Every so often, something – such as that piece of wood in the photo – will go down one of our cockpit drains and get stuck at the “L.” And then other bits of hair, dirt and who knows what else will get trapped as well.
We try to keep the drains covered when we’re doing a project in cockpit – we don’t want to lose parts down the drain, either – but sometimes things happen.
On our previous boat, we kept an old coat hanger with a “U” bent into the end to pull stuff out. Now we have a much better tool.
It’s called a Zip-It and you can buy them in most hardware and home improvement stores. We got ours at Home Depot for about $2.50.
Basically it’s a barbed piece of plastic that you can push down a drain (also works in the galley and head) and then pull out – all the gunk in the drain gets caught on the barbs and comes out too. Our cockpit drains have an “L” at the bottom and the plastic will bend so that we can clear the whole drain.
They’re not expensive but it’s worth it to get a name brand as two friends who have bought knock-offs had the plastic barbs break.
It’s one of those things that makes a “not fun” job a little easier. See it on Amazon (it’s more expensive, but if you don’t have a store nearby with one . . .):
- Cobra Zip-It (free shipping)
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Nicki Reineck says
These tools are great but the plastic they are made from does get brittle with age and then breaks in the drain. It is probably a good plan to replace regularly (and dispose of the old ones carefully).
The Boat Galley says
Thanks for that! We haven’t had a problem with ours (it’s been about a year), but maybe we’ll replace it sooner rather than later . . .
Nicki Reineck says
The Boat Galley Good idea, it was embarrassing to call the plumber to remedy my attempt at DYI.
patricia phillips says
a long handle bottle brush is great for lots of things on boat
Wheels To Keels says
We use the same one on our bus (i.e. landboat)! Good to know, Nicki Reineck !
Evan says
Having clogged my 15 year old Catalina 30 galley drain with a final topping of too much grease, food particles and who knows what– we were 30 miles offshore and desperate. Using hot water and my hand as a plunger, I made a little progress… all I needed was a bit more pressure. OMG! The foot pump for the dinghy! Bailed out as much water from the sink, detached the hose clamp from the drain and reattached it to the pump (remarkably the same size and correct pipe sex), stood with my 210 pounds on the pump for 30 seconds or so (no way you could actually pump it)… Then BLOWOUT. Scrambled topside to see what environmental disaster I created– none really, it was actually attracting fish– reassembled the sink, and it was better than ever for a 15 year boat! No chemicals, and basically FREE!!!
Evan says
P.S. I later tried the dinghy pump on the cockpit drains… With a wet rag to help seal the opening and a little assistance from the Mrs.– Badda Bing!
Mike Keller says
You are just full of common sense tips. I use these at home routinely but never considered it for the lead clogged cockpit drains. Also anyone with constant clogging issues should check the integrity of any drain hoses. I found my 38 year old hoses delaminating internally and exacerbating the clogging problem as well as weeping water into the boat. Changing them solved a huge part of the bulge water problem on my trawler.
Cindy Miller M/V Delta Swizzler says
Similar to the foot pump idea, I have a turkey baster, just for clogged drains. I put it in the drain, pump several times and everything flushes out. I’ve used one fir over 20 years now.
Ray Heath says
The only caveat I would say is to be care if you have old brittle plastic drain lines. The little razor teeth could cut a gash in an old
line. Otherwise I great tip. I use them too!
Anonymous says
I am so thankful that you promote old posts on FB. Cleaning out a stuck drain was on my list today and I forgot all about this post I read earlier.
Off to Home Depot tomorrow when I rent a car for the day. 🙂
The Boat Galley says
I figure there are always people who may have missed them the first time around or — like you — perhaps have a project on the to-do list.
Anonymous says
I think if you have a look at any of the offshore codes now for yachts in offshore passages the drains need to be a minimum of 50mm ID
The Boat Galley says
And unfortunatly, many old boats don’t meet that standard.
Anonymous says
having had more than my fair share of touch ups – on the east coast of Aus over the past 30 years – I would be retro fitting the larger drains – the smaller ones are pointless when getting hammered
Anonymous says
Rich Cantwell
Anonymous says
Reed Stephan
Michael says
Just bought a Zip It! At Lowe’s and used it on our stateroom drain with great results. Thanks for the tip!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Thrilled to have been able to help!