Access to bilge 1978 C26

[Brianw]

Thanks, first of all to everyone that has contributed so much information about C26. I have seen some dramatic pictures John and others have shown of the bilge onC26. My boat gets a little, but maybe not, after storms. The west coats has been wet as of late. the bilge is always dry in summer.
Question is ,is it practical to install access hole in the floor to pump out any water .It looks like it may be difficult to get it all pumped from the rear. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. first winter and she is pretty tight.
Brian

[John Stahl]

After working on my boat I have decided not to put an access hatch to the bilge in my sole.
If you want to get the water out block up your trailer so the boat is nose high. Remove the bilge pump and stick a shop vac hose down it and suck away.
The problem we are having with our boats is that wood under the sole had no protection from the water in the bilge. It got wet and rotted. I have fiber glassed both the top and the bottom of my new sole and I am not worried
John

[Brianw]

I got it, Only thing is the boat is in a fresh water slip. No trailer . My objective is to stay ahead of when it becomes an issue. If I can just peak below the floor and pump when needed then I am ahead of the game . I am thinking of two holes the size of a bilge pump and boom out she goes. Am I dreaming or getting wet.
Thanks Brian

[John Stahl]

[Brianw]

Thanks John your absolutely right. I will do exactly as you say. I have followed your pictures and what a project. I think they scared me a little. Thank again. Now relaxed.
Brian

[Mario G]

Brian my C-26 has a access to the bildge that works out very well. I have pictures on my webshot pages that shows it well, along with a 2nd access that is vented to keep the sole flooring dry. This was all done by PO. note that my C-26 is a fixed keeled version.

[Brianw]

Thanks Mario, I have seen your pics and set up . It would seem that you have a deeper bilge area with your fixed keel. I have decided that the amount of water that is collected is not that great but I am uncomfortable waiting for the water to show in the stern area. the water has to reach that level for the pump to work. I have the pump but also have a small inline pump with the hose going under the floor, It works very well to get the last drop. I keep the back area well vented and think it all under control.

[NYCSAILOR]

I have the fixed keel c-26, same problem - sole was completely rotted out ( carpet was holding it up and together) since it was always wet underneath. ripped out the rotted sole and was stunned at how large the bilge was ( previously all I had was a small access hole behind the companionway) so I glassed in the bottom of teh new sole really good and built a large access hatch forward of my caompanionway ( I had this on the J-30 sole and geting god access to the bilge was something I learned teh hard way was a good idea) I cleaned out the bilge ( it still had boat builders debris from the construction of the boat!) and emptied about 4-5 gallons of water from ( what I thought) was my dry bilge and cleaned and painted it and I am now in the process of installing TWO bilge pumps as is proper practice according to Don Casey. I also saw some nifty wine bottle storage ideas in the bilge from a brand new Catalina yacht that I think I will replicate .. the fixed keel c-26 bilge is deep!

[Jmckamey]

Hey Brianw, I just noticed your located in Fresno, I lived there in the mid and late 80's, I bought my first sailboat from a boat shop at Millerton lake. Can't remember the name of the shop but they mostly dealt with sailboats and were located just below the dam on the opposite side of the road. It was a Hobbie Cat 16. My wife and I use to have a great time on that boat. Is that where you sail? Jeff

[Brianw]

Millerton Lake is where I sail. The Marina has new owners and is rally first class. I have my boat in a slip there. The boat shop you mentioned was, in the 70s, a Chrysler dealer. My boat went a couple of miles straight to the marina and the marina hes been it's home since. I am thirty minutes from the boat. How cool is that? If you ever get back for a visit look me up. Lake is full now so you know how beautiful it is . I am heading there as soon as finish my coffee.

Great day to all.