Water in fish boxes

[togators]

I have reviewed this site and Bob's site and this was discussed before, but I never saw if the solution worked.  I have an 2003, 23 sport.  The fish boxes are in the deck and drain via a macerator pump.  Even though I try to keep the scuppers clear of debris, these boxes tend to fill up with rain water.  the only way to drain is to turn on the batteries and run macerator.  Earlier thread spoke of running a weather strip around the raised edge on box or around the lid where it meets the box.  If you have done this, was it successful?  Or do I just chalk this up to bad design and drain water every time I use her.  Thank you for your thoughts.

[C-Lark III]

I have reviewed this site and Bob's site and this was discussed before, but I never saw if the solution worked.  I have an 2003, 23 sport.  The fish boxes are in the deck and drain via a macerator pump.  Even though I try to keep the scuppers clear of debris, these boxes tend to fill up with rain water.  the only way to drain is to turn on the batteries and run macerator.  Earlier thread spoke of running a weather strip around the raised edge on box or around the lid where it meets the box.  If you have done this, was it successful?  Or do I just chalk this up to bad design and drain water every time I use her.  Thank you for your thoughts.

My problem is similar, but related to the engine hatch.  The drains in the corner don't do their job -- too easily plugged -- and so the rain water dribbles onto the engines.  Rather than try to seal the raised edge with weather stripping, which I don't think would give you a complete seal, I'm going "low tech".  I will buy a rubber mat that is slightly larger than the hatch - like the ones you put on the floor in a shop - and lay it over the hatch.  You would of course need to remove it when you're using the fish box, but it might be a decent solution.

[togators]

That sounds like it might work but I think I would be nervous that the mat would leave a mark either from just heating up and sticking to the deck or an outline due to oxidation from the elements.  Just a poor design for the deck.  Thanks

[Bruce03]

I'm wondering how you guy's boats are different from mine.  My 3250 has a raw water input via a pump, and to drain, I merely pull up the pipe in the middle (has a soft tip plug at the bottom) and it drains out via gravity to the side.  I know it collects water via rain and so do the engine cover hatches. 

After I learned that my faithful canine's  fur was clogging the scuppers, I would hose down and clean the "tracks" where the hatch covers would lay and this kept the scuppers clean.  Since I keep my boat in a slip and have shore power, the bilge pump handles any runoff (but check that pump filter for fur regularly!  ) 

If I were keeping it on a trailer, I would opt for the low tech mat or cover to keep rainwater out.  With winter coming, this is a bigger issue and water freezes.  Maybe some antifreeze in the bilge?

Bruce
Loose Rules V
1998 Pro-Line 3250 LXi's, B3's

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