boat plug idea

[scottnjay]

I am reading about all the plugs forgotten and I am thinking what can I do so it doesn't happen to me and it occurs to me that a valve would be great. Of course I am too cheap to buy one so I was wondering if a piece of innertube glued to the outside of the trasom over the plug hole would help. It would seem it would reduce the speed the water went in the boat. Of course you would want to use a plug, but it would seem it would help reduce the stupid human posts. Color it hunters orange so it is obvious maybe. <br />Any thoughts?

 

[fireman57]

Re: boat plug idea

Attach it to your boat key with some kind of quick disconnect.

 

[QC]

Re: boat plug idea

No matter what you do, IMHO, the plug needs to be part of a pre-launch checklist. You can buy some pretty good one-way check valves that would eliminate the problem unless something got stuck in the valve. The point being that the valve would make you comfortable until you had a problem. Comfortable is not always good.<br /><br />That's why I prefer the checklist approach. When I tighten my plug (twice) I absoltuley know that it is A) in there and B) tight. The key thing is good until the day you float the boat off the trailer, tie it to the courtesy dock and park your trailer yourself . . .

 

[Bondo]

Re: boat plug idea

No matter what you do, IMHO, the plug needs to be part of a pre-launch checklist .

Ayuh,...............

 

[roscoe]

Re: boat plug idea

One plug attached to the winch handle as a reminder.<br />One plug attached to the drivers seat hold down strap as a reminder.<br />The real plug is laying on the dash.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: boat plug idea

Checklists..and launch/retrieve the same way everytime. This is how I learned to fly, checklists checklists checklists and repetition.<br /><br />Also develope a flow that requires you actualy touch everything on the checklist as you go so you dont read it or say it and let that trick you into thinking you actualy DID it.

 

[danie]

Re: boat plug idea

Just a stupid question;<br />Why dont we replace the plugs immediately after it has been taken out to drain whatever comes out??<br />D

 

[Bondo]

Re: boat plug idea

Originally posted by Damdan:<br /> Just a stupid question;<br />Why dont we replace the plugs immediately after it has been taken out to drain whatever comes out??<br />D

So that the hull can drain,.....When Not in use........

 

[gewf631]

Re: boat plug idea

Originally posted by TexomaAv8r:<br /> Also develope a flow that requires you actually touch everything on the checklist as you go

As a young teenager, I went on a fly-out and got to sit up front. The pilot, a seasoned chap, literally touched each guage with his hand - kind of walked across them with his fingers. The process really impressed me, and many years later I still try to incorporate it into anything of importance - like keepin' my boat dry!

 

[HotLava]

Re: boat plug idea

Yeah, I am with you on the checklist. Must be a GA pilot thing

 

[rwcreigh1]

Re: boat plug idea

how about installing a small chain to the plug and the other end to the transom.

 

[Darren Smith]

Re: boat plug idea

I have found that it is easier for me to put the plug in when I hook up the trailer, and check the tie downs on the transom. Then I double check it at the ramp when I remove the tie downs. Like it was said earlier, double check, then check again!

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: boat plug idea

I am a checklister too. It works so far.

 

[Desert_Bassin]

Re: boat plug idea

Now I know why I love being in the desert, I dont have to worry about water in the boat unless I'm actually on the boat, so my plug pretty much never comes out Well cept for this year, way too much rain in sunny So. Cali. But yes I have to agree on the check list, theres more to check before ya go out than just the plug, it just happens to be worst thing to forget.

 

[magster65]

Re: boat plug idea

ok<br />This is only a question...<br />for about $30 you can install an auto. bilge pump and forget about the damn plug all together. Leave it in. Why not?<br />I've never installed that feature but I recently bought a boat with that set-up and it's nice.

 

[QC]

Re: boat plug idea

I have two toughts on the in or out and when for the plug thing.<br /><br />1) If you just rely on the bilge pump you can get quite a build up of crap in the bilge that you may not want to go through your bilge pump. Seems like you would have a progressively clogged intake grate to me.<br /><br />2) Early in my boating "career" I trailered my boat for 8 hours in a torential downpour almost the whole damn way. Plug was in. Had to drain it BEFORE I launched

 

[one more cast]

Re: boat plug idea

scottnjay , You don't have to lose sleep over this "forgot to put the plug in issue" because it will only happen to you once, maybe twice if your a slow learner.<br />

 

[nightstalker]

Re: boat plug idea

I do what was already stated. I have a plug attached to the handle of my winch (painted red). I haven't forgotten to put it in yet.<br />Stalker

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: boat plug idea

Originally posted by One More Cast:<br /> scottnjay , You don't have to lose sleep over this "forgot to put the plug in issue" because it will only happen to you once, maybe twice if your a slow learner.<br />

I agree completely. Did it once many years ago. Nearly sank at the marina. Never did it again.

 

[rwcreigh1]

Re: boat plug idea

my bilge pump stoped working one time about 10 miles from ramp and my 84 tracker leaks a bit.well water was about 4 to 5" deep.so i am thinking what to do.so what i did was pull the two plugs out(man does the water come in fast)and them gun it.this caused ALL the water to just drain out the drain hole.put the plug back in just before the ramp.have any of you done this?