Shetland 535 Drainage Help!

[carpychronicles]

Hi All,

Sorry for the noob question, but I'm trying to figure out how the drainage works on my new Shetland boat. It's my first Boat so i'm still pretty clueless on how things work on water. At the rear of the boat there are 2 plugs (Both underwater) in the centre, located in a small sink like compartment which is cut out of the deck. Both holes are plugged at the minute, meaning i have no drainage for rain water. I have been told that one of these holes is meant to be open, but with them both being underwater wouldnt this let water in and sink the boat? What is the logic behind this? Or am I missing something?

Thanks for the help.

Francis.

[Clive]

Many owners of 535s here so you should get accurate advice. Sounds like the boat might be sitting low in the water. There is foam under the floor which can get waterlogged adding weight. Any leaks from windows or locker store in bow? May be something simple like large engine, fuel, water, anchors and stuff. Good luck and welcome.

[carpychronicles]

Thanks!

Its literally just the shell for now until my motor arrives. Is it normal for the drain plug to be underwater? And if so, how do self draining boats work, or would I need a Bilge pump to divert the water on deck out of the side of the boat (there is a hose attached to the side above the water level).

Thanks

[Clive]

Oh ok, not additional weight then. I don't have 535 so I can't say for sure, but as a basic rule, no drain holes should be below the waterline. Mine are around 12 cmd an 20cm clear. Are there cracks in the anchor locker floor? There are threads here on water getting in there and soaking the foam, but I'd let an owner confirm this.
Btw, if you want to post, or see photos you need to pay the admin a one off £5 fee. Well worth it I've found.
If it's a shell is it a project boat?

[dellquay13]

Sorry Clive, but you may be wrong about the foam under the sole. AFAIK it wasn't standard on the 535, it was introduced for the 536 safety first model and continued on from there.

[paulturner64]

Deliquay is right.There was never foam injected anywhere on the 535 at time of build, as far as I know.
There is usually a single drain hole at the bottom centre of the transom which should have a threaded inner surface which is closed by a matching plug.
Its function is to drain rain water whilst the boat is out of the water, and the plug is left out and no refitted until just before launch. Note that a boat out of the water which fills with rain could possibly break under the weight if the level gets high enough.
There are two open holes through the transom from the outboard well which should drain the occasional splashes coming over the stern. Be aware that these two holes need to be well painted/sealed on their inner surface to prevent moisture entering the wood reinforcement inside the transom.
Hopes that helps.

[dellquay13]

Yes to the drain plug being at the lowest point in the hull for when the boat is ashore, and Yes to a bilge pump. Auto pumps with an integral switch are considered more reliable than a separate switch. If your boat is left unattended afloat, then a good solar panel to keep the battery topped up is worth while.

[carpychronicles]

Thanks Guys!

So im guessing its completely normal for the drain hole to be underwater if its use is for drainage when taken out of the water? if this is the case then im guessing a Bilge pump accompanied by a cover will prevent the boat from filling with rain water when moored up??

[carpychronicles]

Thanks Everyone,

I've been looking far and wide for answers and was told to join this site, just hours after joining I have the answers

[dellquay13]

Yes to all points. A flat tonneau cover is a lot cheaper than a pram hood and frame, but less versatile when afloat