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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Cabin Sole Inspection Port

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jonfew346
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/06/2011 : 19:16:29

Has anyone ever installed an inspection port on the hump (at the bottom of the stairs)so the bilge can be accessed or electric bilge pump can be installed. Was not sure how deep the area is or what I should watch out for when cutting.

Jonathan Chattanooga,TN 1978 C25 SK/SR/Dinette
MC Scow 1341

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2011 : 21:12:49

It would be easier if you added a signature that includes boat year, tall or standard rig, type of keel, and interior layout. I can access most of that area from under the quarterberth and the bilge board just to port of midline, but I don't know about other models. The swinger doesn't have enough vertical space under the actual cabin sole for a pump, just a pickup for a remote pump and a mini float switch if you are so inclined.

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jonfew346
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 06:17:33

Thanks. 1978 Swing Keel. Standard rig. Dinette layout.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 10:49:05

Now go to your profile and add 1978 SK/SR/Dinette where it says "Signature" so you don't have to type it repeatedly, that is also where you can add an image link if you choose.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 11:02:55

Our Boat (Fin Keel) has the taek ply plates in the sole. Just lift them out to see what is going on in teh bilge. Don't all teh boats have this??

In any case, I have cut ours in half and installed a hinge so that we can easily pull up the plate to be sure everythign is going OK if ever needed. We have an electric bilge pump down there as well as the factory original Whale manual pump. Both work well, but I hate using the electric 'cause I am paranoid about battery drain.

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jonfew346
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 12:22:21

Unfortunatly I have no manual pump and the SK does not have an bilge boards(no keel bolts). I just wanted to make sure I had a little clearence before I started cutting away and really got some water in my bilge.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 12:49:32

We added one Centerline a few inches forward of where the Galley ends, about 12-20 inches forward of the steps. Go into your quarterberth with a flashlight. Pull up the board that has the notch for the swing keel cable and take a look, you'll be able to see how much clearance there is. I don't believe you will have enough room for a pump. When we first got our 78 it had been on the hard for a while, had leaky windows and was missing a hatchboard. We installed a bilge pump near the keel cable draining it aft under the quarterberth and another in the settee locker that runs athwartships next to the galley. I forget if that booth seating is Traditional or Dinette?

Come to think of it; That was the first boat I ever owned and traditionally, I liked to call it a dinette. It would require a short order cook, a flat top grill and bottomless cup of coffee to be elevated to diner.

Edited by - Champipple on 02/08/2011 07:03:29

jonfew346
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 13:20:17

I have the area near the keel cable almost free of leaks and the storage under the settee does not get water in it until the area under the hump fills up and comes through a small hole/slit(looks like fiberglass thats was pulled back during the build). I have been pumping out that area with a small hose attached to a shop vac from the keel cable side of things, but it is hard to see if I am getting it all or how often it fills up. I do hate to cut new holes, but this seems like the best place to locate a remote pickup for a bilge pump. Thanks for everyones help. I would be lost without this website.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 13:39:30

I would add an access port. The stringers in the bilge do not have limber holes, so collected water can accumulate in each section. It isn't enough to compromise the stability of the boat, but a dry bilge is better. Start with a Dremel and rout a small hole so you can be sure there is a few inches of depth before aggressively cutting. A large hole will probably require reinforcement, so I wouldn't get crazy. Being able to inspect and get a sponge and a flexible tube in is all you need. I would center it about 6" off the midline near the midpoint of the cabin. I also have a bilge board starboard just aft of lip at the head/sink area. I can take a photo later if it would help. The bilge and construction might be different between the early and later years.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 13:53:42

In '78 they didn't install teh whakle pump with the handle in teh cockpit! Wow, I thought that was standard in all model years!

I say send it back and get a new one.

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jonfew346
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 13:58:27

Thanks Dave. I hope you have made it out to to Fort McRee this winter. I think that is every gulf coast sailor's "secret" spot!

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Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 16:19:59

The bilge on my '77 was full of water with no way to get it out. I cut a hole through the tabbing just starboard of the keel cable through hull. I have since epoxied a threaded PVC coupling into the tabbing and screwed a plug into it. If I want to drain the bilge, I just unscrew the plug.
I cut a 1-3/4" hole through there and pushed a small light bulb in there. Nothing in there but clean fiberglass.

I first epoxied some 17oz. biax tape over where I cut the hole. That added strength to make up for what I cut out.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2011 : 23:19:09

I got clued in about Ft. McRee by a local about 5 years ago. I haven't gotten much sailing in yet this year. Bashing about in 30 kts and 50º isn't that appealing. I have had 3 consecutive marginal to bad (not relative to Ohio) winters and am seriously thinking of going farther south next year even though we really love this area.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2011 : 07:01:39

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Prospector
 In '78 they didn't install teh whakle pump with the handle in teh cockpit! Wow, I thought that was standard in all model years!

I say send it back and get a new one.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We had one? was it an option?

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Justincase
1st Mate

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Canada
49 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2011 : 08:32:55

Jon there are sringers that divide up the spaces below the floor, I drilled 1.5" holes to access all of the compartments then just made covers for them. Below is a picture showing the stringer locations (Red)

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2011 : 10:02:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">We had one? was it an option?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Apparently so. My 78 fin keel came without one but I know Jim Baumgart's 78 fin had one.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2011 : 10:50:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Below is a picture showing the stringer locations (Red)<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have two more laterals on each side aft of the one you have marked.

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jonfew346
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2011 : 06:07:10

Happy D. That looks like the perfect solution. What did you use to cut that hole so flush to the hull? Thanks

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Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2011 : 12:33:35

A hole saw. I then used a sanding drum in my drill and cut the hole a little at a time until the fitting was snug.
The fin keel boats may have had stringers but the swing keel does not. I looked in mine and could see all the way to the front of the cabin sole.

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