Limber holes through the bilge grid

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   Hi, has anyone tired drilling limber holes into the bilge grid under the sole boards to encourage water in the bilges and under the grid to travel to the bilge pump area?
I've found that when healed over, water in the bilges can appear under the chart table. Of course anything under or falling under the chart table can then get wet. So, I want to be able to more easily remove water sitting in the bilges.

I recently drilled two 8mm holes fore and aft in the rib between the area with the bilge pumps and the area immediately forward of it above the aft keel bolts. The later area often fills with water that can't go anywhere, unless I sponge it out. The grid rib is hollow, and allows water to move slowly between the two areas. Once pumped out, it leaves a centimetre of water.

I'm thinking to drill a few more holes to move water from other areas, particularly the areas immediately port and starboard of the central bilges. I'll keep the drill away from the hull...

Has anyone else tried this, and if so, was it effective.

The other option, drill holes in the sole boards and use a hose and drill pump to remove water from other areas. For instance, under the chart table seat, the salon table and the galley. These boards are all screwed down and have other units fitted onto or across them.

Thanks!

Edited by Mark Pullen - 23 October 2025 at 17:29



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Mark Pullen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 20 July 2022 Location: London, UK Status: Offline Points: 90	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mark Pullen Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Limber holes through the bilge grid Posted: 22 October 2025 at 22:33
	Hi, has anyone tired drilling limber holes into the bilge grid under the sole boards to encourage water in the bilges and under the grid to travel to the bilge pump area? I've found that when healed over, water in the bilges can appear under the chart table. Of course anything under or falling under the chart table can then get wet. So, I want to be able to more easily remove water sitting in the bilges. I recently drilled two 8mm holes fore and aft in the rib between the area with the bilge pumps and the area immediately forward of it above the aft keel bolts. The later area often fills with water that can't go anywhere, unless I sponge it out. The grid rib is hollow, and allows water to move slowly between the two areas. Once pumped out, it leaves a centimetre of water. I'm thinking to drill a few more holes to move water from other areas, particularly the areas immediately port and starboard of the central bilges. I'll keep the drill away from the hull... Has anyone else tried this, and if so, was it effective. The other option, drill holes in the sole boards and use a hose and drill pump to remove water from other areas. For instance, under the chart table seat, the salon table and the galley. These boards are all screwed down and have other units fitted onto or across them. Thanks! Edited by Mark Pullen - 23 October 2025 at 17:29
	Mark