Self draining decks - necessary for offshore boat or not?

[yallis]

Hi all

Ive been looking at picking up a 19+ footer glass boat for some offshore fishing.
I dont have much experience with off shore fishing other than coastal spots but would slowly like to venture out.

Ive been out on a mates Haines V19C and was impressed by its ride and handling and was looking to pick one up myself. Ive read plenty of good reports about them on the forums etc. Theyre a reputed off shore boat. My only concern was the lack of a self draining deck and potentially some positive buoyancy. How much of a real problem is that?

Is being bilge pump dependent a serious downside? My background is in rigid inflatables so ive always had plenty of buoyancy and self draining decks as a rule - I suppose thats why it bothers me.

[DaveNkelly]

I have self draining decks and would never go back.. Ive smashed into some bad weather before and never had to worry about it as it just runs off as fast as it comes in <with in reason>
plus then U can have a deck wash running as much as U want and all the blood and guts run off as well...

I personally feel It's very important.. I'm sure others will disagree..

Dave

[johncar]

I think it depends on how far you want to push the boundaries, and where your intend to go fishing as far as nasty bar crossings etc.
Countless numbers of non self draining deck boats with non positive flotation are out off shore on any 10 - 15 kt day or worse and survive just fine with sensible operation.
Having a well maintained and seaworthy boat/motor it the first priority then you need to gain the skills and knowledge to operate it in varying sea conditions.
Joining a VMR or fishing group, doing a bar crossing training course etc are all good things to consider to help you to be more competent.
Having said that, both my boats have fully sealed self draining decks and the previous owner of one of them said he was grateful on one occasion when caught in a storm he shouldn't have been out in but that would be extreme and not the norm.
If you want that added insurance then there are makes and models out there that offer it but beware some are not as good as others as to how well the floor is sealed and how well they drain.
In 99% of times when picking sensible days to head out it should not an issue.

[stevemid]

The other question is: how big should the drains/scuppers be? My plans call for 2X50mm but that seems small to me. If you get pooped, I'd want to empty the cockpit in seconds, not minutes, but the only place I could imagine getting pooped is crossing a bar...wouldn't that take out your outboards anyway?

Steve

[ozscott]

Funny how things become necessary v desirable. ..makes you wonder how the legendary 70s hulls survived so far offshore inc canyon running like floating fuel pods.

Cheers

[yallis]

Hi steve

What are you building?
Scuppers below the waterline i imagine? With duck bills?

[stevemid]

Hi steve

What are you building?
Scuppers below the waterline i imagine? With duck bills?

Let's not hijack this thread please. see http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...updates/page16
for a response.

Ozscott: I'm building so I get to choose whether to have them. Without hijacking the thread, I was just trying to add the "how big should the scuppers be" dimension to the conversation for those who thought self draining cockpits were a necessity.

[SunnyCoastMark]

There are of course - pro's AND con's to having a self draining deck. Going hand in hand with the pro's and con's are the many variables associated with both.

For example - I have been out in a few boats with self draining decks and anything on the deck will get wet - bags, clothes, lunches - everything.... To accomodate the self draing deck - the floor has to be higher than it normally would. - this puts the centre of gravity higher and makes the boat less stable and slightly more susceptible to turning turtle if hit side on - everything else being equal. This is of course worse in smaller boats under 6 metres.

The obvious pro - as has been mentioned above, is the ability to shed a lot of water in a very short time. IF you cop a cockpit full of water. In an open boat - this is very real possibility. - In a Cabin boat though - not so much.

You would have to be out in some pretty atrocious conditions - or be taking on waves in a bar that are just way to big and therefore you probably shouldn't be out there anyway.

The other point is that you should have level flotation in your boat. - If you haven't and you take on a cockpit full of water - chances are your boat will be upside down before the deck has a chance to drain - but I am open to elaboration from others more experienced than I, on that point.......

So, my 2c is that as long as you are a somewhat competent and careful skipper - not having a self draing deck - shouldn't be too much of a concern. If however you own/want a centre cab/console or an open boat - AND you are prone to going out in conditions that would make Captain Cook seasick - you should probably think seriously about a self draining deck.

Mark

[ozynorts]

Hi all

Ive been out on a mates Haines V19C and was impressed by its ride and handling and was looking to pick one up myself. Ive read plenty of good reports about them on the forums etc. Theyre a reputed off shore boat.

I don't think you would regret buying a V19. I would love one day day to get one as a project. I would love to also get a V17 and convert to CC.
Ozy

[Vitamin Sea]

Hi

A well maintained 19C with a good donk on it will take you anywhere that you want to go, within reason. I've fished regularly 50 mile out in mine without a problem.

Self draining deck whilst desirable is not the be all and end all, 1 or 2 decent pumps should help out in most situations, if you cop a big greenie I doubt the little scuppers on most of the self drainers are going to save you anyways, as other have said you probably should not be in the situation in the first place.

If you go with a 19C, choose carefully, lot of rubbish out there, you want about a 175hp motor and trim tabs are a must to get the best out of them.

Cheers
VS