T&T: Sea Chests

[Dr. Gordon Anderson]

My vessel came with a sea chest as standard equipment and I could not agree
more with Bob's assessment of them.  I would never have another boat without
one. My outlets are not connected - only the inlets but I think that is a
good idea as well.

Gordon

 Alchemy
USCG Doc. No.: 1177849 - Station ID (MMSI): 367070010
Call Sign: WDC7347 - FRN: 0014000947
Owners: Gordon & Yu-ching Anderson
Mailing Address:  4004 Wallace Lane, Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: + (615) 297-8289
Current Cellular: +852 9531-3160
Current Anchorage - Gold Coast Yacht Club,  Hong Kong
Email: alchemy at post.com
Blog:  http://usmvalchemy.spaces.live.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Phillips
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:46 PM
To: trawlers-and-trawlering at lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: T&T: A/C pump - intake - problems/Remedy?

< Install a back flush fitting to the AC raw water inlet so that a raw
   water
   washdown hose can be fitted when needed. >

If only the yachting world would do what the commercial world does,
which is have intakes that are clearable from the inside of the boat.
I installed "sea chests" six years ago and haven't been under my boat
since.  These are 12" square fiberglass boxes that are glassed through
the bottom of the boat, one starboard and one port.  The tops of these
boxes are clear Lexan with a screw in inspection port in the center,
allowing access into the boxes, the bottom just open.  The port one is
where all of my through hulls are located so clearing a clog is just
unscrewing the inspection port and reaching down.  The top of this box
is 6" above static waterline with the lowest through hull down about
20", so you have to roll a sleeve to not get your shirt wet, but much
easier than going diving.

I made them 12" square at the suggestion of my mechanic, so they can be
painted with a regular roller, but would make them smaller if doing it
again, probably 8".  There was no discernible change in boat speed
although there is a fair amount of turbulence in the boxes underway.
They require venting and while I have had 5/8" vents, these will be
changed out to 1" vents as there is just too much pressure in the boxes
in heavy seas.

One added benefit, as if being able to see each through hull and
clearing them without getting wet isn't enough, it gives a nice view of
what's under the boat.  Our galley sink drains into the starboard box,
where all of my exits are located above the waterline -  AC, bilge,
sink, washer - and there is usually a small school of fish waiting for
us to do the dishes.

It is possible to do the same thing with a large through hull, 3"-4",
and T'ee a number of valves off of it and have a pipe that extends
above waterline on the top, with a pipe cap.  You would then be able to
push something through to clear it.

Bob Phillips,
Another Asylum. Tortola, BVI
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