Replacing cockpit drain hoses

[Randy]

I'm thinking about replacing the cockpit drain hoses in my 84 Catalina 27. Is there anything special I should consider before doing this repair? It seems fairly straight forward--the hoses run from the plastic drain fittings in the cockpit sole to the plastic through-hull fittings in the bottom of the hull, passing through the lazarette floor on their way down. Other than carfully removing the old hoses, and replacing them (and the hose clamps) with new ones, do any of you have any tips for me?Randy

 

[Dave]

On Track

Randy: You have it all down....Maybe a utility knife to cut the old hoses off would be my only suggestion.....Thiry minutes and you will be done with that project...What next?

 

[Hugh]

working with things below the water line

I replaced the same on my old boat. Good thing, too, because I found that the old scuppers were simple plumbing drains, and had corroded to the point where when I touched them, they disintegrated... If you have those, I'd suggest replacing with PVC types. I caught it one year when I was checking for leaks after launch. In fiddling around tracing a drip, I discovered the brittle drain extension. Further, the thru hull valve they were connected to was frozen...... had to change out both.Had that broken under sail, the hose would have fallen to below water line and we would have taken on water at a mighty pace.I am not sure of your specific setup, but I would mention that when working with any hoses that connect below the waterline, use heavy duty hoses, double up on hose clamps, etc.

 

[Hugh]

photo

Attached is a picture of the thru hull valve and my temporary fix, taken right before I took the whole valve out and replaced it. That is cheap hose, but in a pinch it worked great.

 

[Don]

A few tips

I did mine a few years ago after I found the hoses cracked and leaking while under way. I think your 84 is plumbed like my 86, although the earlier models were completely different. I did mine with the boat in the water, but will make you very nervous because you are working right at the waterline. I actually had my helper sit on the bow to keep water from coming in. Originally, mine was black exhaust hose that connected to a household type PVC hose barb. The fitting on the cockpit floor is marine type 1-1/2 in. I purchased 3-1/2 feet of white sanitation hose and 2 each 1-1/2 inch male threaded hose barbs from a marine store. In the port cockpit locker, remove both inboard access panels and the aft panel. In the lazarette, remove the bottom access panel. In the quarter berth, remove the upper trim molding on both sides, and then remove the aft panel. I used 2 pipe wrenches to remove original hose barb. I cut the white hose in two equal lengths. I put the hose on the bottom barb, then measured the top. The length is critical, too long and it will not fit. Too short, and it's back to the marine store. If you have wheel steering, make sure the port hose does not hit the steering cable. I had to twist the hose and then tighten the clamps to make it clear. Hope this helps. Don #6293

 

[Randy]

Thanks for the help, guys!

I'll be doing this project in a couple weeks, and I appreciate the tips!Randy