Although not fitted with a Volvo or a 54, Cream puff is fitted
with a Vetus Waterlock muffler. Even if you do not have the Vetus model, the
setup for the water-lock is probably very similar. The muffler is fitted with a
drain screw. Undoing this screw while underway would absolutely eliminated any
chance of water back-flowing into the engine. If you opt to do this, it might
be advisable to attach a hose pointed toward the bilge. And, of course, do not
run the engine with the water-lock drain open.
So, for those
of you not wanting to run the engine at all while underway on long passages,
this is an alternate option.