self bailing boats

[tbird175]

Are self bailing boats in the 19' - 22' range any better, as far as resistance to rot, than the equivalent size non self bailing boats with properly installed decks? What are the advantages if any of self bailing boats for river and lake usage? Lastly, what are good brands of self bailing boats in the 19' - 22' range for combination pleasure and fishing in lakes?

 

[shrew]

Re: self bailing boats

A self-bailing boat will have less tendency to get swamped. I don't think there is really any relation to the prevalence of rot or not. The advantage of a self-bailing boat is just that. If you take on good deal of water, the water is evacuated by gravity, not an elctrical pump. Slef-Bailers typically bail better when underway, then when they are sitting still. However, once the scupper is underwater it is essentially no longer a self-bailing boat anymore. most center consoles and walkarounds are self-bailing.

 

[2ndtry]

Re: self bailing boats

A true self bailing boat doesn't have a bilge, they are basically and inner and outer hull filled with foam (think boston whaler or Carolina Skiff). They are have no wood and thus are resistant to rot.

Boats with self bailing decks have scuppers that drain overboard and sealed decks. These boats still have a bilge and if it has wood in it it can rot just as easily as any other boat with wood in the stringers/transom.

Any well maintained boat shouldn't rot, and even boats without wood in them can get waterlogged foam.

 

[ricohman]

Re: self bailing boats

Never knew of self bailing boats. Learn something new here everyday.

 

[tbird175]

Re: self bailing boats

Thanks for the info.

 

[Beefer]

Re: self bailing boats

Never boated on rivers or lakes (or any freshwater for that matter), so not sure if self-bailing is really needed.

Self-bailing is exactly as it sounds and has been described above.... it bails faster then if the water first has to enter the bilge, and then be pumped out. It's (IMHO) almost a necessary feature in ocean/gulf/great lakes vessels. It comes in very handy if you back down on fish at all, or have a habit of boating in rough weather/seas.
Self-bailing is really a safety feature for boats that are used in the above mentioned conditions. It certainly helps, but will not prevent a sinking.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: self bailing boats

There are / should be Scuppers ? One way valves to let water flow out of the boat only.

HOWEVER.....If the scuppers are not perfect. They can & will let water in. They are VERY VERY important in rough water in a loaded boat.
It is a item that should never be treated as "Good enough " .
Like a " little used " fire extingusher. Good enough ?

 

[jdlough]

Re: self bailing boats

However, once the scupper is underwater it is essentially no longer a self-bailing boat anymore.

As long as the deck is above the waterline, the scupper drain can be below the waterline, and the deck will self bail through the below-waterline thru-hull scupper.

 

[tbird175]

Re: self bailing boats

Would the 80's model Wellcraft V20 be considered self bailing?

 

[dingbat]

Re: self bailing boats

There are / should be Scuppers ? One way valves to let water flow out of the boat only.

HOWEVER.....If the scuppers are not perfect. They can & will let water in.

There are no way valves on mine and you couldn't pay me to installed them since valves restrict the flow of water leaving the boat. If you need valves, you're either boating in zero gravity, you have a poorly designed boat (deck below the water line) or your water logged and over weight.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: self bailing boats

I wouldn't want valves but I can live with light-weight flaps, which don't impede water exiting much, but help block water from entering when reversing. They aren't perfect and I wouldn't want them to be, for the reasons you give.

Many self-bailing sealed hull boats can be left in the water with the plug out, so you don't need a bilge pump. No pump, no battery, and little risk of failure. Just run the water out if you accumulate some.

My center console has a bilge (and pump) and self-bailing deck; I seldom get enough water in the bilge from rain, etc. to trigger the pump even though it stays in the water (ie plug in). Not that I wouldn't have a pump for that boat, of course.

 

[Philster]

Re: self bailing boats

There are / should be Scuppers ? One way valves to let water flow out of the boat only.

HOWEVER.....If the scuppers are not perfect. They can & will let water in. They are VERY VERY important in rough water in a loaded boat.
It is a item that should never be treated as "Good enough " .
Like a " little used " fire extingusher. Good enough ?

For clarification: A scupper is merely a drain. All self-bailing boats have scuppers. Not all self-bailing boats have valves/flaps/backflow preventers.

A scupper can be 100% new and in perfect working order and let water in. It needs some other sort of device to prevent water coming into the boat.

 

[tbird175]

Re: self bailing boats

Based on all the very informative posts am I correct with the following understanding? Most all boats have bilges. A Non self bailing boat allows intruding water to drain to the bilge and is then pumped out or drained through the drain port when removed from the water or while underway in the water (carefully). A self bailing boat allows intruding water to drain from the deck through scuppers. This is possible because the deck is above the waterline, same principle as roof over a building. Based on my undestanding I think that a self bailing boat is the best design for simplicity and safety.

 

[Philster]

Re: self bailing boats

Offshore boats are typically those as described: Scuppers, high deck, ability to drain. The exact layout, size, height and even the types, location and number of scuppers mean they all perform differently.

Smaller, self-draining boats might -- might -- actually have their scuppers (some or all) below the waterline unless the boat is lightly loaded or underway. Seems to be less of an issue as boats get to 24' and bigger. These are generalities; exceptions to be expected.

So, having scuppers does not by default make it safe, but it's on the right track. Scuppers are best when fitted with some type of valve to prevent backflow for the reasons mentioned above.

In the end, it's all about a water test to see how a given boat's total package performs.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: self bailing boats

A true self bailing boat doesn't have a bilge, they are basically and inner and outer hull filled with foam (think boston whaler or Carolina Skiff). They are have no wood and thus are resistant to rot.

I think the only qualification needed to be considered a "true self bailing boat" is a deck above the water line with a drainage system of some sort.

As for the OP's question, in my opinion, a self bailing hull would typically be a bit more resistant to rot. They would usually have full fiberglass liners, carpet (if present) would usually be removable, seating materials would be more water resistant, etc etc. I believe most of the "dual console" and "center console" brand are pretty well made.