Problem in the Bow. Need to Empty but No Drain.

[flabrewer]

I just purchased an '88 O'Day 272LE. The blackwater tank is in the bow under the v-berth. The hatch above the berth has apparently been leaking since I purchased it.

My issue is, there's nasty water in the front under the berth and while I'm trying to figure out where it's coming from, I need to get it out. It's not connected to the bilge (would've been too easy).

Are there any tricks to getting it out? There's not really room to get a pump down in there, and even if I did, it would only get most of it out. I'd like to get it all out and scrub it clean. Also, I think it's too low to siphon.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[alexco38]

Wet and Dry vacumm cleaner !!

 

[flabrewer]

I thought about this but considering the situation, I'd probably have to throw it away after it's over. They are pretty cheap I suppose...

 

[fred1diver]

why would you have to throw it away?, a good rinse/cleaning and back like new

if there is no access you'll have to make one, easy to do and just cover it up with an inspection hatch.
but be sure not to drill in the blackwater tank
don't forget to remove the top hatch to reseal it properly and eliminate future problems

 

[seadaddler]

Home depot

I did purchase a small portable one which holds maybe 2 or 3 gallon's and is around $30.00 or so and have used it for many nasty clean ups and it can be rinsed off in and out with fresh clean water and have been using it for many years now over and over for sure.
It was all blue from bottom paint cleanup and use it all the time for sucking the bilge dry and clean and just hit it the bottom part away from the 110 electric part and some times let it suckup fresh water with bleach in it,it must be at least 10 years old by now and it is my main vacuum for cleaning our boat and a portable rechargeable dust buster for regular interior cleaning.
Nick

 

[Chris Patterson]

I would try the siphon hose. Go ahead and get you a glass of water or something, because sorta like gas, the taste may be foul..

 

[Johnb]

As above a shop vac is a good suggestion. After use just clean it. After cleaning put it in the sun and let it bake.

I would check and see if there are limber holes that are blocked. Moisture will inevitably accumulate in any space that is enclosed and cause smells and maybe rot.

Avoid getting any wounds when dealing with plumbing and if you do treat them promptly. Take that seriously!

 

[caguy]

West Marine has a hand pump that is primarilly for kayaks and dinks, but I have used it to remove water in areas that do not empty to the bilge. You can pump it in to a 5 gallon paint can.
I have also used a childs slurp gun that did a great job.

 

[Merlin Clark]

I would try the siphon hose. Go ahead and get you a glass of water or something, because sorta like gas, the taste may be foul..

Whatta barbarian!
http://www.harborfreight.com/fluid-siphon-pump-93290.html

 

[shemandr]

Sometimes a sopping sponge is the last resort.
I agree about the limber holes. The area should drain.

 

[flabrewer]

Thanks for the tips folks. Think I'll try the shop vac first.

Wonder how I would find out if it was supposed to drain from the factory? There's not really a good way to get in there and look.

 

[rgranger]

I would try the siphon hose. Go ahead and get you a glass of water or something, because sorta like gas, the taste may be foul..

Whoa! You can buy siphon equipment at AutoZone that is self priming. I would not put that to my mouth .... :naughty:

And as others have said.... a shop vac will do the trick. I have used my shop vac on my boat many many times. I have purchased many old and neglected boats... and one of the first things I do is go in with a pressure washer.... then suck it all out with the shop vac. Just clean the shop vac and replace the filter now and again and it will be fine.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Whoa! You can buy siphon equipment at AutoZone that is self priming. I would not put that to my mouth .... -quote-

Aw, it ain't so bad..

 

[Benny17441]

Get a manual handpump and a bucket and use a small plastic glass to scoop out what the pump won't get.

 

[zeehag]

rubber gloves and a sponge after shop vac.....you may need to remove some parts to reach inside--and if you dont like the situation you can rectify it with either a sump pump system or a limber hole to facilitate draining into main bilge for pumping to sea. your choice.

 

[Jackdaw]

Got a nearby pawn shop? I guarantee that they will have a used shop vac there for 1/3 the price of new.

 

[Jackdaw]

I would check and see if there are limber holes that are blocked. Moisture will inevitably accumulate in any space that is enclosed and cause smells and maybe rot.

Although I agree about limber holes in general, this is one of these places where it might be best to contain a leak. Same with diesel. Keep it in a small pool, keep it out of the entire bulge. Why make a small nasty mess a huge nasty mess??

 

[Winkfish]

Huggies type diapers work great for water. I had a sailboat that would always collect water before I fixed the leaky hatch. I'd leave a few diapers on the sole and when I next got back to the boat, I'd just throw out the bloated diapers. Sole was dry as a whistle.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Wait, wait. Jackdaw has give me a better idea. Buy one, use it, and take it back for a refund, say it don't work right. Make some noise about suing for mental suffering if they give you any slack about it..

 

[MrBill_FLL]

pull the vac filter before using with water.