Air vent on a 1972 222

[PGM]

I recently purchased a 1972 222 center console and at the bow just behind the navigation lights there is a vent facing forward.  The vent tubing flows under the under the deck.  Can anyone tell me what this vent is for and why would it be facing forward at the bow which is likely to take in water as well as air?

PGM

[Mad Dog]

That is the forced air duct to vent the bilge area of your boat.  At the stern on the port side should be an exhaust vent.  Should look like this



Your boat should have a fuel tank under the floor board. The venting makes sure there is no build of gas fumes and can help keep the condensation down.

MD  

[PGM]

Yes, the boat does have the vents by the transom.  It is not a concern that the vent faces forward taking in water as well as air when underway in rough weather?

PGM

[Capt. Bob]

It is not a concern that the vent faces forward taking in water as well as air when underway in rough weather?

PGM

That's what God made bilge pumps for

Also; Welcome aboard :)

[Mad Dog]

Yes, the boat does have the vents by the transom.  It is not a concern that the vent faces forward taking in water as well as air when underway in rough weather?

PGM

Certainly, if you bury the bow in a swell some water will go down the vents but not very much.  The center line of the hull is open from bow to stern so any water that does get in goes directly to the bilge area at the stern.  I have two pumps on my boat.  One is on a float switch and always has power. The other is on a console switch for emergencies.  

I feel secure with the redundant system.

MD  

[slippery73]

The crappy part is that they did not seal the hole they drilled for the vent. My front area where it was was rotted out and my back cap above the transom had the same vents and they rotted as well.

[Mad Dog]

The crappy part is that they did not seal the hole they drilled for the vent. My front area where it was was rotted out and my back cap above the transom had the same vents and they rotted as well.

I agree.  I had to recore the whole cape because none of the holes for any of the attachments were seal.  Yea, they put caulking under the cowls, cleats, and rod holders, but the wood itself was left to bear.  That's a typical of production boats even our beloved Aquasports.

Attention to detail is critical when adding accessories.  Any attachement that penetrates the fiberglass veneer needs a sealer before the fasteners are put on.

MD