Sucker for another prioject: Bilge Ventilation

[ace3]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and will be working on a 22 of some kind from late 70's early 80's. These are the first questions for you experts and veterans. I'm sure there will be lots more and thank you in advance for your advice, opinions and sympathy.
What's the deal with those vents? The two intake "horns" on the bow and that broken plastic vent grill on the rear port side? Where can I get a replacement for the broken plastic? Do I even need this vent system? I see pictures of your boats and the seem to be gone, along with the bow rails.
I think I'll replace the port vent and try to keep it original, and keep the bow rails until I try fishing and see if they get in the way. What do you think?

[GoneFission]

The vents were put in to ventilate the bilge on early boats - they were removed on later boats that had the gas tank in its own tub so gas (supposedly) could not leak into the bilge.  

Post some pics so we can see which model you've got - as someone else might say     This post is useless without pics!

[ace3]

you bet! It's in the water about 2 hours from here so when I get a chance I will take some photos.

[fitz73222]

Check out 70`s port side louvers in rebuilds and let me know what you think! We can build one for you! There are only two people that have them!

[Beerpilot]

Howdy Ace!  Not sure where you're located or if you have the project yet, but I have a '74 222 that has awesome potential, and the front and rear vents are in great shape even!  Tandem trailer and 150 Yamaha.  I've been using the boat...very functional, but "well-used".  Located in Atlanta, reasonable delivery negotiable.  Rick.  770-856-7166

[MarshMarlowe196]

The vents were put in to ventilate the bilge on early boats - they were removed on later boats that had the gas tank in its own tub so gas (supposedly) could not leak into the bilge.  

That's true, and it's not a bad idea to keep the vents.  You never know when you might spring a leak and you're that much safer with them.  One of the first things I did when I got my Aqua was remove the bowrails.  I guess the boatbuying public back in the 70's had some fetish with bowrails.  They just get in my way.  Might be a good idea to keep them if you plan on taking young children out with you.

[ace3]

here are some photos. Hope they work. 1973. Nice shape. I WON"T be tearing it apart to rebuild the stringers or any thing that dramatic. I can spend a little time and no money on it. What do you suggest for refinishing the wood. Any recommendations for varnish, poly?
Ireally like that wood vent you make, Fitz. How much $$?
http://s939.photobucket.com/albums/ad23 ... aquasport/
http://s939.photobucket.com/albums/ad23 ... aquasport/
http://s939.photobucket.com/albums/ad23 ... aquasport/
http://s939.photobucket.com/albums/ad23 ... aquasport/

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Ace  :!:  :!:
She's a nice lookin' rig  

[ace3]

thank ye

[fitz73222]

Hi ace3,

I can probably get you a vent made for $75-$100, the only reason for the price "range" is what we have to pay for the teak plank, we usually have to purchase more than we actually need. Let me know if you are interested. I can send you a pic of mine installed on my 73`. They do look very nice.

[gran398]

Hi ace3,

I can probably get you a vent made for $75-$100, the only reason for the price "range" is what we have to pay for the teak plank, we usually have to purchase more than we actually need. Let me know if you are interested. I can send you a pic of mine installed on my 73`. They do look very nice.

Ace,

Fitz mentioned a while back that his master woodworking friend could reproduce the 70's vent in teak. Of course was excited. The vent on my 22-2 is made of layered glass.....certainly wouldn't be allowed on an airplane.......would qualify as a primitive weapon.

 Fitz sent to me the sample reproduction of our 70's louvered vent. But in teak. I was impressed...I'm still impressed. Go to Rybovich, ask them to repro this vent in teak.  But forget them, go to Tommy, ask him.....you're looking ten hours min, 75 bucks  an hour for the maestros....Do the math. This is not only reasonable....its a deal.

Teak is teak, and what an awesome wood. Anyone who has ever worked teak knows....it ain't easy.

Fitz, thanks for helping us out.  Sure as heck am happy with the new teak vent.

Ace....see previous blogs for photos.

[ace3]

Oh, I've seen the photos, they look GREAT! One question; since the slats stick out like the original plastic ones do, won't they get damaged running into a dock? Is it possible to make them flush to the frame? Also, I would varnish it and the existing wood on the boat all at the same time. One of my other questions is what to use. Spar varnish? urethane? Something else? I'm probably interested in the most U.V. weather protection.

Thanks,
  Al

[fitz73222]

Hey Ace3,

A) They do stick out abit, don`t hit the dock! What you cant see in the picture is the vents are secured with two sets of stainless screws to hold them at the right angle. i actually thought about only holding them with one screw and if you hit the dock they actually fold without breaking. I`m going to live with the potential for breakage just like the originals and it will just give me something else to worry about at the ramp or docking. Once you get into the pattern of knowing they are there you will dock and navigate with that in mind. My girlfriend knows about the vents and would give up a kidney rather than see them damaged, so i`m protected. As for the finish, I soaked them for 2 weeks in teak oil and they are as pretty and water proof as they can be. Since 6 screws hold the entire assembly in place; if they need to be removed,cleaned and re oiled in a year or two so be it. Stay away from varnish and poly. Just maintain with oil and it will stay gorgeous as God meant it to be.