Stuff in the Bilge

[micheck]

My boat (cal 34) has a fairly small bilge; I am considering stowing my second anchor and rode in the bilge.

Should I be concerned about using the bilge volume to hold these?

[s/v Breakaway]

My Cal 34 (1978) bilge is about 4 feet deep, but narrow. Seems to me its okay to keep your spare anchor there if you build a frame there to set it in.

[boasun]

Just be sure that the anchor rode does not foul your bilge pump in any way, form or manner...
The bad thing about bilges is that, they seems to catch a lot of flotsum & jetsum that has no value at all.

[Curmudgeon]

I store lots of stuff in the bilge: extra chain, canned goods, you name it. As boasun said, you have to make sure that your bilge pumps aren't compromised.

[IdoraKeeper]

If there is dust in there, your anchor may get dirty. Or your may forget it is in there. I forgot a bottle of wine in the forward bilge of my old boat for over 4 years..........

Todd

[zeehag]

dirty anchor--omg-- gods help us -- wont work anymore.....

[Unicorn Dreams]

Secure the anchor in case of a knockdown. Don't want it bouncing around
Personally, I wouldn't put the rode in the bilge because of dirt and oil, also if you do, make sure it can't get tangled in the prop shaft, would suck to tear the shaft or engine out...

[capttman]

Originally Posted by zeehag

dirty anchor--omg-- gods help us -- wont work anymore.....

HAHAHAHA start sanding and painting

[ozskipper]

consider a small layer of rubber matting under it all. It will stop it sliding somewhat and lower any associated noises as chain moves about.

[Curmudgeon]

There's no oil and very little dirt in my bilge. Once or twice a month I pour in some of that orange scented bilge cleaner. It sloshes around when the boat moves and cleans everything.