J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment 1 step forward two back

This is a timely post. I asked Mark Rotsky (Nemisis) this morning if he knew of any path that water that entered aft (e.g. engine ventilation hoses on stern, cockpit lockers) could drain to the center bilge. We're thinking there is none. If there is no path through the hidden bildge, next winter when I chip the vermiculite out, I may make a channel so that water can flow from the aft section to the center section. Any thoughts on this?

On the front bilge - I was able to coax a coat hanger through "cement" to open up the drain hole below the aft end of the teak in the bow compartment. Much to my surprise, this path flows to the bilge by the transducers and head seawater valve, not a direct path to the center bilge. There is another path that drains from the transducer section to the center bilge. I spent Saturday afternoon cleaning out the "cement" that was formed by sanding dust and moisture. I can now pour water in the v-berth bilge just in front of the mast and it freely flows via the xdcr area to the center bilge. Lesson learned - keep this hole open to prevent deteriorating the teak there!