Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

[stourm]

My 1980 ProCraft bass boat has a metal ring (insert) at the drain hole to allow you to install the drain plug. It has gotten to the point where the plug is difficult to put in and I think some water seeps in around the plug while in the water. While shopping at Gander Mountain I found this nifty little device, which is a plastic insert that you screw into place and has a plastic threaded plug with an o-ring attached. Here is a link to the one I purchased, although not from the Gander Mountain website.

http://www.boatingsavings.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=431495&kwtid=279017

I liked the design for a couple of reasons. First, the plug, once unscrewed, will hang there at the back of the boat and won't get lost. Secondly, the o-ring design should stop water from seeping into the boat. The problem that I have is that I need to remove that metal drain ring in order for this dude to fit. I don't know how to go about safely removing that metal ring...if it is even possible. If anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate some suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

If you have a properly adjusted snap or screw-in plug it shouldn't be hard to remove and my choice would be the screw in. If the metal insert is loose it would be hard to remove and would explain the water seepage (probably on the outer side of the insert).
This could also be a sign you have problems with the wood in the lower part of the transom. For removal you can saw the brass with a bare hack saw blade on at least two sides and using a punch cave it in and out of the hole. Since the outer flange of the plug you like is 1\1/2" a good dollop of 5200 will seal it well but back to original thought it shouldn't be leaking here.

 

[stourm]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

Well, the metal insert isn't loose at all, but the problem with the drain plug is that it's so difficult to push into the hole. I can usually only get it about halfway to two thirds of the way in before I can't force it in any farther. The metal insert doesn't appear to be brass, but perhaps stainless steel? It's not brass colored in any case. I just figured that it was possibly leaking around the plug since I can never get it pushed all the way in. Also, I like the plastic screw-in plug because it stays right there at the drain hole. I usually end up just tossing the plug into the boat once i remove it and then it's always a search to find it next time I go out. I know, I know; it's not the best storage method for the plug but that's just how I do it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

Is the metal sleeve in your boat threaded or is it smooth inside? If it is threaded, you should be using a threaded plug. If it is smooth a standard drain plug ("T" handle or flip type handle) can be used. The problem you are apparently having is that you have not adjusted the plug. Look at it carefully and you will see that the center bolt is threaded. This can be loosened for an easier fit in the drain, or tightened if it is loose.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

That's good news as the universal style insert in your boat has been used for years with great results. Now if you have a standard screw to tighten or snap in plug you will notice a small nut and threaded rod at the end. This allows you to adjust the tension of the plug in the hole when it is tightened down. I would guess yours is too tight which makes it difficult to insert. With the screw in style you just stick in and tighten the t-handle untill you can't remove.

I would go and get a new screw in plug before doing any modifications on the transom.

Hope this helps

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

Just happen to modify 2 of my T handel plugs for my old boat where the drain was corroded and leaking. Had to brush some epoxy in the tube to dress up the surface and smooth out the corrosion.
Took the plugs and loosed them up completely. Then took 2 -3/4 heater hose clamps and wrapped them around the rubber and tightened them up. Let them sit in the sun for a few days. Then went back and tightened them somemore. After a week they fit real good. More or less just shrinking the rubber, kind of like the reverse of stretching a new pair of leather shoes.
Anyone remember shoe strerchers? regards FRED

 

[stourm]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

Well, I suppose I was just being stupid then because the plug I have is the snap-in kind. I didn't know you could do anything them looser or tighter. I just figured they were all the same standard size. I have seen the plugs with the little T handle on them but didn't know that you could turn it to tighten them either.

This is my first boat and so i am still learning. Thanks for the heads up, I will probably try your recommendations before sticking the dude in that I bought. By the way, my insert is smooth. I really kind of wish it were threaded but, oh well. Thanks again everyone for the replies.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Boat drain plug question. Removing metal insert

Well, I suppose I was just being stupid then because the plug I have is the snap-in kind. I didn't know you could do anything them looser or tighter. I just figured they were all the same standard size. I have seen the plugs with the little T handle on them but didn't know that you could turn it to tighten them either.

This is my first boat and so i am still learning. Thanks for the heads up, I will probably try your recommendations before sticking the dude in that I bought. By the way, my insert is smooth. I really kind of wish it were threaded but, oh well. Thanks again everyone for the replies.

That should help you stay the correct side of the water eh !!!