Freezing Scuppers

Quickstep192 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2001

I have a 24'' Quickstep which has cockpit scuppers which are connected via hoses to through hull fittings which drain below the water line. Since I''ve begun keeping the boat in the water over winter (with an ice eater), the scuppers have frozen. Has anyone had this problem and know a solution?

paulk · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2001

You could try closing the seacocks and pouringour biodegradeable antifreeze into the drains until they filled to the cockpit level. If the cockpit is uncovered, you''ll have to shovel out the cockpit each time it snows. If it rains, you''ll have to drain the cockpit to get the water out and repeat the process.

flyingbuss · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2001

Hi,
If you had shore power you could try some heat tape???? Just an off the wall idea as i was fitting some to a home yesterday and the stuff is on my mind.
Cheers, Garry.

skok · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2001

I keep my boat in the water over the winter in Annapolis MD. If you run a piece of surgical tubing through the scuppers it will prevent the freezing and cracking I worry about. It will also thaw and allow the scuppers to drain when it warms. I have not had much build up during the winters in MD.