Posted: May 20 2007 at 10:29 | IP Logged

I have a 2002 Four Winns 205 Sundowner.  Bought the boat new in 2003.  Have had numerous problems with this model.  To many to list here!!!   The most recent issue is with the deck drains (scuppers) in the stern of the boat behind the battery (starboard side) and trim pump (port side). 

These deck drains are supposed to allow any water that manages to get into the boat drain out thru some below the waterline hull fittings.  Yeah right!!!  These scuppers, or deck drains if you will, allow water to seep back into the boat when enough weight (people) is on the stern of the boat.  This boat has the extended swim platform so having 3 or 4 adults sitting back there is not uncommon.  In the scuppers are check valves (floating ball the size of ping pong ball) that are supposed to seal off the flow of water back into the boat (backflow) from the drains located near the outdrive below the waterline.  The deck drains are at or near waterline level.  

Has anyone else out there been having this problem?  If so has anyone come up with a good way to seal off these drains?  I really don't think they are needed on a boat of this type and size.

Posted: May 30 2007 at 07:48 | IP Logged

UPDATE.  Decided to check the condition of the floating ping pong balls based on replies I got thru a post on iFourwinns.com. Not an easy task on this 2002 205. Had to remove the engine cover, rear seat back, rear bulk head, battery and battery tray, and hydraulic trim tab pump to gain access to the deck drains. Glad I am not a boat mechanic!!! Removed the drain cover and ping pong ball on starboard side. Visual inspection revealed the cover of the drain is warped so that the ball does not seal 100% against the lip it contacts when it floats. Rather than replace the drain we have sealed them at both ends with silicone.  This has been the best solution to the problem.  No more water in the boat all summer seeping in from the drains.