connecting bilges

[mdidomenico]

my '89 C34 has four bilge compartments, 1 forward of the mast, three aft of the mast step.  the first three compartments are all connected via pipes cut in the stringers.  the aft most bilge is not.  the only way water can get from the aft bilge is when i reaches a very large cutout meant for the bilge pump (manual and auto) pipes to route through.  the hole is 3-4" from the bottom of the compartment.

is there a reason the compartments are not linked?  i'm presuming it's because the engine bay drains into the aft most bilge.  looks like there's a hole in the engine pan in the lower starboard side.  if that's true, would it be safe to assume this is a "safety" feature to keep from pumping oil overboard via the bilge?  if not, is it safe to drill another hole lower in the stringer for a connecting pipe?  the bilge hose cutout is ~3"

pictures

[Stu Jackson]

That's the way mine is, has been for 32 years.

[scgunner]

      Mine is the same too, it seems to work fine the way it is. But if you feel you need another hole, it's your boat. The only change I made mine was to block the hole from the engine pan to the bilge, if the engine drops oil I don't want it draining to the bilge and getting pumped over the side.

[Jim Hardesty]

The only change I made mine was to block the hole from the engine pan to the bilge

I did the same, only with tape.