Hi Doug, I'll take that advice. Besides being in the way of the water tank the real problem was the big blob of foam that sat above the floor. Now that it's gone I can live with foam in the bilge for it hasn't been a problem yet. The water tank is part of my attempt to build a galley around the molded in starboard cockpit locker, which with a drain installed is now a sink with a cutting board top and a drop in stove. I'm putting the tank behind the centerboard trunk because I figured that's dead space and I've already put weight up front in the way of a 60+ pound battery and a 11 pound Bruce type anchor, chain and rode. I still have a lot of space up there, but I'll fill it with something. The 6 gallon tank which is driven by air pressure, like the old VW Beetle windshield washers, is removable and will be used only for cruising, so I'm hoping I can keep it clean. Getting this little boat ready for cruising is a challenge, but fun. Early this year you sent an email to Todd asking about the Maptech waterproof charts for Penobscot Bay to Frenchman Cove. Did you get them and if so are they adequate? I was planning to buy them so I'd like to know what you think of them. Thanks, Rick

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2005 08:52:31 -0700 (PDT) From: Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: M_Boats: Bilge Foam + Maine trip To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Message-ID: <20050707155231.16905.qmail@web30205.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Rick,

Yes the Maine trip (8/27 - 9/10) is still on. I am really looking forward to it.

The bilge is about 8 in deep.

Since it is already filled with foam I would not try to dig it out. I have attached a mirror to a stick to explore my bilge. If you shine a flash light on the mirror and wiggle it around the foam blocks you should be able to see if the foam fills the entire bilge or not.

If it does I would not try to dig it out as that may not prove to be practical. Live with it.

The disadvantage of not having a true bilge is that any water you take on (including a leaking tank) is bound to get something wet that shouldn't be.

You also have no deep concentrated area to pump from.

I do not have a permanently mounted bilge pump but I do carry a hand pump with a hose long enough to get to the bilge.

I installed a 14 gallon tank in the bow of my M15 but ended up taking it out. I used the water so infrequently that it always became full of growing things. I know use 2/3 of a gallon Orange juice plastic jugs and they are very durable and don't leak at all.

Thanks

Doug