Rainwater collection

Question
I have rain water collecting between the hull of the boat and the port side stringer on a 1997 24" Wellcraft Eclipse.  I believe the water may be coming through the fresh air intake on the side of the boat.  The air intake is not covered by the cockpit cover.  There is a small drain molded through the stringer that should funnel the water to the bottom of the bilge that is blocked.  A service rep at Wellcraft told me it is PVC pipe and should be straight through the stringer.  However, Wellcraft was incorrect as the drain turns 90 degrees at both the top and bottom with about a 3" long extension at both ends (there is about 6"-8" difference in elevation between the top & bottom).  Attempts to clean with compressed air have failed (completely blocked).  A small wire does not work as you can't get it past the 90's.  Any suggestions short of installing a bilge pump in this location?

Answer
Hello Tom....Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

Resolving the source of the leakage is most important. I'm very surprised Wellcraft didn't provide a weather protective cover over the freshair intake to prevent the ingress of rainwater, etc. The solution is simple. Buy and install a proper vent cover that is also screened in order to prevent bugs, spiders, etc. from entering.

The the drain through the stringer, and I presume you're referring to the engine compartment area, is referred to as a scupper, and is supposed to permit water to drain toward the bilge pump. Since the drain hole is not effective, why not redrill a new hole? It sounds simple enough, but, it will require some gouging to get to the very bottom of the hull and ensure there's an unrestricted passage. Alternatively, find some other device that is strong and flexible such as a plumbing worm, to bore through the present scupper or drain hole to clear it.

Safe Boating
Ron