I just bought a used sailboat. The guy who sold it to me cautioned that we
are expecting rain and freezing temperatures over the next week. He is
concerned that the cockpit drain could somehow clog. significant rain could
accumulate in the cockpit, and it could freeze; damaging the boat.

Seems to me that since the cockpit is completely open and somewhat flaring,
any ice expansion would be directed upwards. Even if the drain did clog,
and somehow we got more than an inch or two, damage seems remote.

Whatcha think?

I could drape a tarp over the mast, which is now down for transport, easily
enough; but that would require a long drive to get to the boat, and I really
don't have the time if it is pointless.