Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

[James R]

After looking at the issues with many of these boats, particularly 16 to 18ft boats, the main issue appears to be about the self draining. Because the decks are below the waterline the self draining obviously does not work and there is a major risk of taking on water. This is further exacerbated by the fitting of the heavier four stroke outboards, which I for one would never fit on any boat. Driving plugs into the drain holes to keep the deck dry should not be necessary and having to fit some other device to make the system partially effective is an indication that the designers are asleep at the wheel.
I am very interested to see what other members of the forum think of this issue.
At this time I am extremely reluctant to invest in any of the boats.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

After looking at the issues with many of these boats, particularly 16 to 18ft boats, the main issue appears to be about the self draining. Because the decks are below the waterline the self draining obviously does not work and there is a major risk of taking on water. This is further exacerbated by the fitting of the heavier four stroke outboards, which I for one would never fit on any boat. Driving plugs into the drain holes to keep the deck dry should not be necessary and having to fit some other device to make the system partially effective is an indication that the designers are asleep at the wheel.
I am very interested to see what other members of the forum think of this issue.
At this time I am extremely reluctant to invest in any of the boats.

Most center consols that are self bailing are equiped from the factory with stern drains above the water line. What boat are you interested in? Not all are created equal!

Center consols just like any other boat can gain weight over time via water logged foam etc. The new four strokes are not that much heavier and the weight can usually be compensated by buying lower hp or moving weight forward with other components like batteries.

Other boats like mine, are self bailing, but the water is drained via floor drains to a hose that goes to a thruhull fitting which exits out the sides.

With an open transom, you always have a risk of water coming in over the stern or thru the drains, but the water usually drains back out. some are equiped with built in splash wells and others are equiped with fold down splash wall. It just depends on what boat you look at or are interested in.

I will take a self bailing deck over a non-self bailing deck in a heart beat. If need be, an old boats floor can be raised easily and new drains put in higher, but this will effect the gunwale height.

Don't know if any of this answered your vague question, but there you go.

Last but not least, a drain that is below the water line will drain still if the rest of the boat is above the water line. Will drain slower for sure,but will drain.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

All boats with scuppers (open drains from the deck overboard) are supposed to be designed to be self bailing, and to float with the deck higher than the water line. This includes a direct opening or, like mine, a hole in the inside stern bulkhead (wall) with a straight tube through the transom. I don't think I'd want one that drains to the side as it would be slow to evacuate a lot of water if you were taking them over the bow.

If you are looking at a used one that doesn't drain, but allows water in, it's waterlogged or perhaps overpowered.

However I have read about a couple brands of badly made boats where they missed it, allowing a small amount of water to be constantly on the rear deck. no, it won't sink b/c it reaches its equilibrium and stays there, but that's no way to have a boat. You need to to a specific brand/model search.

I have a seahunt triton 212. If I stand too long in the rear corner (where 2 batteries are) I get a small amount of water shipped in, not enough to matter. If two of us stand there, quite a bit comes in. It will, however, drain out when we move.

 

[James R]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

I am looking for a used 17-18ft boat. All the boats I have are drain to bilge types and as long as the pump is working I have no problems. My interest in a CC stems from a good coastal charter fishing experience out of Beaufort SC. Seems a 17-18ft unit would do the job and easy enough to trailer. I am searching the web for input on all likely contenders and have come across many issues concerning the self draining and water on the deck with several makes. In addition some boats have real quality issues.
I am still doing my research and hope that some of my fellow forum members can also give me input.
Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

James, I have run center consoles most my life. What brands do you have concerns with? What will you be using the boat for and in what area? 17 to 18 ft imo is an inshore boat with the exception of nice days. Step up to a 20 to 22 and you will have less issues. The smaller boats have less displacement and lower gunwales usually as well. There are very few boats that leave the factory with drains that are under water.

If you really want some help, post up the boats that you have interest in and we can probably help you further. Your question is still kinda vague, every make and model could have different issues. Show me a boat without some issues and I will pass out right in front of it. boats get beat to death, its pat of boating.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

carolina skiff
sea hunt
pro line
Palm beach
Scout
whaler
grady

all self bailing 17-19' CC. Maybe you are looking at bay boat designs; they sit lower.

I am looking for a used 17-18ft boat. All the boats I have are drain to bilge types and as long as the pump is working I have no problems. My interest in a CC stems from a good coastal charter fishing experience out of Beaufort SC. Seems a 17-18ft unit would do the job and easy enough to trailer. I am searching the web for input on all likely contenders and have come across many issues concerning the self draining and water on the deck with several makes. In addition some boats have real quality issues.
I am still doing my research and hope that some of my fellow forum members can also give me input.
Thanks for the responses so far.

ETA I misread your post and thought you said you looked at Center Consoles with decks that drain into a bilge, for the pump to send out. That's certainly possible, such as in bay boats, but probably not as common. I have a 17' Key West that has the floor drain, even thoug it's a DC it could be rigged as a CC; it is basically a bay boat hull design.

 

[portd]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

carolina skiff
sea hunt
pro line
Palm beach
Scout
whaler
grady

all self bailing 17-19' CC. Maybe you are looking at bay boat designs; they sit lower.

I have a Campion 582 CC never had water come in on deck . but it does have rubber flaps to prevent back flow ,but deck is above water line and drain hose is on down ward angle . This is my first self bailer work great when washing down deck

 

[dingbat]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

A little water on the back deck would be the least of your concerns the first time you took a wall of blue water over the bow and your bilge pump takes a dump on you.

 

[James R]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

A little water over the top in a rough water does not concern me. Have successfully navigated a Long Island sound squall in my old 1968 16ft Cobia closed bow, bow on to the mountains and then running down the gulleys back to Norwalk, which incidentally I could not see. Of course if I had not been successful I would not be talking to you now. An interesting experience. I am however concerned that some of the smaller CCs, because of the below waterline deck tend to have drainage problems and potential for taking on water with the poor drain systems.
I am sure that other members have 17-18ft CCs and can enlighten me.
Thanks so far.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

give us an example of a 17' CC with a below waterline deck (which has to mean no direct drains).

As I said, my 17' key west has a below waterline deck, floor drain/bilge pump but no direct drains. Been through a lot of rough stuff; the set up doesn't worry me.

 

[James R]

Re: Thinking about buying a Fiberglass center console.

Home Cookin your boat seems to be different to the boats discussed in The Hull Truth forum,"major issue with Key West boats 1720CC". I would appreciate your take on this. I am leaning toward a Key West but the Hull Truth forum binfo puts me off.