Need help iin the Bilge

[btbrunk9]

I just purchased an 18 foot custom flats boat and i am redoin the floor so my question is 30"x9"x6 1/2" big enough for a bilge area should it be open so you can see down to it? Pictures of your bilge would be greatly appreciated

 

[Grandad]

Re: Need help iin the Bilge

Hi bt, how much access depends upon what you have down there that you need to reach. If you’re only concerned with being able to bail water in an emergency, you only need enough room to swish your pail. You can even cut that space down substantially if you use a manual pump bailer (similar shape to a bicycle pump). I don’t think I’d go any smaller than what I can bail with a pail in case the bailer fails. They only break when you need them. - Grandad