self draining cockpit hose setup

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

On my boat, the cockpit drain is aft dead center in the cockpit, in a small sump. From this hole the hose runs forward under the cockpit and to one side about 18 to 20" diagonally, where it then turns down and into a through hull. The through hull is about a foot off the centerline to the starboard side. There is a relatively tight elbow just below the cockpit, otherwise the hose has gentle bends. The waterline can be seen about an inch below the sump in the cockpit. While sailing, water never seems to back up into the cockpit. The problem arises when it rains and the wind blows debris around. I want to make the hose slightly larger as debris occasionally plugs the current hose, especially at the elbow. My boat (and hose) are old, and I am thinking of replacing the hose with that new reinforced clear vinyl stuff sold in most hardware stores. While I am at it, I am thinking of sealing the old offset hole in the hull and running the hose straight down the 7" or so and placing a new through hull there, directly below the cockpit drain. Am I asking for problems having the hose so straight. (Will the sea splash up at me?) What would the advantage be of having the through hull where it is now, (forward and offset)?

 

[Ross]

There are valves that prevent backflow on drain

lines. If you install one of those, you can drain the cockpit without fear of water backing up when the stern squats at hull speed. Look to the local plumbing supply shop for the parts. A 2 inch PVC pipe can be bonded to the hull with polyester resin and to the cockpit sole. Glass them in inside and out and you will have a drain that can't be clogged unless you try to flush a body down it.