Bilge plug

[GeeFrankk]

My boat, 16' CC w/90 hp Johnson, stays winched up on a buddies dock, when not in use. I pull the drain plug (I have an automatic bilge pump) each time its winched up. The problem: I had bi-lateral knee replacements two years ago, which makes it hard to reach inside the bilge to install the plug, have tried installing it from o/s before pushing the boat in the water, but since the boat's at an up hill angle and the drain hole is so low........well, you can imagine the picture, have almost gone into the water twice before getting the plug in. Give me some ideas on installing something different. Ping pong ball and the cage, rubber scuppers, seacock? I'm about to trailer it home for its yearly checkup since the water temp is coming back-up.<br /><br />B O A T... bring on another thousand

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bilge plug

I would not trust any of these "Ping pong ball and the cage, rubber scuppers, seacock." How bout leaving the plug in and trusting the bilge pump? You could also put a bow to stern cover on it to minimize rain getting in.

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Bilge plug

The rubber scuppers (aka duckbils) from what I have heard are not too bad (unless you have a habit of beaching them and letting the boat sit for an hour or 2) but I do not trust them. I think I would either trust the bilge pump or deal with the inconvience/pain of putting the plug in (or take a friend out every time and assign them this job).

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Bilge plug

upon rereading my last post I can see how it may be misinterpeted. Please do NOT think I am making light of your knee replacements I was just trying to reinforce my distrust of these "duckbills".

 

[wezie]

Re: Bilge plug

The duck bills have two problems. One will show itself if you tear it off against the ramp or bottom, etc. The other happens when a small object, (stick,etc) gets caught in the bill and allows water to come back in as boat sits. Have seen both. Use lots of soap to install.<br />I like them for trailer boats, dry stored, etc. Have one installed in a center console self-bailing cockpit. <br />Would not use in a boat stored in the water. <br />They do restrict the volume that will flow through that drain.<br />I think I have seen a remote operated drain plug, but may have confused it with a "smart drain plug" that alarms when the plug is not in.<br />Might look further for a remote or better idea, and then install the duck bill until something else comes along.<br />Good Luck!

 

[GeeFrankk]

Re: Bilge plug

Hey guys.....thanks for the input. The auto bilge failed due to sm bits of trash under the float arm. Kept running and burned out. Replaced it. Most likely, will install a boat cover, and leave the plug in, but will continue to look for an easier way. Thanks again!<br /><br />B O A T bring on another thousand

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: Bilge plug

Somewhere.... I have seen cable controlled drain assembly that fits into the existing drain hole. unfortunately I can't remember where I saw them or if they are even still available.

 

[DJ]

Re: Bilge plug

GeeFrankk,<br /><br />The seacock gets my vote. Make sure to use a ball valve, not gate.<br /><br />A ball valve seacock could easily be turned on and off from a distance with something like a boat hook.