Ski storage won't drain

[optik45]

Well Im just getting my little 1990 Four Winns 170 out of winter storage and I gave the carpet a good scrubbing with Dawn and hosed it down. However the ski storage department wont drain. There is a hole in the stringer to allow water through, but if I put my finger in it all I feel is the gas tank. I unscrewed a hatch on the deck to get to the fuel tank but there was no room to see anything underneath it. I checked the stringer hole under the engine compartment but didnt see any blockages. How can I unplug this clog?

 

[Boaty Boat]

Re: Ski storage won't drain

I have a 93 Celebrity with the same issue. The drain is in the front of the ski locker and any water runs to the rear! Last year, I replaced rotten deck and stringers and found the fuel tank compartment bulkhead was clogged with trash, which was blocked by sloppy, factory, fiberglass work. I made sure the bulkhead openings were clear and smooth when I glassed the new ones in. I left the ski locker carpet unglued, so, I can easily clean it out. My last step is to drill a couple of holes at the rear of the ski locker for proper drainage to the bilge.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Ski storage won't drain

This sounds dumb but I cleared my last boats drain with an auger for plumbing. It was the cheap one (already had it) that coils up and has a handle to spin it. I stuck it in the hole and didn't have to go to far till it cleared all the old carpet and crud. I ran clear water thru it with the bow pointed high! it worked for me.

 

[optik45]

Re: Ski storage won't drain

I was thinking of using an auger but the drain hole in the rear stringer of the ski compartment is so small, If the gas tank was suspended just a half an inch higher it would probably drain so much better. A coat hanger barely fits through the drain hole and under the gas tank.....crappy design

I ended up taking a pressure washer and sticking it in the hole which forced a little bit of crud that was stuck under the gas tank and pushed it through to the rear of the bilge. Its draining now but very slowly. I think I need to find a way to suspend the gas tank just a bit higher off the hull so it can drain faster.....Oh how I cannot wait for the day I have an all fiberglass boat.