Fish boxes

[plumme03]

Hello to all, I'm new to this sight and decided to join because I've read a lot of well thought out intelligent replies to all question's asked. So here's my question, I have a 2002 215 explorer and would like to know if anyone has a suggestion for modifying the fish boxes so that they will drain completely, the way the drains are positioned, there is always water left in the box.

[RickK]

Welcome aboard plumme03  :!:  :!:

The baitwells under the seats of my Explorer have drains that are out a few inches from the back and have the same problem.  She HAD a single removable fish box which I removed and put in a 40 gal fresh water tank. I still have the fish box and swap it in and out when fishing versus camping (Only swapped it out once - it's a pain).

[seabob4]

I assume you have port and starboard fishboxes, and the drains are located on the aft vertical face.  Correct?

[Capt. Bob]

Got one word for ya.....

Sponge.

[seabob4]

As in, leftover water absorber?

[kaptainkoz]

similar situation in the coffin of my 200CCP. What I did was raise the floor by adding a perforated rubber mat used for either the bottom of kitchen sinks or even maybe wet floors. They are called Versa Mat by San jamar... heres the link:

http://www.sanjamar.com/pls/enetrixp/!s ... 96914.page

They are about 12inch squares that snap together and look more like a grid made of rubber that raises the floor about a half inch, but the feet on the bottom allow the water to move freely. I got them at the local resturant supply. Ive even seen something similar at a dollar store altough the quality was crap and the height was lower. They work really good at keeping all my stuff out of the water.

[Double Trouble]

Welcome aboard I have a 2000 275 explorer with the same problem its caused by back flow from the pump because the outlet is higher then the pump.I have been thinking of trying a back flow preventer on mine but just have not gotten around to it yet always something else more important to do.If you come up with another idea let me know if I get around to my idea I will let you know how it works out.

[plumme03]

Sorry for no replies, I've been out of commission for a few days.
Seabob4, you are correct. any thoughts ?

[seabob4]

Damn, hit the PM box instead of the reply.  Anyway, give me a bit.

[seabob4]

Alright, back to business.  The best way to fix this is to remove the old drain fittings, glass over the holes, fill in the trough at the aft end (polyester bonding putty works good), and relocate the new drains where the troughs used to be on the bottom of the fishboxes!  What a concept!

Easier said than done.  First, you'll want to use elbows.  Marine East has some excellent white plastic t/hulls that have almost no flange on them, and sit almost flush.  The real issue is, "How do I reach all this stuff?".  On the 215 Explorer, what I would do is drill a 3 3/8" hole through the deck just aft of the fishbox and in between the stringers to access the fittings.  A simple 4" "screw-down" pie plate will cover the access and you'll never notice it.  That way you have access to the removal and installation of fittings, you can back-glass the old hole, and your fishboxes will be happier (as well as you).  Access pies are not a bad thing!

Hope I have been of some service.  And the wife is happier now too.  Got my "Honey do" done!