Yamaha 36 Mast Step Drains

[JJLK]

I have a Yamaha 36 built in 1981. The two 3/8" drains in the mast step at the cabin floor were plugged, so when it rains they fill up (some water gets through the cabin ceiling around the mast through the main sail track seem).

We have been able to clean the two drains down about 14" with a drill, then it seems like the drains turn in an "L" shape to the bilge where there is a single hole, and we are having trouble using a drain snake to clean the last part, or get at the single drain hole from the bilge.

Does anyone know what the mast step drains look like (i.e. are they an "L" shape that connect to the bilge), and how to clear them?
Thanks
JJLK

 

[mermike]

Sorry no. My '83 Y-33 doesn't have anything like that. Would compressed air help?

 

[jssailem]

Welcome JJ to the SBO Forums.
Reading your issue, I can understand your frustration. It seems that a L shaped bilge drain would be unusual and counter productive. All of the drains I have seen on various boats are shore direct lines. The intent of a drain design is to eliminate any structure that might inhibit the drain function. Turns and especially 90º turns are nothing more than a trap to block a drain.

Perhaps something has become trapped in the drain. Perhaps there is a failure in the base material that has collapsed. Perhaps someone before you tried to alter the drain.

If it was my boat I would approach this problem not by sorting out how the "Original Structure was", but how should the drain system be designed. The simplest structure is usually the best plan.