sink drain ?

[Southron Spirit]

is the sink drain shut off valve on everyones boat on the bottom of the hull.
i was trying to figure out why there was a valve in the open positon with a hose on it ,traced it back to the sink .

the sink is to small to wash anything in anyway ,im going to use a rubber basin . i closed the valve and as soon as i can im going to remove the hose and screw a plug into that valve .

why didnt they just have it empty into the cockpit drain hoses
has anyone sealed that hole in the hull permanently ?

[DRFerron]

Are you referring to a galley sink or the sink in a head? The location of the valve will depend on the boat and if the previous owners made any modifications.

On our boat the galley sink drains directly out of the boat using a dedicated opening in the hull. There is a shut off valve located under the sink beneath the galley counter. Our sink in the head ties into the line that draws water into the head. If we close that seacock, the sink does not drain or any water in it will be drawn into the head when pumped.

I don't ever remember seeing a valve on the hull of a boat.

[Southron Spirit]

this valve comes out right next to the keel the other end leads to the sink where you are suppose to wash dishes but its so small you could probally only wash cups and silver ware . , the hose on the top left is for the swing keel cable.

[JiffyLube]

On our boat every line that goes to a through hull, has a valve that can be closed...even through hulls above the water line. Our head sink drains above the water line, and the galley sink drains below the water line.

[makenmend]

On my NA 23' there is no such hull valve. Only through hull opening I have are 1. below waterline for speed sensor
2.cockpit drains above waterline.

[windyway]

My 79 has exactly the same hull fitting in the same place.

[GoodOldBoater]

I replaced my thru hull sink drain - same location as well.

[JiffyLube]

I've been thinking about our galley sink through hull, and wonder why it's below the water line. I'd think it would drain better above the water line.

[Southron Spirit]

every time i look at that thru hull below the water it gives me the willys .
i am going to look into pulling it out and filling the hole .
the first thing i have to do is figure out how to get in there under the cockpit .

[Minnewaska]

I would not remove the thru-hull, unless you don't ever want to sell the boat. The next owner may like to pour things down the drain, like most people do.

The location of the drain has to do with your hull shape and location of the sink. It needs to remain below the sink, even when heeled over. There should be a seacock, at the hull, for any thru hull that could be below the water when heeled over.

If the idea gives you the willies, then keep it closed when not in use. If you're concerned about it being rusted, then replace it.