Cockpit Drain Blocked

[sailorman]

I wouldn't normally be pedantic about terminology, but since someone else started it ...

Ceiling is an inner lining on the sides of the hull, originally planks on the insides of the frames (as well as the hull planks on the outsides) in cargo holds. Carried through to yachts as wooden strips (usually with gaps in between) to keep things away from damp possibly-leaky wooden hull sides. My boat has this, mostly for appearance, despite being fibreglass.

Calling the deckhead the ceiling and the sole the floor is only one step above bedrooms and bathrooms

Pete

 

[LittleSister]

Calling the deckhead the ceiling and the sole the floor is only one step above bedrooms and bathrooms

Steps on boats aren't called steps, are they? My, I never knew that!

 

[Terra-Loon]

stick a hose in the opposite end of the drain, i.e. the thru-hull end and blast whatever crud is stuck in the hose out backwards.

i had to do this last year and finger from a rubber glove came flying out.

 

[sailorman]

stick a hose in the opposite end of the drain, i.e. the thru-hull end and blast whatever crud is stuck in the hose out backwards.

i had to do this last year and finger from a rubber glove came flying out.

i will resist the urge to ask more

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

My boats cockpit drains were made very large when the boat was built and they then added the first part of a stainless waste from a standard sink which just drops in to sit below the level of the sole.
This s/s waste just drops into the hole and can just as easily be lifted out. Its purpose.... just to catch the bits and pieces that you dont want down there when afloat.

I believe Parsifal of this parish also keeps those practice golf 'flight' balls in his drains to act as a filter to stop large bits entering the waste. ordinary golf balls may be the answer when ashore to keep other detritus out?

 

[prv]

ordinary golf balls may be the answer when ashore to keep other detritus out?

Only if you're ashore somewhere where it doesn't rain

Pete

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Only if you're ashore somewhere where it doesn't rain

Pete

silly me........

 

[Thistle]

Try one of these. The wire retracts in to the handle gadget so you only use the length you need. The end of the wire is widened out into a "corkscrew" which screws itself into plugs of paper, leaves, etc allowing you to pull them out. Doesn't take much muscle and I don't know how well it would work with mussels.

When you've removed the blockage and got water flowing remember to chuck a couple of bucketfuls of water down (or use a hose) to clear any loosened debris.

 

[Modulation]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have a shot at some of the ideas you've come up with.

I didn't even know there were drain valves. Shows how little I know. I'll have a look for them at the weekend. That could be the problem.

Alternatively it could be leaves or something that's dropped down and solidified. Albeit, the blockage seems more at the outlet end. I'll maybe also try using a pressure washer - before I do to much cleaning and waxing!

Again, thanks for your input.

You could try one of those spiral u - trap unblockers. They are about 8mm dia close-coiled body with a 12mm spiral head which is a bit like an oversized corkscrew. As it is both flexible and strong you will definitely get to the blockage. you can then pull if out in small bits - works every time.