What does this do? A question for woodie buffs.

[John1162]

On my wooden boat there is a piece of ply stuck onto the centre board case on the port side. It is about 5″ by 14″ stuck at an angle under the thwart. I think I know what it is for but just wanted to know if any one out there had the definitive answer.

[mattL]

is it just on the one side?

or is there another piece (just different)?

[John1162]

Just the one side. I have seen other boats and by different builders, with the same piece as shown in the photograph,and present owners unsure as to the purpose.

[Colin Parkstone]

John,
It is covering a hole into the centreboard box which used to take a bilge pump that was permanently fixed to the side of the centreboard box.

A tube came from the bilge below and the pump worked like a bike pump by the helm and put the water into the box.

CP 🙂

[John1162]

Thanks Colin you have confirmed what I thought it was for. I might consider fixing a pump there now. Any excuse to visit a boat jumble to find that antique brass pump and other shiny bits that might come in useful.
Regards John.

[AUTHOR]

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