Cockpit Drains

trevy_kins · Feb 3, 2006

In addition to larger drains/hoses/thru hulls etc. I have seen small
boats with large cockpits (i.e. C&C Shark 24) modified for ocean passages
by simply reducing the size of the cockpit by filling part of the space
with, for example, a water-tight storage compartments.

alan_critchlow · Feb 4, 2006

Hello Karl, The previous owners of our Vega sailed her around the
world. They were not concened about the size or draining of the
cockpit. They were concerned about the windows. They arranged lexan
shutters. If I were to do real offshore work I would install stronger
windows such as offered by Steve Birch.

Alan & Felicity V 1639 Voila

pelagicasd · Feb 4, 2006

Hi Karl, I agree with Alan. Better ports are a very good plan. So are
additional cockpit drains. After spending a night hove to in 30 foot seas
with 50 knot gusts I can attest to it. One very large wave came over the bow
and rolled across the deck and cabin. It was broken by the dodger. It still
put about 8 inches of water into the cockpit. It took way to long to drain.
At our next opportunity we put 2 additional drains in. We used 4 plastic 1
1/2 inch through hulls. Two thru the cockpit well and two through the stern
and connected them with hose. We never had that much water in the cockpit
again but we do have a lot more peace of mind. Walt, Lyic

bobnlesafloat · Feb 6, 2006

Having once spent a really fun afternoon in the Irish sea, during which Spring Fever's cockpit was full to overflowing for 90% of the time; I wouldn't worry about the Vega's seaworthiness. Though at the time I was perhaps fortunate to have recently renewed the locker and engine bay seals - I've renewed them regularly ever since.

Bob Carlisle

Karl Broer rabbit_cruising@... wrote:
I am a liveaboard cruiser considering an ocean passage
in my 1975 Vega. I am concerned that the boat's
seaworthiness may be jeopardized by a wave filling the
large cockpit.

I'd appreciate any information about this and any
solutions such as installation of additional or larger
cockpit drains. Thank you,

Karl Broer
"Sjojungfru"
lying Urbanna, VA, US__________________________________________________
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millerkm81 · May 11, 2006

I'm thinking about enlarging the existing cockpit drains on our Vega. The existing ones
seem to have a reputation for beeing a bit small for offshore work. My plan is to cut away
the existing fiberglass tubes in the cockpit, remove the hoses and the thru-hull fittings on
the stern, and replace the whole thing with 3 or 4 inch pvc piping epoxied to the hull and
cockpit in the same place where the originals were located (thus preserving the storage
space in the aft locker). Before cutting holes in the boat, though, I'd appreciate any
thoughts/concerns with the plan, as well as any other possible solutions. Can anyone
forsee any problem with using the pvc pipe?

Thanks!

Hans, Whisper #2751