Floor drains on the deck?

[F14CRAZY]

I just got thinking...obviously a lot of work should be put into replacing the deck properly...overdrilling and filling with epoxy, counter sinking screws, etc...

being a plumber I got thinking...why not install some floor drains into the deck so rain, dripping wet people climbing on board, etc won't have a chance to sit on the deck and will just drain into the bilge?

Can I simply make a hole in the deck near the rear in front of the engine so excess water could drain into the bilge?

Am I thinking too hard or is this a good idea?

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

If the boat is stored with the front higher than the rear wont the water run into the bilge without "plumbing"? Without sloped decks that lead to the drains I don't think it would catch much water.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

I'll be doing this exact sam thing when I replace the deck of my Bayliner Capri 1950. For whatever reason, the only drain is in the ski storage cover, which is in the center (and being a cover) highest point of the deck. Near the back, where the engine is is always damp if not downright puddle-laden.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

That's what I was thinking...maybe water on deck could drain into the cuddy but you always store a boat with the bow up and I think the boat naturally sits in the water a little bow-high. I don't remember any drainage for the deck near the rear so a floor drain or at least a nicely shaped hole in the floor with a screen would be good to have near the engine compartment and/or jumpseats

 

[GO OVRIT]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

It might not be much difference in labor to make it self-bailing. Instead of draining water to the bilge where it'll have to pumped out, just drain it right thru the transom.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

I think better boats have deck drains that lead to scuppers .
I wouldn't want the deck draining into the bilge, that could cause the boat to founder.

Under certain conditions its very easy to take a 2 ton wave over the transom onto the deck, if that drains into the bilge, engine fails and the next wave flips the whole thing.

Many boats that end up posting here, like mine, are slapped together with only a passing nod to under-deck drain design. Heck my stringers weren't glassed , just wood and paint. Some boats aren't built to last 30 yrs and they're priced that way.

To get better ideas for design I look at better boats, mako sea-craft etc.
You can observe a lot by looking. y.berra.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

guys the problem and #1 complaint with scuppers, is most of them leak, when the scupper is under the water, thus water on the deck.
a good automatic/manual bilge pump, and deck drains work well. i have use shower drains, and plumbed the to the stern, one in the foot well of the bowrider, and 2 in the stern. keeps the decks dry.

 

[contractorguy]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

There should be weep holes through the dog house (on top of the deck) to let it drain back to the bilge without adding a penetration to the deck.

Do you have a ski locker? It has a 'drain' tube that runs back to the bilge also (under the fuel tank on most). Keep it sealed and clear of obstruction.

I've always questioned that design, and think that's where the water intrusion begins on older boats.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Floor drains on the deck?

That sounds right. I just don't recall seeing these weep holes.

I don't have a ski locker though. It was missing or something...dang previous owners