Replacing Cockpit Drain Hose on O'Day 25 -- Help?

[DharmaBum]

I need to replace a leaky hose that runs from my cockpit drain fitting (the white plastic through-deck that's on the transom bulkhead in that little sump on the aft-most part of the cockpit where water collects) to the white through-deck fitting on the outside of the transom. I poked a big hole in it thinking I was clearing a clog. She's a 1979 O'Day 25.

It looks difficult, if not impossible, to reach it from either engine access hatch. Has anyone tried to crawl back there?

If it isn't possible (or I risk getting my butt stuck in an engine compartment for the winter), does anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking about cutting an access port into the bulkhead just above the cockpit fitting, but I'm not sure I'd be able to reach the hose and the clamps.

The boat's on her cradle for the winter, but I need to get this done before the snow starts flying and melting and water flows from the cockpit into the engine compartment. Anyone have any experience or ideas? Even a temporary fix that lasts until spring would help.

Thanks

 

[Napa Ed]

you wrote "engine access". do you have an inboard? on my 78, I removed the quarter berth partion and have full access to the area under the cockpit.

 

[DharmaBum]

Nope, OMC Saildrive

you wrote "engine access". do you have an inboard? on my 78, I removed the quarter berth partion and have full access to the area under the cockpit.

I have an OMC Zephyr Saildrive inboard, and a ten-gallon gas tank aft of the engine. I probably should've said that in my original post.

 

[Steve Morris]

Cockpit Drain Line

Napa Ed has it right. Remove the partion at the end of the quarter berth and you will be able to access the cockpit drain line.

 

[Nereussailor]

If it's anything like replacing them in the Hunter 30, you need to be a left handed midget with two double jointed elbows. Its a pain to get at and almost impossible to see. Unless what Napa Ed says works for your boat.
A heat gun or hair dryer will help to soften the new hoses and help get a good seal. Also if they are not crossed from the port cockpit drain to the starboard through hull and vise versa, you should think about doing that. It keeps water from coming back into the boat when heeled.
Either the factory never crossed the drain hoses on mine, or the previous owner of my boat changed them and uncrossed them.

Dave

 

[BobM]

Dave, midget is a derogatory term...they prefer little person ;-)

I think that a little person could make a heck of a lot of money specializing in sailboat repair and maintenance. I keep trying to get my sailing friends to send their toddlers to diesel mechanics school but I guess it will be a waste unless we can figure out how to stunt their growth too ;-)