Cooler drain for O'Day 272

[Mark Griffin]

After installing a new ice box drain, now what do I do with it? I am tried of have it drain into the bilge. I could tie it into the sink drain, but I think the bottom the cooler is below the water line. This might cause water to flow into the cooler, not drain. My best thought is to put a valve on it, teeing it to the sink drain. I could drain the cooler at anchor minimizing any backwash problems. Any thoughts, thanks

 

[RAD]

shower pump

check out this system if you have room in the bilge for it, and you could maybe plumb the shower to it too.

 

[r.w.landau]

Mark, I tied my 25's ice box into the sink drain.

I also put a quarter-turn valve in the ice box line.I don't use the ice box except for 16 oz.bottled water storage. I can open the valve and have no back feed into the ice box but I normally leave it closed.r.w.landau

 

[Tom]

Cooler drain

Originally the cooler drain on my OD25 ran to the bilge. The previous owner used a plastic gallon jug. But this got old...and full quick. Like Mr. Landau, I too tied my cooler drain line into the sink drain with a quarter turn ball valve and T connection. I keep it closed to hold the cold water while in use then open it to drain only. Works great.

 

[Rich / O272]

O272 cooler drain

Mark, I replumbed my icebox and had the same problem, what to do with the melted water. I got tired of pumping the bilge, as well, so I tee'd the line into the sink drain line. Looking at your picture, you are definitely below the waterline and the icebox will fill with water, as I found out through trial and error. The 272 has no shower or room for the system RAD described, as you know. My solution... I mounted a Shurflo Nautilus 12V/1.0 GPM pump (from an RV dealer for about $35)on the small wall, about where the white line appears in your picture. If I remember correctly, I had to reduce the line to 3/8" in and out of the pump. Got 12V to the pump and mounted a push/pull switch on the cabinet, next to the companionway steps. Then, I put a tee in the sink drain line, just below the drain and ran the pump line to it. I usually don't leave the sink drain thruhull open, but when I need to drain the box, just open the thruhull and pull the switch. Positive flow out the drain and no more slimey bilge. For me, this a was simple and cheap solution. I'd send pictures, but I'm not near the boat today, although you probably get the idea. If you want pictures, let me know and I'll take some.

 

[Charlie]

272 Drain

I fill large pop bottles with water and freeze them to make blocks of ice. With this system there is no water to drain into the bilge and the bottles can be used over and over.

 

[r.w.landau]

Mark, are you sure the bottom of the ice box is below the water line?

I thought for sure mine was but it is amazing how little of the hull is actually underwater.If you look at the waterline from the outside of the boat, the bottom of the water line is only maybe 10" to the lowest part of the hull. You have a thru-hull valve. I would disconnect the sink and plug in the ice box drain, then open the valve. If the water goes into the ice box, Spend the money! If not, install a Tee and a valve for when you are sailing. You can open it at rest with no problem.r.w.landau