Mysterious hole in the hull

RocketDane · 21 August 2008, 20:39

Hello all

My new (used) Zodiac Hurricane 440 has a strange hole in the hull and I would like to know if it is normal. As I am a total newbie to power boats and ribs this might be self evident to you but here goes anyway (sorry about the non-nautical terms):

Just below the outboard there is a cavity in the deck and here the bilge pump is located. Apparently the hull is hollow between the keel and the deck, because when I run the pump until the cavity is dry it fills up again with water from the hole.

You can see the hole encircled at the enclosed photograph. The outboard is located to the left and the red thing is the pump. It is hard to see on the pic but water is running through it at the time of the shot.

Well, should I be worried? And if so what should I do?

By the way I just got the boat this Monday and have not had it in the water yet.

All advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

RocketDane

spartacus · 21 August 2008, 21:22

The drainwell is recessed where the bilge pump is located. As suggested there will be a cavity between the floor and the keel - but normally there will be a drain plug (on the lower transom) to get rid of water. This is not to be confused with the main deck drain (which you can see lower left), where there should be a bung.

For a closer inspection I'd strip everything out and clean it up. The bilge pump looks like it's held together with a cable-tie and the jubilee clip is badly corroded.

Downhilldai · 21 August 2008, 22:48

I think the transom drain is on the lower left.

It's crying out for a clean up - looks like the old 2 stroke oil has leaked into the well

RocketDane · 22 August 2008, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I think the transom drain is on the lower left.

It's crying out for a clean up - looks like the old 2 stroke oil has leaked into the well

Yes, I will clean it up. Is the oil bad for the hull?

I am considering bypassing the VRO and begin to use oilmixed fuel instead. That should prevent any future spills.

Hightower · 22 August 2008, 09:10

I would inspect the outer hull for holes damage around this area too.

Nos4r2 · 22 August 2008, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketDane

Yes, I will clean it up. Is the oil bad for the hull?

No, but it'll be bloody slippery when you get a bit of water onboard and it spreads.