Closing Cockpit Drains

[Shuggy]

Ah yes - well there is that! But we keep the boat in the water over the winter in a location that sometimes freezes over. So what I don’t want to happen is fresh water cockpit drain water freezing in the pipes and expanding. Don’t myth bust my nightmares

 

[Stemar]

Thanks, everyone.

Lots of good suggestions. The drains are just GRP elbows that go through the hull and turn aft, so I don't think the ping pong ball idea would work without seriously reducing the effectiveness of the drains in the, admittedly unlikely, event that a wave should decide to join us in the cockpit. I like the idea of a rubber flap but, with the drain facing aft, I think the motion of the water as it hits the drain would just open it.

We're off to spend a few days on board, so I'll take exact measurements, and I'll order the dinghy plugs first suggested by Aquanaught.

 

[Daydream believer]

I think that the elephant trunk idea is best. 3 inch diameter canvas tubes tied up with cords Attached to hull with plastic ring screwed through canvas into hull. End dropped down when releasing water

 

[Refueler]

Ah yes - well there is that! But we keep the boat in the water over the winter in a location that sometimes freezes over. So what I don’t want to happen is fresh water cockpit drain water freezing in the pipes and expanding. Don’t myth bust my nightmares

Is your boat connected to mains electric while there ?

We have in 'cold climes' and I'm sure you can find in UK ..... a wire based wrap that is designed to wind round outside pipes - such as water pipe taps .. its low wattage - but designed to warm the pipe and stop freezing. Available in short through to long lengths.

I can also say that my boat - Sunrider 25 - with cockpit drains - stay open in winter and she has sat in ice in my home channel for quite a few winters ... the ice being anywhere up to 40 / 50cms thick ...... no problem at all ... the pipes and valves all still good ...

 

[DreadShips]

Maybe Google "inflatable plugs love honey"?

I believe the popular advice is that the base should be flared for safety. Hand held or parachute doesn't seem to be specified, however?

 

[Stemar]

Thanks everyone. I ordered the Lazillas plugs and used them for the first time in the last few days. They work perfectly, and our cushions stay dry, as does Madame, who didn't dare sit down under way before.

 

[vyv_cox]

Having once flooded a boat when the cockpit drains became blocked by leaves I suggest you establish some sort of regime whereby the plugs are removed once sailing is finished and before any rain starts.

 

[geem]

Years ago, a friend had a Catalac with the same problem. He inserted some plastic tube so it stuck down slightly below the hull. He then fitted about 8 inches of lay flat hose. It might have been fire hose but I can't remember. The hose stayed flat until there was water in it. It solved the problem

 

[rogerthebodger]

You can buy ping pong ball scuppers. Might work ok for this - I’ve only experienced them on a rib where they were a bit sensitive to sand/grit/weed etc so weeped water back in to the boat.

We have a locol supplier of similar type

My cockpit is lvel with the top of the tansum so is self draining

 

[Stemar]

Having once flooded a boat when the cockpit drains became blocked by leaves I suggest you establish some sort of regime whereby the plugs are removed once sailing is finished and before any rain starts.

Oh, yes. That's high on my list of things to do when putting the boat to bed, up there with removing the "ignition" keys and turning the power off.

 

[Refueler]

Having once flooded a boat when the cockpit drains became blocked by leaves I suggest you establish some sort of regime whereby the plugs are removed once sailing is finished and before any rain starts.

My Sunrider 25 suffered serious flooding due to blocked cockpit drains while stood ashore.

 

[Stemar]

I get the impression that flooding due to blocked cockpit drains isn't something that's likely to happen when the boat's in regular use, more a fate of a forgotten boat, probably ashore.

Obviously being pooped is another matter, but flooding our cockpit from rain would need at least 8" of rainfall, which is well over a month's winter rain, even in a soggy Southampton winter.

 

[Refueler]

I get the impression that flooding due to blocked cockpit drains isn't something that's likely to happen when the boat's in regular use, more a fate of a forgotten boat, probably ashore.

Obviously being pooped is another matter, but flooding our cockpit from rain would need at least 8" of rainfall, which is well over a month's winter rain, even in a soggy Southampton winter.

Correct for mine .... living in Baltic and getting back to UK a couple of times a year - I would ask HYCo to launch boat ready for my return etc.

One year - the boat had water in it from blocked drains that ended up with seized engine ... we'd pumped her out ... drained the oil .. checked and flushed through ... but she seized up on a trip to Folly Inn week later.
The water was about 6" above cabin sole ... above the engine sump to block joint ..

It was the event that led to my replacing that 4-99 with the 4-107 from back of "Blakeys" shed ...

 

[vyv_cox]

I get the impression that flooding due to blocked cockpit drains isn't something that's likely to happen when the boat's in regular use, more a fate of a forgotten boat, probably ashore.

Obviously being pooped is another matter, but flooding our cockpit from rain would need at least 8" of rainfall, which is well over a month's winter rain, even in a soggy Southampton winter.

Mine was in use. Autumn in Porth Dinorwic, surrounded by big trees. Boat left for five days. Cockpit full, saloon about 4 inches deep.

 

[Refueler]

Mine was in use. Autumn in Porth Dinorwic, surrounded by big trees. Boat left for five days. Cockpit full, saloon about 4 inches deep.

I have a plumbers snake .. 1m long I carry to keep mine clear as the pipes have 90 degree joints in ... lovely !!