Cockpit Drains

Cockpit Drains

Christian Moeller 29 Apr 2012 20:32

The GD cockpit is equipped with 4 drains. On our Libertè the drains are connected cross-wise and I am not sure whether this is the original arrangement. Practically I can not see the advantage or necessity of this arrangement. Lately I have experienced that splash and rain water could not escape from the aft cockpit (where the motor control is located!) and I was forced to us a bailer scoop to get it out. I think this situation could be improved by connecting the the drains forward to aft.
Anybody knows whether it has to be cross wise?

Christian

Re: Cockpit Drains

red dane 12 May 2012 12:54

Hi Christian,
The drains are crossed to allow the water to escape when the boat is heeled over on a tack. The cockpit water can therefore drain without having to overcome the surface tension of the sea on the seacock opening which will be below the water. Also worth considering, if uncrossed, there is a real possibility of the sea coming up the drain and into the cockpit as you sail. This is only an opinion, but I see the sense in it.

Callum

Re: Cockpit Drains

Henrik Kofod 12 May 2012 19:26

Hi Christian,
I'm the owner of the original prototype of GD28 (sailnumber D1) from 1965.
I can confirm that I have the same set-up in my old mahogany boa and I can only support the explanation from Callum.
Best regards Henrik

Re: Cockpit Drains

John D Willimann 14 May 2012 16:41

Actually I wanted to add to the question. I've got the back drains crossed over but not the forward ones. Is it the same on your boats?

Re: Cockpit Drains

Henrik Kofod 15 May 2012 07:37

Hi, yes it's exactly the same on my boat on the drains I have from the cockpit, but I have only 2 drains, no drains in the front (if I understand your question right)

Best regards
Henrik

Last edited on 15 May 2012 07:41 by Henrik Kofod Show more

Re: Cockpit Drains

Mr Pepe 31 May 2012 21:04

Hi everybody - I`ve got the same setup as John (aft drains crossed and forward drains straight down). I inspected the fittings this winter and found quite some corrosion inside the "upper fittings". The fittings in my boat are actually identical to the ones used as bottom valves in bathroom sinks. They are made of brass and have a layer of chrome so tried to work out a better solution - without any luck.
However - it is still possible to buy new ones in Denmark - mine is 5/4" and they have a so-called VVS no.: 747011010 - the danish designation is "Bundventil M/Prop".

Best regards
Peter