cockpit drains

[Guest]

My cockpit drains appear to be standard domestic bath drain fittings, in metal. I am quite happy with these, but the adaptors to the drainage hoses are standard domestic fittings in plastic. I am not happy with these, as the screwed fitting to the drains seems to be rather weak to withstand the heavy jolting that can be experienced in heavy weather. I have enquired at numerous plumbers merchants and chandlers for stronger fittings. Plumbers have none and chandlers look at me blank. I have also pored over marine catalogues which appear to have everything imaginable except cockpit drain fittings. What do boat builders use? Can anyone put my mind at rest about these plastic fittings or suggest anything else?

Many thanks. Achilles

 

[oldsaltoz]

Hi Achillesheel.
Relax, standard plumbing fittings are common on small yachts, just ensure they are well supported particularly near right angle bends and you should have no problems. If you are really concerned you can reinforce the standard plastic by wrapping it with fibreglass, however you may have to burn the plastic to get the GRP to bond to it.
Avaniceday Old Salt Oz.....

 

[Guest]

If you wish to re-inforce with galsffibre ..... get down to glass fibre suppliers or even a model shop and buy glassfibre woven tape. This is a bandage type glass mat that you can wind around an item and then inpregnate with resin. Probably the best resin would be epoxy, which you can thin down with methylated spirits to make it soak into the bandage better. BUT make sure you only wind one layer before resining. A trick to help is to superglue the start edge to give a quick hold to the end of the bandage before winding.

But as long as the fittings are well supported and in good condition, you shouldn't have a problem - they are common on many a boat.

 

[bryantee]

have a look at www.asap-supplies.com/ they have dzf fittings elbows ,tail ends
etc. I Have changed two boats now from plastic to gm. the only nylon I will use is marelon.Plastimo also have a good selection especially for tight cockpit drain angles.good luck

 

[Strathglass]

I upped the size of my cockpit drains from 1.5" to 2.5" using components from ASAP. No problems procuring the parts. I did buy the pipe locally in Inverness, and double clipped everything.

 

[Guest]

Oh Dear...

You fell asleep in the bath and think that you're in your boat!