how did your coastal voyage home go? hope you had a great trip...

Oh my God...fantastic! But, that could be a thread of it's own. I planned on going by myself, but it turned out to be a boys trip when 3 of mu buddies decided they want to go along. We stopped in Jacksonville to check out the last quarter (& OT) of the Florida/Georgia game and partied at The Landings in Jax with 5000+ of our closest friends. The next day brought us to the North end of Lake George for the night (and maybe a beer or 25). Third day brought us to Sanford. 59 degrees at night & 76-78 during the day. Not a cloud in the sky. Absolutely perfect, except for the occasional hangover! :redface:

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Quote:
Oh my God...fantastic!

Glad it went so well!!!... I thought I was good with 1 or 12. 1 or 25... THAT'S AWESOME!!! I have a Dewalt 3000psi pressure washer and it states right on it "DO NOT USE BLEACH" It also states on the box and in the manual that it voids the warranty. There are, however, pressurewashers made to be used with bleach. You obviously have one. It's all in the gasget material and protective coatings on the "internals". It all comes down to "The right tool for the right job". I spent twenty deer on a pump sprayer instead of forty deer for one made to be used with bleach, and after the third or fourth two gallon mix of 5:1 (water:bleach), the nozzle started leaking. After several more, it was a steady flow through the nozzle and two different parts of the handle/trigger assembly... You get what you pay for. I have a pump sprayer for bleach now and could have saved the twenty deer. We live and learn. Anyway, Thank you again!!!

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Quote:
The compartment in the "V" forward section of your boat should be the anchor locker. The hole is for the anchor rode to feed into the locker so the hatch can remain closed. I would think that there is a drain hole in the bottom that ideally should drain overboard, but apparently drains to the bilge.

There is no through hull anchor hatch at the bow of the boat. I assumed that the hole is for ventilation from the bilge, though I didn't understand why that would be. Twice, I've found a small amount of water in the bottom of what I also thought was the anchor locker. The 1992 brochure on the Chaparral web site mentions an anchor locker, but doesn't specify whether its at the bow in the cuddy cabin or under the deck hatch where there's access to the fuel tank connections and sender. There is a small storage area separated by plywood, forward of the fuel tank. I'm assuming that when you mention the anchor rode feeding through the hole, that your under the impression that there's a through hull anchor system at the bow. There is not. Please bear with my ignorance if I'm off base and seem clueless. Please educate me. Are you talking about an anchor secured on the bow of the hull, with the rode and anchorline running through the hole and into the anchor locker? There is no drain hole in the bottom of the anchor locker, it's completely watertight. When you said, "...so the hatch can remain closed.", were you under the impression that the anchor rode and line run through the hull? Thank you for the help and patience.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

Not being familiar with your boat, and only going by your description it sounded as if you have an anchor locker, with a hatch on the bow deck.

Apparently you do not. I tried to find a picture of your boat but was only marginally successful. Therefore my suggestions will be generic in nature.

Since there is no anchor locker, I cannot figure the use of the hole. What size is the hole? If there is no reason for the hole it should be sealed.

The only picture I could find of your boat showed a cleat centered and back from the bow, a split bow light, and anchor chocks on both sides of the bow, just back from the light. There was no hole.

If you could furnish a picture perhaps someone would recognize what the hole is for.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Not being familiar with your boat, and only going by your description it sounded as if you have an anchor locker, with a hatch on the bow deck.

Apparently you do not. I tried to find a picture of your boat but was only marginally successful. Therefore my suggestions will be generic in nature.

Since there is no anchor locker, I cannot figure the use of the hole. What size is the hole? If there is no reason for the hole it should be sealed.

The only picture I could find of your boat showed a cleat centered and back from the bow, a split bow light, and anchor chocks on both sides of the bow, just back from the light. There was no hole.

If you could furnish a picture perhaps someone would recognize what the hole is for.

Bob,

I'm not at home right now so I can't take additional pictures until tomorrow. I can give you a more detailed description, though. As you already saw, there is no hatch through the hull at the bow. Inside the cuddy cabin, at the "V", there is a fiberglassed 1/2 wall which forms a somewhat triangular "pocket" so to speak. I referred to it as a 1/2 wall because it's 1/2 the height of the cabin "V". the "anchor locker" is aproximately 2-4 cubic feet. The inside is blueish grey fiberglass, same as the bilge. Slightly below the height of the 1/2 wall is a hole in the fibrglass "inner hull" which fom the inside, looks like it would go through the hull for the anchor rode. The hole is fully fiberglassed (it looks like a 2 1/2" wide open spincter coated with smooth fiberglass LMAO...seriously). Could it have been an option to have a through hull anchor hatch and if not ordered, Chaparral simply didn't open the outer hull? This really has me wondering now. The "pocket" as I referred to it earlier is covered by the same carpet as the rest of the cuddy cabin. It is unsecured on the top edge of the 1/2 wall or separating panel, for want of a better term. This Separating panel is the same height as the storage shelves on either side of the cuddy cabin, and the cushions sit flush against it. The carpet can be lifted to reveal the inside of this "pocket" or anchor locker or what my Father-in-law used it for... spare propeller locker. Looking at the picture I've included, I'd say the hole would be a little bit below the rubber bow roller/stop dead center on the keel. Now that I'm thinking about it, I think the through the hull anchor hatch theory no longer makes sense. What are your thoughts?
I really hope this helps; and as it is 0100hrs, hope you're a night-owl. Thank you again.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Bob,

