Can I ........? (Storage hatch in cuddy).

[Hannibal]

Hi all. I was busy over the weekend doing some needed TLC on my boat and most of my time was spent inside the cuddy. Towards the front, underneath the center cushion, there is a faily large storage area with a sealed hatch. When you open it up, it stinks to high hell - mildewy smell with a good bit of discoloration.

Anyhow, it was obvious it's been this way for quite some time and given the newness of the boat for me - I hadn't given it much thought as it wasn't needed/used. That changed this week as I took to it with a scrub brush, some Comet and a little bit of bleach. It could certainly use a 2nd treatment before being pristine though.

On to my question, the problem here is that there is no way for water to escape. There is no drain so water simply pools up and contaminates everything.

Is it possible to simply drill a hole and add a thru-hull fitting to allow water to drain into the bilge? I'd primarly use the area for storage but also thought about using it as a short-term fish hold. I know it's not insulated but on my short outings, a couple bags of ice would keep the area more than cold enough. And I could then use the new drain to take care of any standing water.

Thoughts? Is this a possibility without too much hassle?

If it matters - it's a 1991 2110 Walk Around.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Damandan]

On my 1990 2520 they had no hatches cut under the cushions. However I cut hatches in my using a 1996 and a 2000 2520 as a template where there were 3 hatches beneath the cushions. One on either side and one in the middle/front (the one you are having issues with). None of these had any way for the water to escape. There is a place for bilge water to go in the next section back (where the port-a-poty goes). You should be able to just drill straight back and let the water drain in there. There are some nice pictures under deck in the factory eye candy post that might help you see how they designed the hatches under the deck. http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6454 Doesn't seem that they have changed much in design since 1990 at least on the 2520's.

This picture in particular.

 

[Megabyte]

Hi all. I was busy over the weekend doing some needed TLC on my boat and most of my time was spent inside the cuddy. Towards the front, underneath the center cushion, there is a faily large storage area with a sealed hatch. When you open it up, it stinks to high hell - mildewy smell with a good bit of discoloration.

It was a sealed hatch?
Curious... I'm wondering why the storage area was created, but then sealed.
Hopefully you can find a working hatch so you can actually use the space for dry storage.

As for using it as a fish box... I wouldn't.
If you created a drain to go into the bilge then introduce water, scales, and fish slime...
If you thought that space stunk before... just wait until the whole boat smells like rotting fish in the middle of summer. :shock:
You will never be able to get the smell out of the bilge.

Better to use a cooler or a soft sided 'kill bag' (IMHO).

 

[Hannibal]

It was a sealed hatch?
Curious... I'm wondering why the storage area was created, but then sealed.
Hopefully you can find a working hatch so you can actually use the space for dry storage.

As for using it as a fish box... I wouldn't.
If you created a drain to go into the bilge then introduce water, scales, and fish slime...
If you thought that space stunk before... just wait until the whole boat smells like rotting fish in the middle of summer. :shock:
You will never be able to get the smell out of the bilge.

Better to use a cooler or a soft sided 'kill bag' (IMHO).

I believe I chose my words wrong. It is a hatch with a water tight gasketed lid. It gives me access to a storage bin. It was in rough shape before scrubbing.

But I see your point about the fish slime. Good call. I didn't think of that.

 

[Megabyte]

No worries!
Finding extra dry storage is always a good thing!

I have two storage holds like that in my v-berth.
I use them to store tools, spare filters, fueling supplies (Ringfree, StarTron, StaBil, and my measuring cups and funnels), as well as safety equipment rarely used (such as my tow hawser).

 

[Hannibal]

Aside from not using it as a fish cooler - is there still the option of adding a small drainage hole? It was obvious that water (in small amounts) was getting in there and making things nasty over time. A drain would allow me to effectively wash the area out every so often and not having to worry about it mildewing. The only concern I have is what is directly below the storage bin.

 

[Megabyte]

I'd call the factory with your Hull Identification Number and ask them. 252-728-5621
They could tell you whether there is a clear path to the bilge for any water that might drain from that area.

 

[Parkerman]

Will. I have the same hatch as you. This area always has water in it. I am not sure where it comes from but it is always there. I will be anxious to here if you get water in there due to rain or sea water.

 

[Hannibal]

Will. I have the same hatch as you. This area always has water in it. I am not sure where it comes from but it is always there. I will be anxious to here if you get water in there due to rain or sea water.

Doesn't seem to be a problem. There has only been a tiny amount of water in that I've ever seen and I am guessing it's more from washing out the cuddy than anything. But there is evidence that water has been in it before and sat - smelling the place up. From now on (if I don't add a drain), I will just have to resort to sponging out any residual water from the storage compartment than wiping it dry. A PITA but not that big of a deal in the scheme of things.