I don't know what they are called but i have 4 (2 each on each side) of these drainage troughs (?) on the outside of my 1986, catalina 34. they are about one inch deep, by 1 inch wide by about 2 inches long with a hole in them by the stanchions. these things are always full of tree waste and water is pooling on the cabin top. I'd like to figure out some way of blocking these off so the water doesn't pool and perhaps cause a leak. Does anyone else have these and what did you do about them? i was thinking of running old running rigging between the stanchions, to block these off. other ideas?
thanks in advance
becki kain
hull 99 detroit
Not sure why you'd want to close the main deck drains, which is what they are. The little hole from the "dimples" through the gunwale have, in very, very few cases, been reported to leak. The "cure" is to simply slather some epoxy on the inside of the holes. Another idea that a C42 skipper had was to stuff some clear hose into the holes so that the hose stuck out just enough to avoid the dirty water draining down the hull to avoid dark streaks. I have found no need to do this in 16 years, 'cuz I simply clean the "dimples" with FSR every once in a while. If tree stuff gets in yours, consider getting some simple screen material from ACE Hardware and get inventive in covering the four of them.
When mine clog the deck puddles badly.
Why would anyone purposely make this a permanent condition?
The clear plastic tubing stuck into these helps a bunch. About 3 inches long is all you need to keep the black streak off the side of the boat. I think Ron is the one who told me about that idea.
Ralph
FSR? and where am I putting the clear tubbing? thanks
Fiberglas Stain Remover -- check any online chandlery for it. It's one of the three or four cleaning materials you should consider a "must have" on your boat.
You stick the small tubing INTO the hole so a few inches stick outside the boat and it is flush with the inside of the hole. The outside diameter of the tubing is the same size as the hole.
I guess i'll need to take a picture to explain this. tons of tree stuff gets stuck in this drain and backs up, pooling on the stanchions. i want to fix that issue.
Trees are nice.
If you want to keep your drains clear, don't park near them.
? that is where my well is.
Maybe it should just be a regular maintenance item to clear the drains every time you get to your slip.
I suppose you could cut out those sections of the toerail flush with the deck? That's done on other boats.
You had better have some good glass and gellcoat skills.
I had the same problems with debris clogging the drains in the toe rail. I simply used a drill bit and enlarged the holes so that everything would drain through without clogging. I sealed the cut surface with epoxy.
do you have a picture of the enlarged holes with the epoxy? thanks!
Sorry, I sold the boat 9 yrs ago. :cry4`
Quote from: anaisdog on August 12, 2014, 05:49:26 AM
do you have a picture of the enlarged holes with the epoxy? thanks!
Quote from: Ken Krawford on August 12, 2014, 03:37:24 AM
I had the same problems with debris clogging the drains in the toe rail. I simply used a drill bit and enlarged the holes so that everything would drain through without clogging. I sealed the cut surface with epoxy.
How large of a hole did you drill?
Bear in mind it did this more than 25 yrs ago, but I believe they were about 1" in diameter.
The "new" hole should use the BOTTOM of the old hole as the bottom of the new one, and make it bigger on the upper side. Clear?
I'm going to try the clear tube idea first. thanks
Quote from: anaisdog on August 14, 2014, 11:10:32 AM
I'm going to try the clear tube idea first. thanks
Hi,
This will not help you with your problem, it will make it worse.
The clear tube is to make the water fall away from the side hull.
But the clear tube has it's outside diameter the size of the hole, but the inside diameter smaller and will have more chance to clog.
since i can't be at my boat every day (darn work!), do you have any suggestions? thanks!
Quote from: anaisdog on August 20, 2014, 10:12:58 AM
since i can't be at my boat every day (darn work!), do you have any suggestions? thanks!
Becki, from my first reply on page one:
Quote from: Stu Jackson on August 10, 2014, 10:11:35 AMIf tree stuff gets in yours, consider getting some simple screen material from ACE Hardware and get inventive in covering the four of them.
thanks Stu. I was trying to figure out how to put screen on without looking completely ghetto!
Just a couple of thoughts... What about a tarp/tent or boat cover? Also, perhaps try to adjust the trim of the boat to direct/control how the deck drains? or hire a live-aboard gardener! 8)
Give the boat to me, I'll keep it spotless for you.