Improved Fish Box Drains

[Codfish]

I have been watching the latest debate on the fish box drains with much curiosity. I have lots to say about the issue of whether or not our warranty is voided by drilling holes in the hull, but I will save that for another day.

Not withstanding the disclaimers about doing modifications, and with full knowledge that I may have to argue my case later with the folks at Triumph, I have modified my fish boxes (forward two only) by installing brass garboard type drains. My reasons are like all the rest who have done this, they hold water and the factory drains are inadequate, and in my opinion, impractical.

I positioned them based on the best spot for inside the box. I drilled my 1" hole from the inside, putting the drain plug flange in the center of the rear depression and centered next to the factory drain. I too found that there was not a full "kiss off" at this point. I had a 1/8th " foam layer in more than half the hole. I pre treated this foam with some Rule prior to the flange install and I used plenty of Rule to be sure there was no place for water to intrude into the hull. I simply Ruled the old drains shut, so they could be reopened if needed later on.

Here is where I think I have improved on the other installs done. I wanted to be able to leave the drains open, allowing for a free exchange of sea water into and out of the box to wash out blood and scales during the fishing day. My concern was whether or not the water would be sucked out by negative pressure while moving forward on plane. The hole location is below the water line most of the time. I solved this problem by installing some white plastic through hull scoop strainer covers from West Marine, item #906062, $5.99 each, over the drain holes. I mounted the solid side towards the bow, which creates a negative pressure at the drain when moving forward at planing speeds. I was pleased to see that the negative pressure was great enough to literally pull the water out in a matter of a few seconds after getting on plane. I am guessing there is about 5-8 gallons of water in the box at rest. Just enough to keep the fish washed and fresh during the day. This mod will save on ice and clean up. (Remember we have cold water out here on the left coast.)

To mount the covers in the proper position, I had to shave off most of the delta shaped hull protrusions that are directly in front of the new drain holes. I did this with my dremel tool using a plastic shaper bit. I used 1/2" SS screws (4) and Rule to mount the covers. I put the actual drain hole under the solid half of the cover to be sure the negative pressure was maximized under the drain.

I hope I have one photo attached. Codfish

[NCangler]

Very interesting Codfish. I would love to see a photo from up top showing position in the fish box too. BTW your Avatar image ROCKS! I'd love to catch one of those halibut some day!

[Codfish]

Here you go Randy, I would have included them originally but I am still learning how to use my camera and soft ware to make the photos the correct size to send.

As for the halibut, the season starts May 11 this year. If you ever come to Oregon in May through September, let me know. I do pretty good, especially in the early season. I can't think of a better way to repay you for this web site and all the good it does.
'
Codfish

[NCangler]

Thanks Codfish! Very nice work. And if I'm ever in Oregon you can bet I'll be contacting you!

[blakinsmith]

Codfish (Dave) - As I've said many times before, mostly in private messages, you do dang fine mod work and I look for your posts regularly to help me decide what I shall tackle next.

Only one problem I see though, and this is major. Those forward fish boxes are just WAY too small for your halibut - you are going to need to put them in the mega hatch my friend....

Back from a good baja trip --- will be filling you in on the details later.....Barry

[Genelie]

Nice work, I used to live in oregon for over 20 years...Lincoln city area. I do not regonise your town. How close is it ti Lincoln city?? I am suppose to go up for the summer for a visit

[Codfish]

To Barry, They will hold a couple of those nice chinook you catch. Can't wait to hear and see how you did in Baja.

To Gelelie, Veneta is about 10 miles west of Eugene on the way to Florence on Hwy 126. I live 45 miles east of Hwy 101 in Florence. Let me know if you are passing by. Visitors for fishing trips are always welcome.

codfish

[Codfish]

One last detail that I would pass on to anyone contemplating the garboard plug drain install. The flange is about 1/8th" thick. If I was doing the install over again, I would start with a paddle bit the size of the flange and drill down the thickness of the flange so it would be flush with the floor of the box when installed. The lip holds a little water and would look cleaner if flush with the box floor. Too difficult to do after the through hole is done so I just went with what I had. The box plastic is a good 1/2" thick so I would not worry about any strength issue being caused by the loss of 1/8". It would eliminate the Rule ring around the flange also. Good Luck.

codfish

[calicokid]

Well I’ll be installing some strainer covers on my forward boxes at least that is an excellent idea thanks!!!!

[Mike in Woodlands]

I am installing garboard plugs in my fishboxes on my old Logic. The holes have to be reamed out to locate the fitting, so takes a bit longer than it would just to drill a hole. I did this mod. to the 2 boxes beside the gas tank, like the results so well I am now doing the foward and "seat" boxes as well. I also like to see your mods, well thought out and helpful.