Clogged drain

[Jeffreyi]

I have a 1989 16' Maxum Outboard. There is a closed drain canal that runs from the water catch area mid ship to the collection area in the stern where the bilge pump is located. This canal or tube is integrated as part of the hull. It is clogged. I tried to clear it by pushing a firm tube from bow to stern but is solid. I was even able to (barely)reach into the collection area and push a firm piece of cable from stern to bow. It only went in about 6". What ever is stuck there is a solid piece of matter. I know this because when I push the cable with small tapping movements (that's all the leverage I have) it makes a sound. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Is there anyway for me to remove this check valve so the water beneath the deck can drain into the bilge and be removed by the bilge pump?

 

[Rob454]

Re: Clogged drain

Can you get to the drain hole from the center storage area? can you use a long piece of threaded rod and shove it in feom the drain hole at the transom? a piece of threaded rod is only a couple of bucks at the home depot
Rob

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Thanks Rob:
There is no problem in running anything from Bilge #2 to Bilge #1 (see attachment). Bilge #1 in the stern has very little room to run anything but a flexible piece and it only goes in about 8" when it begins to hit the check valve.

Why are you suggesting a threaded pipe??

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Further clarification.

1. Someone on this site suggested that there may be a check valve in the line. Is that the case??

2. The water does drain, albeit slowly, when the boat is on plane, but that doesn't help me when it rains an inch and I have no plans to go out.

3. I'm I the only person (Maxum Owner) having this problem??

 

[steve201]

Re: Clogged drain

looks like your the only one..that drain runs along the keel from about bow to stern....it's basically a small pvc pipe there right?....that should be open and no check valve at all....probably during manufacture ..someone screwed up and didn't put the pvc at the hole....or something got blocked up....I'd think that the only way to get too it is to go thru a deck hatch or something....i don't think I'd use a drill either cuz it might veer off in the wrong direction.......how bout rigging a bilge pump as far aft as possible to collect it and shoot it overboard???...otherwise ..your gonna have to use a shop vac each time it rains....sorry....

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Thanks Steve, your explanation make sense and I already have an extra bilge pump to use as you suggested. Just one other question. When the boat goes on plane and the water drains into the stern bilge, what do you think is happening? Maybe, while that's happening I can run something down the drain and block it open?

Jeff

 

[ndsansa]

Re: Clogged drain

I have a 1996 19' Maxum with the same problem. My ski locker fills up after a rain storm and doesn't run back to the stern. I was thinking of running a sewer snake up the drain, but I wasn't sure that would be safe. What did you end up doing? Does anybody else have any ideas?

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Someone suggested that it may be a mfg. defect. Anyway, what I did was install a new bilge pump and hook it up when I'm not using the boat. When I'm on the water, on plane it drains.

Good luck. If you find out something interesting let me know.

Jeff