Sounds like a homemade version of a garboard drain, which used to be common on boats but not so much anymore. We never get any moisture build up during winter with the boat covered. If there is condensation it's not much, certainly not 4-5 gallons. I always leave a gallon or so of pink stuff in the bilge just in case, and that is mostly evaporated by spring.

I purchased a C36 3 years ago and had a lot of water coming down the mast. Antifreeze did not help since it remains separated from water over the winter if water gradually infiltrates the bilge. in 2011 I had the the yard put a similar drain opening at the lowest point in the bilge. It completely solves the water and ice problem. No need to check anything over the winter. I also allows air to circulate a bit which I think keeps the boat fresher over the winter. I am told this is quite common in power boats. It has worked like a charm for two seasons and there is no water coming into the bilge when the plug is reinserted.

[quote=mikekazan;15508]I purchased at C 36 3 years ago and had a lot of water coming down the mast. Antifreeze did not help since it remains separated from water over the winter if water gradually infiltrates the bilge. in 2011 I had the the yard put a similar drain opening at the lowest point in the bilge. It completely solves the water and ice problem. No need to check anything over the winter. I also allows air to circulate a bit which I think keeps the boat fresher over the winter. I am told this is quite common in power boats. It has worked like a charm for two seasons and there is no water coming into the bilge when the plug is reinserted.[/quote]

Any chance you could get a picture or two next time you're at the boat? Some of the owners that have this issue might be interested in seeing how and where it was put in. It sounds like a good project. If you have any details of how the yard did it that would be of interest as well. Thanks.

Two winters back I noticed my cradle buddy next to me had a 3/8" hole drilled in his bilge, which he secured in the summer with a SS bolt.For the previous 6 winters, I had to visit the boat once a month from late November to March to either vacuum water or chip ice from the bilge. Even with a full canvass cover, I would get at least 6" of ice/water buildup every 30 days.
I found a spot in the center section of the bilge where I could drill a 1/4" hole, about 1/2" off the bottom that allowed me to put a combination of SS bolt, washer, neoprene gasket, neoprene gasket, washer, lock washer, and nut. I also use locktite on the nut in the bilge.I also sealed the hole surfaces with epoxy such that I have to thread the bolt each spring thru the epoxy.
My bilge now remains almost dry during winter storage. I have a 5 hour round trip to Port Clinton from my home in Alliance, which I now only make once in December to inspect the canvass cover, and then in April to start preparing the boat for an early May launch.

Jack F Stewart
1993 C36 #1233 "Windancer" Wing Keel
Port Clinton, OH

Next time I'm out Ill take some shots, inside and out.

Just checking if any one has any updates on installing the Garboard Drain. We are in Florida and the boat sets now for the summer months. Last year we had a lot of water in the bilge. Jacks Idea is the best so far as I am about to poke a 1/4 inch hole in the center section of the bilge. I was hoping someone could give me more insight on this before drilling. If not I will be the guinea pig I guess.

Can you shoot some pictures and write a bit of text for an article Randy?

Yes I will Bud, I was hoping to see some pictures or someone Else's first. I just hate drilling a hole into an unknown. But I have patched holes before. I will give it some thought and do a write up. Just give me a little bit of time.

No problem Randy, whenever you get a chance. Upside of having the boat in Florida, at least the water in the bilge won't freeze!

Randy, Headed for the boat this Thursday. Start my waxing of the hull. Will take some photos of my drain hole and bolt and washers.
System worked great this winter. Never had to make one trip to the boat.
My Golf Cart Batteries lost less than 0.1 volt during the 6 month winter.
Removed both positive leads from the battery terminals.

Jack F Stewart
1993 C36 #1233 "Windancer"
Port Clinton, OH

Randy,
Here is a link to detail one installation. I saw one similar on a Catalina 30 and thought "someone was nuts, to do that!" In many ways though it makes sense. Note he starts inside with a right angle drill. Pictures in this link, as well, although it is not a Catalina I think it will help.
Gary
[url]http://www.oocities.org/earlylight160b/InstallGarboardDrain.html[/url]

Gary:

I have mine all installed as I feel it came out very well. I used the same Garboard Drain that was in the picture on that web link. All I have to do is to try and find a little bit of bottom paint from someone right now that I can use a few brush strokes just so my Interlux 2000 will bond to it. I have pictures of what I did and I told Bud Street I would do a write up for him. I will let him take it from there.

As usual once you do something you learn. What I will end up with for water in the bilge is about 3/4 of a inch. After drilling the pilot hole I now know I could have had a almost dry bilge in doing this. But hey I took a shot at this and hope you will all learn from what I done,