newbie question about plug types

[jennis9]

This may be a stupid question... We have two drain plugs in our boat. One on the interior, pre-bilge (please correct my terminology here) and one at the bow under the prop (the bilge drain). the interior plug has a ring and a hinge that sinches down and the exterior plug has a "t" bar. we like the engineering of the ring plug - it's tighter- can we use this type on the exterior as well? I would make sure the ring would point upward toward so a stick wouldn't rip it out. and should we remove ALL of the plugs when in dry dock?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie question about plug types

well the hole under the prop is on the stern, unless you have a very unusual boat. sure you can do what you are talking about. drydock, bow high, boat covered, plugs out, battery maintainer connected. maintainer, not a full charger.

 

[oops!]

Re: newbie question about plug types

no such thing as a stupid question.......

if you do what td just said.....youll add ten years to the life of your boat

 

[Maclin]

Re: newbie question about plug types

Definitely Plugs OUT for dry storage, and have the attitude of the boat as TD describes.

I would use the T-bar type plug on any holes where the plug is put in from the outside of the boat. I have had a lever type work the lever down from locked and did not realize it until retrieving and went to unplug it. That is my preference, some agree and some do not. I firmly believe the T-bar type is safer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: newbie question about plug types

I got away from the lever style plugs years ago. Most of the levers are made of flimsy aluminum whereas the "T" style are usually brass. They screw in tight and won't corrode. Yup -- the back of the boat is the stern. the front of the boat is the bow. Left is port and right is starboard. If you are notnautical at heart, front, back, left and right will work. We understand both languages.

 

[jennis9]

Re: newbie question about plug types

oops, I did just take my boaters safety class last weekend! my husband is more versed than I am. It's hard trying to remember all of it when the boat is at the marina. I will take TDs advice - straightforward and easy to remember. AND I think we'll go the safe route and keep the T plug at the stern. Thanks!