My 98' 42 & my buddy's '97 38 both have what look like factory installed water pick up's under the notch, His only has 1 & mine 2, there are hoses attached that are just stuffed up on the sides of the engine compartment (not conected to anything). Were trying to figure out what they are or were for. I'm thinking possible for a/c & or gen set, if the boats were optioned out that way. Anyone else have these?

RL, break suction in back created by notch. Just my guess.

P Rob

X2, I think it also helps the props slip a little while coming out of the hole, let's the motors build rpm quicker with some aeration.

That's what I originally thought, but James boat only has 1

I would bet your 42 has got one more than the 38, because you've got more suction,weight and longer to plane than the 38. I had a bass boat that had the same air relief. There are also props that have removable plugs in the hubs to allow the prop to slip or aerate to build up rpm.

My 1997 47' has 2 in the same place as the pic above, Prop aerators. I have AC and Generator and there are other pick-up for those.

Some of them have ball valves on them to regulate the amount of air to the Notch

That's pretty neat! For different prop or hp setups. Gotta love a fountain.

Hmmm... interesting. What benefit would you get by limiting the amount of air in the notch. I was thinking the more air, the best for least amount of suction.

My boat doesn't have these. I can see where it would help. there are a lot of strange noises coming from there getting on and coming off plane.

If you are trying to get rid of air pressure at the props should you not route the hose's over board instead of plugging them up?

I've never looked in the bilge to see where mine are plumbed. Just put GAS in and go straight ahead.