Sailtube Ventilation?

Hi Everyone -

Sailing season is finally approaching!!!!

So my question is... should I drill holes in my sailtube to give it some ventilation?

Reason is, I haven't been keeping my sails in the tube because when I launch the boat, the tube fills with water pretty quick, and doesn't really drain unless I open up the tube... but even then, it stays pretty wet inside, and I don't want to store my sails in there... so are small ventilation holes a good idea? If so, how many do you think, and where should I place them, just on the bottom, the sides, top, front and back of tube?

Thanks Hobie World!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

Chris,
Where I launch from,I just back up to the waters edge without even getting my tires wet and roll my boat(21 SE or 16) into the lake and pull it up on the sand to finish rigging and most important loading my cooler.Can you try this method at your launch site?I don't use a boat ramp at all and never get my axle or bearing wet.Also,I load my cats back on the trailer the same way.
Good Luck,Bill 404 21 SE

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Bill 404 21SE

I will definitly try launching that way next time I go out... thanks for the pointers!

regardless... do you think it would be a good idea to drill a few holes in the tube?

Thanks!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

ventilating the tube is always a good idea. airflow during trailering helps a lot, and when sitting as well. helps prevent mildew. my first tube used a pair of small square stainless louver vents you'd buy in a marine store, mounted on each end. plan on adding the same to my newest box soon.

I too, had the emerald blue sails on my '79 H16.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Mine is vented with 6-8 1/4" holes on each end

Thanks you guys for the replies!!

and don't those sails look nice?!! I've never seen anyone else with them out there!!!

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Chris

1980 H16
Emerald Blue Sails

Just make sure whatever vent holes you install don't let stuff into the tube that you don't want like bees, wasps, mice, water....

sm