Here are the pictures I took today. They were taken with my cell phone in very poor lighting. Can't tell from the angle in the last picture, but the hole is centered on the inside of the keel. Hope they help; and thanks again!!!

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

I am at a loss! I thought you were saying the hole was on top, my bad. It still is not visible in your pictures, sorry.

I have no idea what a hole would be doing in the area you describe as being below the bow stop of the trailer. However, I have never seen a trailer set up like yours., In the picture I can not see the strap or cable coming from the winch to the bow eye. I think I can see a chain?

Is the bow eye a "U" shaped fitting? How close is the hole to the bow eye?

Unless someone can shed some light on what this is for I would advise having it filled either by fiberglassing, or a SS bolt with a rubber washer to temporarily block the water intrusion. Or you could use a rubber thru hull fitting plug if you can find one that fits. Insert it from outside to be sure it seals the hole.

Sorry I can't help any better than this. Please let me know if you find out what it's for.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

I am at a loss! I thought you were saying the hole was on top, my bad. It still is not visible in your pictures, sorry.

I have no idea what a hole would be doing in the area you describe as being below the bow stop of the trailer. However, I have never seen a trailer set up like yours., In the picture I can not see the strap or cable coming from the winch to the bow eye. I think I can see a chain?

Is the bow eye a "U" shaped fitting? How close is the hole to the bow eye?

Unless someone can shed some light on what this is for I would advise having it filled either by fiberglassing, or a SS bolt with a rubber washer to temporarily block the water intrusion. Or you could use a rubber thru hull fitting plug if you can find one that fits. Insert it from outside to be sure it seals the hole.

Sorry I can't help any better than this. Please let me know if you find out what it's for.

Bob,

There is no hole on the outside. It's only inside the bow. It seems as though there's an inner hull, separate from the outer hull, at least in the cuddy cabin. I'll take better pictures tomorrow. Thanks again.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Bob,

Did you click on the thumbnail pictures? I can see the hole pretty well in the picture; look dead center of the picture. When you enlarge the picture by clicking on it, you can see my fingers above the hole, holding the carpet/cover out of the way. Yes, there is a chain and winch strap on the bow eye, which is a U shaped fitting, as you asked. I think the hole (inside the cabin) is at or slightly below the level of the bow eye. Again, the hole is only on the inside.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

I wonder if that hole would be to access the nuts for the bow eye? I honestly don't know but as you directed I can see the hole and it looks to be molded in the fiberglass, but without an anchor locker I have no idea what it could be for nor why water is coming in through it either?

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

I wonder if that hole would be to access the nuts for the bow eye? I honestly don't know but as you directed I can see the hole and it looks to be molded in the fiberglass, but without an anchor locker I have no idea what it could be for nor why water is coming in through it either?

Access to the nut's for the bow eye sounds reasonable. I'll check that out tomorrow. I'm generally pretty particular when it comes to sticking my fingers in a hole. I'll let you know how it turns out...

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Well thats the part the confuses me, if the hole is only big enough to get your finger in it, how the heck are you supposed to get a wrench in to take the nuts off.........this conversation could go downhill faster then an avalanche so lets stay focused..... LOL

 

[veritas honus]

Re: engine fumes in cuddy

Well thats the part the confuses me, if the hole is only big enough to get your finger in it, how the heck are you supposed to get a wrench in to take the nuts off.........this conversation could go downhill faster then an avalanche so lets stay focused..... LOL

Thanks for keeping me in line. The hole is about 2 1/2"ID. I can get more than a finger in the hole. Couldn't really work with an open end wrench, but a ratchet and socket, yes; but only if the nuts are straight through the hole. And speaking of nuts being straight through the hole... The 2 1/2" diameter hole is probably just the right diameter to access the nuts securing the bow eye. You thought I was going somewhere else with that, didn't you?... I'll find out tomorrow and let you know. If nothing else, at least this is getting more interesting. How fitting... This is post #69

Safe and happy boating always!!!