My cockpit drains below the waterline-any thoughts?

[PabloPicasso]

I think he means the outlets are below the waterline rather than the drains in the cockpit. As you say it is no longer truly self draining if the cockpit sole is below the waterline.

It'd be self-filling

 

[crown22]

Hi Capn Creosote I'm not very good at measuring by the look of things. My Atlanta Viking 8.5 is near Bangor just around the corner from you. I try to sail with my mast not far from vertical you must like a lot of wind.Stemar my Colvic had gate valves on the cockpit drains.I think they were seized open?I never messed with them in case they came apart in my hand.Thanks everybody.

 

[Refueler]

Many boats have no seacocks. Why would you want to close them if the cockpit is open to the weather? The whole purpose of cockpit drains is to stop it from filling with water (mostly from rain).

My drains are only mm above waterline at transom .... I leave open when moored / anchored ... but closed when underway sailing or motoring.

Why ? Fed up with wet feet once the transom squats ! Honest ... once she starts moving and stern squats - the drains in cockpit start to burble ... as speed increases and stern squats more - water backflows.

To OP - leave open when boat not in use if all hoses etc. are good ...

 

[Tranona]

My drains are only mm above waterline at transom .... I leave open when moored / anchored ... but closed when underway sailing or motoring.

Why ? Fed up with wet feet once the transom squats ! Honest ... once she starts moving and stern squats - the drains in cockpit start to burble ... as speed increases and stern squats more - water backflows.

To OP - leave open when boat not in use if all hoses etc. are good ...

I agree. However, most (like the OPs) are not like that and the cockpit sole is well above the waterline and the drains and seacocks buried in a lazarette - or like in my GH in the forward end of the cockpit.with the outlets under the gearbox. Many modern boats don't have problems because the cockpit sole is high and the water drains through an open transom slot. Best arrangement was my last Bavaria with a trou8gh under the drop down transom. So instant draining and minimal chance of water ever getting in the cockpit through the stern.

All it goes to show is there is no single answer. Just do what suits your and the boat's needs.

 

[Refueler]

I agree. However, most (like the OPs) are not like that and the cockpit sole is well above the waterline and the drains and seacocks buried in a lazarette - or like in my GH in the forward end of the cockpit.with the outlets under the gearbox. Many modern boats don't have problems because the cockpit sole is high and the water drains through an open transom slot. Best arrangement was my last Bavaria with a trou8gh under the drop down transom. So instant draining and minimal chance of water ever getting in the cockpit through the stern.

All it goes to show is there is no single answer. Just do what suits your and the boat's needs.

I would question OPš height of cockpit drains above water .... I know the Atlanta and its base model well. It will not be too different to mine ..