self draining?

smallboatlover · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

so my sailboat has a self drainer in it. it is resesed into the cockpit floor. i was wonder should i leave it lock shut or should i leave it free if i leave it free it lets a little water in. i was wondering this because a rain storm is coming in and i left it locked shut when i wasn't using it since i didn't want any water at all to come in. so should it let a little water in until it fills the dip in the floor were it is resesed? or is there just a piece of sand stuck in it or some thing. also if i leave it unlocked and it rains will it close after it drains. i'm kinda nervous i don't wanna go back and see it 3/4 fill with water and listing to one side.

WDS123 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Open it -

smallboatlover · #3 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

so will the water stop coming in after it fills the little divit in the floor were it's recesed. http://img.nauticexpo.com/images_ne/...ies-254443.jpg thats the pic of it.

smallboatlover · #4 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

http://www.cautionwater.com/uploads/...01-parts08.jpg like that but the hand part is the other way locking it up. do you think a little rain will make a big deal to the boat?

WDS123 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Omfg - keep it closed always with 2 exceptions:

1) when dry sailing to allow water to drain out

2) after swamping open up and sail on broad reach to empty cockpit

Otherwise close -

BTW why are you keeping a little dinghy in the water ? You should dry sail it

smallboatlover · #6 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

dry sail it? so how is the water suppose to get out if i have it locked closed? it's eaiser to keep on a mooring than to trailer it. i have to put the trailer down a small hill onto the beach and than into the water, then step the mast and rig it up, that get every thing to go. easier on mooring just raise sails and go.

snowdawg · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

I believe the boat has to be moving in order for the self drainer to work. if the boat is moored and the drain is open it just a hole in the floor. If your worried about water in the boat you may have to get a bilge pump and battery

smallboatlover · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

yes thats what i thought snowdawg i was thinking in looking into a solar powered bildge pump or a small d battery powered one.

WDS123 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Dry sail ?

Most places should have an area where you can park your trailer with the mast up.

Dry sailing sure helps keep the bottom clean

snowdawg · #10 (**permalink**) 06-10-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallboatlover

yes thats what i thought snowdawg i was thinking in looking into a solar powered bildge pump or a small d battery powered one.

well to start most bilge pumps are 12 volt meaning large battery on board. I don't think a small solar panel will give you the power you need to run a pump.

Are you leaving the boat unattended that long that you are worried about rain filling it?