hole in transom

[Barfly]

Hoi, anyone knows what the meaning is of the 3 fingers wide hole in the transom? It is open so when I'm on the water, there is water running in at the back. What is the purpose of this?

[jgrace]

Hi Barfly,

Mine doesn't have one. Are you sure Valiant put it there?

Mine's got just two drain holes with plugs, one for a deck sump, the other for the hull void.

(BTW did you ever get that reply I sent to your pm?)

Jim

[PeterR]

If its round in shape it will be a drain hole for water that may get into the boat .There is posible the trunk missing on the outside .I myself think you will need to do some training and get to know more about your boat before you consider going on the water or maybe you have that allready organised Regards Peter

[jgrace]

Just realised, if it's circular like No Fear says, it's almost certainly the drain from the deck sump ( when you said 3 fingers wide I imagined a rectangular hole). If so, you need to get a plug for it. Mine looks like a giant version of a hotwaterbottle stopper, without the threads, and with a hinge so the thumbgrip part can fold down neatly.

Jim

[BBirnie]

This sounds like a hole for an elephant trunk type drain. Make sure water is not getting in contact with the core (wood) of the transom. It would help if you could post a pic. Your options are either install a plug or elephant trunk drain.

[jgrace]

If it's the standard Valiant hole I'm thinking of, it's less than 2 inches in diameter. Don't elephant trunks need to be bigger than that?

Jim

[jgrace]

Also, it's dead centre of the transom, so the elephant's trunk is going to foul the engine.

[Andy]

Are there any holes in the front of the hull.

With Avon seariders for example, when stationary water fills part of the hull cavity through holes at the front and rear to give the boat weight and hence stability when stationary. On takeoff, the water flows out of the hull cavity through the hole at the back to become light again. This may be the answer .... then again if its only 3 fingers wide ... probably not

Sounds like a hole missing a self drain valve, or large plug. Still very small hole to let out water.

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by Barfly

Hoi, anyone knows what the meaning is of the 3 fingers wide hole in the transom? It is open so when I'm on the water, there is water running in at the back. What is the purpose of this?

Is it ready to have an 'elephants trunk' fitted?

[Barfly]

Thanks guys for all your information.. I will soon take a picture of that "hole"..

[Barfly]

that's the hole I'm talking about...

[jgrace]

Yup, that's the deck sump drain. Mine has one too (in this pic it's hidden under the transom lock bar my insurer required)



Give me a day or two and I'll get you a pic of the plug you are missing.

Jim

[swginn]

I was missing the plug for this as well and after scouring the market, couldn't find a replacement. Ended up using the plug from a kitchen sink which fitted perfectly and did the trick with a small bit of sealant around it. I then installed a bilge pump in the sump as I just found it tedious to have to keep going to the back of the RIB if I wanted to drain any water out.

I know you shouldn't seal up the only drain hole in case the bilge pump packs in but, all I would have to do is pull out the plug as it only has a small bit of sealant on it that would give way with a bit of force.

Also I would consider moving your battery from that position.It is in a very vulnerable position. If you get swamped and your engine dies along with your battery then you'll have no power, right when you'll need it most. Just a thought

[Richard B]

Have a look on http://www.inflatable-boat-supplies.co.uk

If you download their catalogue http://www.ibs-boats.co.uk/download/IBS%20Cat.pdf and look at page 10 you may find something useful...