Self-bailing cockpit drain

[Steve Gomer]

I have a 1981 MacGregor 25 with a self-bailing cockpit. The drain was cluttered with leaves, sticks, etc. I used my plumbing "snake" to clean it out. The first attempt worked well. I wanted to go through one more time when the "snake" became caught. I pulled a little harder and up came a thing piece of rusty wire. The end that appeared had a spiral to it like it was part of a spring. I pulled the rest of the wire out and the piece ended up being about 3 feet long. Does anyone know if I have caused damage? If so, does it need to be repaired, and if so, how do I go about this? I can be reached at gomersteve@insightbb.com if someone needs to contact me directly. Appreciate any help.

 

[Tom Eckes]

You grabed the drain line

The Mac 25 has a hose similar to a radiator hose that carries the water from the cockpit out the back of the boat. It sounds like you have damaged the drain hose. Now you will have to remove the floatation foam from under the cockpit and go in and remove the existing hose and take it to the local auto parts store and find a similar hose and replace it. If you are not a large person it won't be a problem. If you are, you might have to find a smaller friend to do the job for you. Have fun. While you are down there you might want to order a 12 below deck gas tank from Overton's Marine and install it while you are at it. It is one of the best improvements I have made to my boat.