T

P

W

While the PT Skiff was not designed to be truly self bailing, there is a relatively simple option which will allow it to self bail at speed and drain while on the trailer.

Because the PT Skiff does not have a sealed floor above the waterline, this self-bailing method relies on a device called, an “Elephant’s trunk”. This is simply tubes coming out of the back of the hull (see images) with “lay flat” hoses attached. These hoses are held vertically against the transom by a quick-release control line and released when draining or bailing is needed.

The hose used in an “Elephant’s trunk” will open up to allow water to escape when the boat is on a plane, but will pinch itself closed when the boat is not planing.

The above image shows the 1” fiberglass tubes that connect the forward cockpit to the aft cockpit (under the middle seat).

This second image shows similar tubes under the back seat that have the “Elephant’s trunks” attached.

Installing these tubes while the boat is under construction would be very easy and the cost of this option will be minimal.

PT Watercraft offers kits for new and unique boat designs that are efficient, functional, modern & attractive.

Our focus is on creating boats that answer the needs of serious cruisers, weekend camp cruisers and environmentally conscious boaters, sail and motor. Featuring: the fuel efficient 18.5ft center console , PT Skiff, Russell Brown’s modern performance nesting dinghy series, carbon marine hardware, water tight hatch kits, hatch toggles or ‘turn dogs’, adjustable wind shields, dinghy rigs, sails, dinghy foil kits, original PTW connective hardware, stitch and glue and epoxy instructional books, etc...

R&D by Russell J. Brown with various design collaborations with Paul Bieker and Eric Jolley of Bieker Boats, Jim Franken of Franken Design, Brandon Davis of Turn Point Design, Paul Zeusche of Townsend Bay Marine, Sean Rankins of NW Sails. Special thanks to our honorary consultants, John Marples, Dick Newick, Jim Brown, Brian Clark, Howard Rice, Tom George, Sandy Goodall, John Harris. Wood for our kits comes from Edensaw in Port Townsend, WA. Our preferred epoxy is WEST SYTEM  from Gougeon Brothers. Publicity thanks to Wooden Boat, Professional Boat Builder, Small Craft Advisor, Epoxy Works..+

Site Navigator ;

Find any page here

copyright PT Watercraft 2009

The first installation shows the drain tubes, from the front  and in the back to elephant trunk drains on either side.

Elephant trunk drains in the upright position.

Elephant trunk drains lowered for draining.

    Below shows the lifting/securing mechanism.

< PTW Home > < Media> <Chalk Board> < ABOUT US >