Drain cover

[yogawme]

I'm new to sailing (dating a sailor). I am looking for suggestions for a part that can be placed over the cockpit drain in order to keep it from clogging while out of the water.
Currently while the boat is out of the water and it rains, leaves collect in the drain area and the cockpit fills with water.
The boat is a Macgregor 24. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate.
Thanks

 

[sail sfbay]

Welcome to the forum!!

Consider this........fabricate a teak box frame covered with large amount of screen surface area to trap the leaves while allowing rainwater to pass through. Cover the frame with screen mesh on top and sides, staple the screen to the outside frame, then place the screened box over the cockpit drain. It should be heavy enough to stay in place and if not, add some weights to the base.

 

[PaulK]

It would be simpler to take sfbay's idea and use different materials. (It' a MacGregor, not a Hinckley) Stiff wire mesh (1/4", perhaps?) can be fashioned into a box that can be placed over the scupper drains. Leaves will get trapped on the mesh, and water will flow underneath. If fashioning a box is too tricky, you could cut the mesh into strips about 6" X 18". Roll them into rolls about 4" in diameter. Squish them a bit to flatten them, so they don't roll around, and put one on top of each scupper drain. Avoid stepping on them, of course.

 

[Benny17441]

A canvas cover or even mosquito netting over the cockpit might prevent leaves from falling in the cockpit and thus the need for wire mesh over the scuppers.

 

[rgranger]

Augusta does not get a lot of snow but snow and ice can also plug a scupper and allow the cockpit to fill with water. I saw a boat sink in a marina in Virginia because ice had closed the scupper. @Benny17441 's idea to put a tarp over the boom when not in use is a good idea (especially in the fall months).

 

[jssailem]

I have used these in my gutters to help.

Available at your friendly hardware or box store. Made of aluminum so as not to rust. They eventually get clogged. It will get you to check on the boat occasionally, but will allow you a few days away.

Welcome to SBO @yogawme and congrats on finding a sailor.... to get out on the water.

I used a plastic tarp that draped over the cockpit for long periods (think winter in the PacificNW). They are not pretty and eventually need to be replaced (@Benny17441 's idea of canvas would be more permanent), but will work for the task you have in mind.

 

[dlochner]

I'm new to sailing (dating a sailor). I am looking for suggestions for a part that can be placed over the cockpit drain in order to keep it from clogging while out of the water.
Currently while the boat is out of the water and it rains, leaves collect in the drain area and the cockpit fills with water.
The boat is a Macgregor 24. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate.
Thanks

Take a section of PVC pipe that fits snuggly in the drain. Drill holes in the pipe large enough to let water in, yet small enough to keep debris out. Stick the pipe in the drain when you leave.

Some of the holes should be very low right deck level and others should go up a few inches. The higher ones are for very heavy rainfall or if the lower ones get clogged.