As I was finishing installation of the cabin deck (which also covers the Dorade boxes) I realized it would have been much easier to drill the drain holes before the boxes were covered! Even better before the boxes themselves were constructed--too late now. Searching through the manual, I finally found (way back in "Fitting Out") instructions about all the drain holes. The drain holes for the anchor well are into the Dorade boxes, then out through the Dorade box drains in the topsides panel. No picture, but I'm pretty sure the Dorade box drain holes should go in the aft, outside corner of each box.
Rather than wait until the boat is painted and almost finished, I think it would be much better to drill the anchor well and Dorade holes soon, before the boat is painted, etc. The tabernacle drain holes should go in as soon as it is installed, and it seems to me the cockpit drain holes should be drilled soon also (all four).
So for now, here is my plan:
1. Fiberglass the cabin deck.
2. Cut the holes for the cowl vents. (I won't be able to reach through them, but the holes will shed more light into the boxes.)
3. Drill the anchor well drain holes in the Dorade boxes. (All holes drilled over-size, filled, and re-drilled to final size.)
4. Drill the over-size Dorade box drain holes. It may be possible to reach in through the cabin-vent holes with a flexible-shaft and drill pilot holes for the drain holes, just to make sure I get them in the right place.
5. Put backup tape inside the Dorade boxes, over the holes, and fill all the holes with thickened epoxy.
6. Drill all the holes to the proper size. (After the epoxy cures, of course.)
7. Drill-fill-drill all four cockpit drain holes.
Note: Because the Dorade holes will be "drill-fill-drilled" they can't be quite down at the bottom of the holes. I guess that means there will always be a little water standing in the Dorade boxes after a rain (anchor well and cockpit too, but that will evaporate). This shouldn't be a problem unless algae or mold starts to grow in the boxes. Perhaps they should be sponged out every now and then.
Does this all make sense? Any input will be greatly appreciated.