self draining cockpit Folkboat

[Callisto Skipper]

I have a 1970 Folkboat which has a self draining cockpit in the form of two holes in deck of cockpit which disappear somewhere. In the last few months one of these whole has become blocked and despite my best efforts to clear it from the deck it remains so. I thought that I might be able to clear it from the other end however I can't work out where the thing self drains to and there does not seem to be anywhere obvious. Could someone tell me what I am looking for and where I might find it?
Thanks

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Hi Callisto !

I expect someone will come along who actually owns a Folkboat and will tell you the answer.

In the meantime, it is likely that your cockpit may drain via seacocks . Probably hard to see in the engine compartment. Have a really good butchers with a good torch and see what you have got.

A self draining cockpit these days describes water which will drain directly overboard without seacocks. Largely because it is above the waterline. It is unlikely that your cockpit floor is above the waterline.

I'm sure you will enjoy your Folkboat. It has a fantastic history and is a true classic.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

Unfortunately for you there are many different Folkboats, although the basic design is prescribed there are many differences in respect of these sorts of details, you don't say whether yours is carvel, clinker or grp or whether it has an inboard engine, all of which might be relevant. You will almost certainly find that the drains are connected to outlets either in the hull more or less immediately below the cockpit drains, or to an outlet in the transom. They should (must if they are below the waterline) have valves to prevent the boat from flooding in the event of failure of the pipework; when you find them make sure the valves open and close securely. Look in all the lockers and via any access you have from inside the cabin and you will find the drains eventually.

 

[prv]

It is unlikely that your cockpit floor is above the waterline.

If it wasn't, and it has drains to the sea, it would have water in the bottom!

You ought to know where all the holes in your hull are, so that you know where to look if one day you pop below and find your legs are getting wet. If your cockpit drains (and other pipework?) might have been neglected through owners having no idea of their existence, it would be a good idea to check the rubber/plastic hoses aren't degrading or that wet-footed day might happen sooner rather than later.

Pete

 

[rob2]

If the cokpit is self draining, then the drains will have to exit below the waterline. The original design of the Folkboat had the cockpit sole below the waterline, so there is little room for it to be far above it. I have heard that Varne's were built with a sort of watertrap that the drains fed into, presumably to stop waves sending waterspouts into the cockpit. I don't know for sure if a similar system was used on their folkboats, but it could be something you should look for.

Rob.

 

[Steviecracknell]

Does anybody know the best position for the drains, either the front or back of the cockpit sole. I have 2 to fit. And is it better to let them drain through the transom or directly below!
Cheers Stevie.

 

[prv]

Does anybody know the best position for the drains, either the front or back of the cockpit sole.

Whichever is lowest when the boat is in its normal trim moored unattended. It's unlikely the sole will be perfectly level, and if you fit them at the high end you'll have a puddle.

I have 2 to fit. And is it better to let them drain through the transom or directly below!

Personally I like the idea of solid glassed-in straight tubes, which are part of the hull and require no seacocks, have no hoses which can disintegrate or come adrift, and are easy to keep clear. Few yachts are arranged such that these can go straight down (the engine is usually in the way) but they might go out through the transom. Or in many cases neither is possible and you have to live with flexible hoses (as I do).

If you can exit through the transom above the waterline (tube or hose), you have two fewer holes that can sink your boat while you're not on it.

Pete

 

[William_H]

Self drainig cockpits

Re design of drains
You need to be aware of where the water line is with no one on board and at a mooring. The weight of a swing mooring can pull bow down stern up. And with usual crew in the cockpit. Some boats vary more than others. My light weight 21fter varies by a huge 20cms or more.
This means that rain does collect at the front of the cockpit floor until it is high enough to reach the drains.
It also means that with a lot of people in the cockpit (6) water will enter from the drains.
In mine the drains go down to an elbow then straight aft to transom drains. No stopcocks as drains are well above water when left unattended.
What I would prefer if redesigning would be a pipe or slot from back of cockpit straight aft or perhaps with slight slope to the transom. A complicated drain system can get clogged. I did rescue a little 20 fter on a mooring obviously neglected where seagull mess and sticks had clogged the drains. Such that rain built up to the level of starting to run into cabin over the bridge deck. sinking was imminent.
To the OP yes you do need to understand thee system inside out. Get exploring.
Just a few thoughts good luck olewill

 

[willyd]

I realize this a a cold thread, but thought I'd voice my appreciation for the advice given here as well as add my two cents' worth.

I've got a Whitby 25 folkboat, and found out much to my chagrin when heading out on a trip recently that with two or more adults in the cockpit and any heeling at all (or none, with 3 people), I get a lot of water in the cockpit that comes in through the drains. When heeled 10-15 degrees with three adults and a fair amount of gear, we had several inches of water sloshing around. Previously, sailing alone, I only saw water coming in when the boat heeled 30 degrees or so, though there was less weight in gear on board as well. Seems like a weird design, since not only do the drains let water in, they do little to drain the cockpit; the cockpit drains very slowly and would be a real liability if pooped. I can basically fill the cockpit with a hose if I want, it's so slow to drain out.