Results of not keeping limber holes clear

Pictures of overhaul of port battery compartment on our C-28.

Wood was completely rotten under the batteries.

Battery compartment before work. The mustache line should have been a clue during survey, but there was a spare parts box jammed in here that precluded most access. All we could see was the discoloration in front of the batteries.


Looking toward generator, before work, bulkhead removed:


Demo in progress. Dremel multi-max is a magic tool. Started with a hole in the center to determine clearance to the hull fiberglass. Only really needed it to get a straight line when we found sold wood, as most of the rotten portion just pulled out. Wood was held down mostly with adhesive, only two screws to remove.


Demo nearly complete. There are two spots where small amounts of water can get trapped, below opening of limber hole, and at outboard edge of hull. New board will have air gaps at fwd and aft ends to allow dry out.


Culprit. Was expecting debris, a critter nest, etc., but not this. Almost appears to be a shaped plug.


Pictures of rebuild to follow.

I know of nine limber holes in my 2013 C-28.
-- Two each on forward port and forward stb side of engine (total of 4)
-- One each on port and stbd aft side of engine (2)
-- One each all the way aft by transom, port is under thruster, stbd is under the trim tab pump (2)
-- One from stateroom aft of shower sump pump to engine compartment (1)
My earlier post on the stateroom area not draining to bilge is incorrect -- it should drain, if the limber hole is clear. This is an ongoing project to get cleared.

Here is a picture of the stringer with limber holes.


It looks like you pulled a chunk of resin out that most likely has been in the tube since the boat was made. The tube from the shower pump area to aft fuel tank was plugged on our boat when I took delivery. There was water sitting in the forward bilge and wouldn't drain. It was plugged with loose fiberglass strands and floatation foam. It should be a factory check to confirm that all of the limber holes are cleared during assembly. Cutwater should do a better job sealing the wood or better yet not use wood. Very few boat manufactures use wood at or below the water line any more to prevent what you are dealing with in a 5 year old boat. Good luck on your project. When installing new wood I would seal both sides of the plywood with epoxy resin and put a 3" beckson plate for inspection.