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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Bilge Drain Port - Any Issues ?

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/28/2014 : 09:39:39

I would say that 90% of the time I sail single-handed. The other times, it is generally with my spouse and sometimes with a total of 4 on the boat. This past weekend, we had the max I have ever had on the boat - 6 adults (my spouse and 2 kids with their spouses).

I noticed over the transom that the boat was definitely lower in the water. Had a great sail, nevertheless.

My question is that I never noticed except for this time that the depending on the tack, the bilge drain port was sometimes partially submerged. This concerned me in that it never dawned on me that this may be a potential safety issue in that I never really checked as to how secure the hose is from the inside to the drain port nor if the hose had any noticeable deterioration as this would be an entry point with no seacock protection. (This drain port is generally above the water line.) It was a non-issue during our sail as I kept a close eye every so often on the drain port and if it were to appear as though lower in the water...which did not occur.

When in port and packing up, I inspected the hose and it showed no deterioration. It did not appear to have any clamp that secures it to the drain port but the hose appears significantly rigid and securely in place attached to the drain port. No leakage what-so-ever.

But this got me thinking that as our boats age, this hose/drain port connection is a potential safety issue if not say periodically inspected and especially for those that oftentimes sail with many onboard.

Has anyone ever had an issue with the bulge drain port/hose and leakage ? Ever heard of anyone that has had an issue ?

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - OLarryR on 05/28/2014 09:42:04

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 10:23:30

<< Has anyone ever had an issue with the bulge drain port/hose and leakage ? >>

Leak?? You mean sink.

I'd raise that through hull in a heartbeat.. I've heard some folks like the through hull low to the waterline to keep the stain line dripping from it short.. I like those up a little higher, especially on a electric bilge pump line, so I can easily see the water spit out when I turn the pump on.

Now I've gotta go look at mine again.

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 12:08:08

You can install a back flow valve in the line that prevents water from coming in but lets bilge water flow out. You may already have one. See if you can find it.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 16:43:40

I believe the manual bilge pump has a check valve in it that would/should prevent the water from flowing into the bilge.

If it didn't I don't believe you could pump water out fo the bilge. It was just flow back and forth as you pumped the pump handle.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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5376 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 17:35:46

Yessir - you bring up an excellent point. It was perfectly fine 30 years ago, but now?? Would not bet my life on it.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3466 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2014 : 20:09:14

Thanks for the responses ! I am not that concerned regarding water coming in and traveling thru the hose to the bilge since the hose slopes upwards to the bilge pump casing and the water is just not likely to rise to the height of the bilge pump.
But I was concerned that if the hose was not securely connected to the drain port or if the hose was deteriorated near the drain port, then that could be a potential safety concern since the drain port is so close to the waterline and with many onboard, the drain port can partially be below the waterline. So just that area where the hose attaches to the drain port is an area of concern since if the hose has never been inspected and has deteriorated at that location, water could enter the hull. If the area is perhaps annually inspected, then there is at least some peace of mind. But it would seem a better design if the drain port was located perhaps 2-3" higher the present location on my boat.

Edited by - OLarryR on 05/28/2014 20:23:49

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2014 : 21:03:03

Mine is similarly located as your photo indicates. Normally above the waterline....except the rare times you may have a really full cockpit load of people onboard. Then that drain port is at the waterline with water entering and exiting with the up/down motio of the boat thru the waves/ripples.

On inspection the hose appears stiff and unlikely to come off the drain port fitting - It seems secure, although no clamp. Probably took a set many years ago. No noticeable deterioration on the hose.

I was out sailing today with my spouse and daughter....I never gave that fitting amy concern today. Well...3 less people onboard and a periodic inspection does wonders to build your confidence !!

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2014 : 04:23:49

If it is like mine the hose runs up from there to the pump. Boat would have to be in real deep to get the water up that high. Heeled over it could get closer, but I doubt if it would be far enough to get water in the bilge-if it could get past the actual pump.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.