Small opening at bottom of transom between drain plugs

[jrw1295]

I'm working on a 1958 Dorsett 14' ski boat. There is a small hole, a 1/8" at the base of the transom between the drain plugs. The hole seems to be there by intention. It is finished off with a metal grommet. No one can tell me what this :%hole is for. It drains water when I take the boat out of the lake. I'm concerned that it is letting water into the boat. Should I plug the hole?

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Small opening at bottom of transom between drain plugs

Does the boat have an added on keel about 1" by 1" running up the bottom? I had a boat that had a hole as you described but it just drained the water out of the keel that was actually separate from the boat. If you put water inside the boat with a hose it should tell you if the hole actually penetrates the hull or is outside of it.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Small opening at bottom of transom between drain plugs

It's a stretch on that old of a boat but could it be from some type of bildge or balast. Lot's of ski boats have them to create optimum skiing surfaces and wake. Just a thought. Go to an antique boat forum and pose the same question.

 

[jrw1295]

Re: Small opening at bottom of transom between drain plugs

A classic boat guy says it's a subfloor drain. It's threaded, and it's supposed to have a threaded screw to seal it off. I found a bolt with the right thread size. I had to drain the boat at 45 degrees for about 2 hours to get all the water out. Luckily, we didn't sink the boat before we got if figured out. Thanks for the suggestions. It goes in the water tomorrow. Might run better without all the water in the front of the hull.

 

[alloffroad]

Re: Small opening at bottom of transom between drain plugs

Good info here. I have had the same boat for less than a week and noticed the small bolt you are refering to. I will make sure I don't seal that off. Thank you.