self bailing?

[oldsub86]

Anyone have any thoughts about making an old aluminum boat with an I/O self bailing?
The boat is an old 20 foot Lund with a 165 inline 6 Mercruiser.
I need to do the floor anyway so I keep thinking about lifting the floor enough to make it self bailing.
There would need to be a lip around the engine cutout in the floor and the sides and the floor at the transom would need to be sealed in some manner.
Anyone done this?

 

[Watermann]

Re: self bailing?

First off, wow that's an awesome boat you have there!

I don't believe you can create the bath tub effect of a fiberglass boat with a tin boat. By design all boats like yours cause any standing water to migrate to the stern and into the bilge. Not sure why it's your main concern in replacing the decking is to have it "self bail" unless your out in heavy rain and swells with water coming in all the time then I don't see the worry. Use some good exterior or marine grade plywood, seal it up and cover with marine vinyl. Also if your having to replace the decking, take a close look at the transom wood as well.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: self bailing?

I will 2nd the above on "why" would you think this is a good way to modify your boat? Lunds are awesome, I regret selling mine. Unless there's a reason, I'd stick with what you have and just fix the floor as factory or close.

 

[oldsub86]

Re: self bailing?

The thought was that if I leave it tied to the dock for 2 weeks when I am not there, it should drain itself without me worrying about the battery and the bilge pump. I guess I could cover it better but the hull is deep enough to raise the floor without really making it seem shallow and the "bathtub" effect would only need to be a few inches deep.

 

[Watermann]

Re: self bailing?

You could use the marine vinyl. Lay the decking in first and use contact cement to glue the vinyl down, leaving 3 or 4 inches of material to go up the sides and glue it to the hull.

Be sure when you replace the decking to repair any leaking rivets. If your going to leave your boat uncovered as a rule then expect to keep tossing money at it in repairs and interior.