[Public-list] sealing bilge

[George Dinwiddie]

John Malthouse wrote:
> A few weeks back you all were discussing sealing the bilge. I also have 
> bilge water seeping down into my keel, and draining out the holes I drilled, 
> I've been on the hard for 2 years for other reasons. This wknd I removed my 
> A4 and have this question. Hull number 452, assuming this is a liner series 
> , that is the cabin sole and engine department are all part of one 
> structure?. It is near impossible to get to the bilge and clean and re-seal, 
> so I ask does it make sense to cut the side walls of the battery department 
> and the bottom base of the engine department in order to access the bilge 
> and then refit with fish-plates?
> Do these parts of the liner have structural purposes?

I think the liner probably provides considerable stiffness to the boat. 
  The layup of the Alberg 30 is somewhat porous, and water will 
infiltrate the laminates even if you add epoxy inside the bilge.  And if 
the boat has been on the hard for two years, the bilges should be dry, 
anyway.

My advice would be to not make modifications here.

> Can someone please clarify the difference between liner and non-liner

There are quite a few differences.  They were made from different molds 
and many construction details were changed.

> Replaced fuel pump (mechanical) 2 yrs ago with a used one and still getting 
> fuel in oil , so I am considering electric fuel pump, Had no problem with 
> electronic ignition .

If you're getting fuel in the oil, you need a new diaphragm in the fuel 
pump.  Probably the used one you installed had an old diaphragm, also. 
Electric will work, but they fail also.  Be sure to put in a 
low-oil-pressure cutoff so if the engine dies with the switch on, the 
pump doesn't fill the bilges with gas.

  - George

-- 
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   When I remember bygone days                         George Dinwiddie
   I think how evening follows morn;            gdinwiddie at alberg30.org
   So many I loved were not yet dead,           http://www.Alberg30.org
   So many I love were not yet born.
                'The Middle' by Ogden Nash
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