On our Freedom 40/40, Full Monty, we have two deck drains (one port, one starboard) about 1/3 of the way along the deck from the stern. We have been able to clear them by using high pressure water in the thru hull below the water line. Flushing them from the deck doesn’t seem to work at all. We’ve tried inserting a wire into them, but only get in a couple of inches, so there must be a 90 degree bend. Any suggestions on how to clear these and keep them clear? I’m tired of having standing water on the decks, and then getting mold. As well, the wasps seem to really enjoy fresh rainwater on our decks.
Freedom installed 90 degree elbows to the thru deck fitting and at the drains just above the water line… You can change those to straight fittings in most cases. If you dig thru the closets and lockers you can find where the drain come thru the deck. Follow the hose to the outflow drain. Use marine fittings, not garden hose connections bought at the hardware store. You may have to relead hoses to do this. And in some cases it is just impossible .
This brings up another project. The drains above the water line get sun and wear out after 20 years, the age of your boat is approaching. If you are seeing any cracking of the exterior thru hulls, plan to change them all out. Use good marelon thru hulls and lots of sealant.
Regarding your companionway, Paul Dennis at Warren River Boatworks in Rhode Island makes some that fold back. Also some 40/40’s have storage in one of the steps.
Thanks Stephen. My husband has asked for a quote for the companionway doors. And good info on the deck drains. So far, all thru hulls are looking good. We changed out three or four when we bought the boat four years ago. Yard thought the others were still in good shape. Will go hunting for where the drain go through the deck.
Looks like you are being faced with a problem of a stubborn clog or blockage in the deck drains that is not reacting appropriately to the usual cleaning methods. You’ve been flushing from below the waterline and using a wire with limited success, however, the tight 90-degree bend in the plumbing is most likely the main reason for that, which prohibits performing a proper clearing. It may work to roll a flexible drain snake with a narrower - more flexible - head built for tight corners, which can move through the bend better than a rigid wire. Another method you can consider is a combination of air pressure and water, such as a plumber’s blow bag or air compressor, to push the debris through the bend without breaking the pipe. &, however; alternatives do not solve the problem, taking a closer look at the lines can be better by removing the access panels (if possible) and checking if there are any obstacles. To keep it free of blockages, using a mild cleaning solution from time to time together with a strainer or mesh guard over the deck openings that help prevent debris build……… putting on small mesh covers or screens over the deck drain inlets is possibly a good measure to keep them out without obstructing the drainage system.
My F40/40 thru hull fittings at the lower end of the scupper hose are a couple of inches above the waterline, not below the waterline. These thru hull fittings are not the sturdiest, and I would not want them below the waterline. Best permanent fix is to remove the hoses from the thru hull fitting and clean out whatever crud is blocking them. They are not difficult to get at, with the starboard side easily visible inside the stateroom closet and the port side inside the shower’s wet closet. The hose side of the fittings can easily break, so be careful when removing them. A few years ago I had the deck end of the scupper hose break off while we rode out a fierce Lake Ontario squall, and I did not realize it had broken off until we got into port. I was amazed at how much water came in thru ~2" deck hole into the bilge on that ride.
I put sink hair filter covers that just fit into the recess on the deck fitting to catch the crud simple then to scrape away letting the water drain away
interesting solution. Did it work? Did the filters stay in place?
Yes still blocked but a simple scrub with a deck brush cleared the hole and the water drained away
The ones i bought just fitted into the slight recess with a domed inner that sat over the hole
They were stainless steel
Interesting. I just flush mine using a hose when they get plugged. Seems to do the trick