bilge drain

carl s · **Joined:** 31 Dec 2006 13:33 **Posts:** 90

I needed to install a drain for the water that accumulates in the bilge over the winter and freezes. What I did was drill and tap a 3/8in hole in the keel. The keel was thick enough by the bilge cavity and threads tapped just fine. This spring I used a 3/8 x1 1/2 bolt with caulk and fender washer on each side to seal the hole. It worked fine, no water in keel all winter and it doesn't leak. Mawky ser 295

JDLanglais · **Joined:** 27 Jun 2007 11:23 **Posts:** 40

Hello !
Could you explain further about it ?
Here in Quebec city, the temp is below 32F between december and march (sometimes well below...)
So for now I just pour a gallon of plumber antifreeze in the cavity and it did the job yet.

I am planning to install a ground shoe (Dynaplate) unter hull and I wonder if it could be attached to the keel somehow and also need at least one hole that will connect inside the bilge.

Thanks !

Jean-Denis,
Hull # 162

Down2TheC · **Posted:** 28 May 2008 13:29

Pictures would be great if you can. We need the same rig. With all the freeze/thaw action this winter we had some issues. The bilge was not overflowing but it was pretty full and every teak surface has a haze of mold. (5 hours of cleaning) It would be nice to minimize the moisture by letting the standing water in the bilge drain.

carl s · **Joined:** 31 Dec 2006 13:33 **Posts:** 90

Pictures will have to follow. I need to update several areas with pics on my other projects too. The bilge drain was about the easiest project. In the lower aft port corner of the bilge cavity i drilled and tapped a 3/8 hole which was sufficient to drain the small bilge all winter. For the spring launch i just used some caulk on each fender washer, one inside one outside and added a nut to tighten it. Real affective and quick and it looks good too. One caution, be careful when you drill the hole so there is enough room to add the washer on the inside. ie. if the hole is drilled too low to allow every drop of water out then the bottom of the bilge it will be hard to install the washer. so, drill mayber 3/8in up from the bottom of the bilge. ser 295 mawky

carl s · **Joined:** 31 Dec 2006 13:33 **Posts:** 90

have picture of my bilge drain plug. has worked flawlessly this summer, will haul mawky in a few weeks and it will be put to use this winter. sorry for the delay. thanks, carl

carl s · **Joined:** 31 Dec 2006 13:33 **Posts:** 90

my bilge drain may be hard to see in the preceeding pic. its the small stainless nut and bolt.

PaulR · **Joined:** 18 Nov 2006 11:35 **Posts:** 18

Am I missing something? I cover my boat in the winter and my bilge stays dry all winter.

Paul #19 Port Clinton Oh.

carl s · **Joined:** 31 Dec 2006 13:33 **Posts:** 90

Paul, I think i get some water coming in via the mast track, not much but enough to have to do something about it. Carl

Tartan37.com

bilge drain

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