V-drive "bilge"

[P69]

Does anyone know why the bilge under the V drive is sectioned off? 

https://picasaweb.google.com/111274927949602013478/Vdrive#6234517599296015986

The dividers on my boat have very small holes, which often clog with debris and caused water to backup under the v drive and in the main part of the bilge fwd of the v drive. Often the part under the v drive was so full, the underside of the v drive got submerged until I sponged it out; consequently, the v drive oil pan became very rusty.

I'm thinking of cutting those two dividers out so the water doesn't stop on its way to the deep bilge, but I can't figure out why those are there.

Are these dividers common among these boats or specific to 367's?

Any ideas?

[TRoesner]

I keep a oil absorb pad in the compartment under my V-Drive, just in case of a leak.

[SailingSeaDragon]

The dividers provide strength and support for the hull/bilge on the P367 due to the deep bilge much deeper than the ketch/sloop. On Sea Dragon there is a 1/2" drain both forward and aft at the dividers to allow water to drain into the bilge. I do not know if the drains were factory installed or added by a previous owner but I never have standing water under the V-drive.

The bilge aboard Sea Dragon is about 30" deep under the V-drive and the supports (dividers) extend down about 20 inches.

I hope this helps

Garner

[P69]

Thanks ya'll for the info on those dividers.  I removed mine yesterday after poking around and finding nothing but rotten plywood poorly encased in a couple layers of fiberglass. I'll replace it with something a little more durable, with drains.

Thanks again for the help.