Breathers / Drain holes

I've just bought back Sacré Blue the Farr 3.7 I imported to start the class a few years ago, and the boat has had the drain holes in the stern filled in. But has been made water / air tight. i.e undo hatches and get a rush of air.

Many of my previous grp boats had breathers in the hatch cover so I think, as a start, I would drill a very small hole in the centre of your existing hatch cover.  Then think about reinstating the drain holes for the reasons Jim has mentioned, depending I suppose on why they have been filled in.  Might be worth asking that question.

Reminds me of my topper silliness post a few weeks ago. I expect a build up of pressure in a light boat will add volume to the underwater shape and so it will go quicker on hot days when there is little wind as it will float higher out of the water. On the other hand the moment it goes in the water the air will cool and contract and you might get the opposite affect.......I dunno.

Oh yes, I'd definitely put a breather in. Don't know about a hole in a hatch cover though, I'd look for a spot which is never under water and never sitting in a puddle - or else, as you say, going through a tube to have the same effect.

Originally posted by peterthomas Thinking about it a bit more, I would doubt it was the most recent owner (given his occupation and the repairs he made) so must therefore have been the one before.  The most recent owner would however perhaps have a view on it. I don't think my boat has a breather at the moment so perhaps just drain holes will do.  I will check tomorrow (if I remember). Peter