do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

[simple]

For those of you who store your boat outside during storage, do you keep the drain plug in or out? For those who leave the plug out, do you crank your boat a little higher than normal so any water can escape through the hole? If I leave the plug out, what about mice entering the hole?<br /><br />Here's another question. What's more important:<br />Leaving your boat tilted up with the drain plug out, but not having your sterndrive being able to be tilted down as much, or cranking the boat as low as it can go so the sterndrive's bellows can retract? Having the boat tilted down won't allow water to escape through the drain opening as much though, but it's better on the bellows.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Leave it out before THIS happens:<br /><br />The result of ONE torrential thunderstorm we had roll through, when I left the plug in. I pulled the plug out religously excecpt for this time (ok and maybe 1 or 2 others)...<br /><br />

<br /><br />

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

I was going to make the same argument, but your pictures and misfortune speak volumes more. I hope nothing was seriously damaged.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

I would block the trailer up high enough that would allow the drive to be completely down and be able to be bow high at the same time, if thats not possible for you then remove the drive leg. Leave plug out. If pest are a concern put some moth balls in the bilge they help as a mouse deterent. I would be more concerned with a racoon getting into the boat, so be sure nothing can get up under the cover. I myself prefer indoor storage over the winter, I sleep better knowing that I don't have to worry about rain snow and ice and I can leave the plug in and trailer level so has drive can be tilted down.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

I would worry more about accumulated water in the bilge/engine compartment than I would worry about the drive being completely down. Starting with your bilge pump (low) going up to things like your starter and god forbid your engine (high) being frozen in a block of ice is far more scary to me than the drive being completely down(as long as it's not in the up or trailer position).

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

... and if your plug's out - tie it to the wheel, or stick a waterproof note on the wheel, so that you PUT IT IN next season!<br /><br />Dunno about insurance where you are, but here - no plug in, no insurance cover.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Only damage was a wasted starter. Lesson Learned.

 

[Mark42]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

I leave the plug out and the jack cranked up so it is on a tilt. Also leave the motor down. Had to take a shovel full (or 2) of dirt out from under the skeg so it wasn't sitting in the dirt.

 

[Tom2697]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Are you talking winter storage or weekly storage?<br /><br />Winter storage: remove the plug so any water that gets in the boat will not freeze and wreak havoc on your hull. We also always removed the outdrive during the winter so it would not get stolen, we could check the condition of the bellows and replace if necessary, and so we could lube up all connections and joints come next season. <br /><br />Weekly storage: doesn't matter.

 

[simple]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Originally posted by Tom2697:<br />[QB] Are you talking winter storage or weekly storage?<br /><br />Winter.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Absolutely keep the plug out with the boat inclined to promote drainage. That's a no-brainer. As for the outdrive, I'd try to figure out some way to keep it in the full down position. The incline of the boat only needs to be enough to drain, so that might be a factor. Or how about backing onto some blocks to raise the whole outfit?<br /><br />As for the mouse - if you really think mice are going to crawl up and through the drain hole, just cover it with some screen that the mice can't chew through.

 

[Dead Eye]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Another good idea is to put a shoelace through drain hole into the bilge area to "wick" extra water out.<br /> Dead Eye

 

[jlinder]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

My thoughts on winter storage:<br /><br />1. Plug out. If you are worried about pests you could put a screen in.<br /><br />2. I like to get the weight off the tires. Jack up the axle, then jackstands with a board on top to protect the frame. You can take the tires off if you want to deter theft.<br /><br />3. Raise the bow to make sure water drains nicely out the stern. Another jack stand is nice here.<br /><br />4. Lower the drive to help drain water and protect the hydrolics. With the stern raised on jackstands you should have clearance.<br /><br />5. Remove cushions, or put on end so storage spaces can air out.<br /><br />6. Remove life jackets for interior storage.<br /><br />7. Pull drain plugs to drain water. Put in ziplock bag and tie to wheel.<br /><br />8. Thoughts differ on how to protect from pests. Mothballs, pest poison, traps, bowl of antifreeze to poison pests (concern with pets getting to this), etc. There is a separate thread in this area regarding this with a lot of ideas.<br /><br />9. Fog engine with light oil to protect cylinders. Like to pull plugs, spray cylinder, then replace plugs.<br /><br />10. Use stabilizer in the fuel.<br /><br />11. Nice tight tarp. <br /><br />Hope you find these thoughts helpful

 

[Mark42]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Jack L has a good suggestion that a lot of folks don't follow:<br /><br />

Remove life jackets for interior storage.<br />

Storing soft goods in the boat is a bad idea because they do get moldy and stinky. Nothing is quite as unpleasant as putting on a life vest that is stinky and mold stained. Yech!<br /><br />Put cushions, vests, curtians, etc in the house for dry storage over the winter. Plus you can take the time to give them a good cleaning while waiting for the weather to turn nice again!<br /><br />Mark

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Weekly storage: doesn't matter.

Please re-read my post above.....

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Place boxes of baking soda in storage areas, with seats open. Keeps the whole thing smelling fresh in the spring. Pour the old baking soda down the house drains when done.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

I say leave the plugs in, park the boat flat, take the engine out, turn the bilge pump on and in no time at all you will have yourself a jacuzzi ... like Steve was working on.

 

[Tom2697]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

Steve,<br />One storm can dump massive amounts of rain in a short time. I believe the Houston area had one storm this summer that got 5-6 inches in less than 2 hours!!! Have all of that drain into the engine well and it will fill up quickly! <br /><br />What we did on our old I/O, and I continue to do with all my boats is to install a fused, automatic switch for the bilge that can only be disconnected by removing the battery. The battery selector switch does not control this circuit. This is also the preferred installation per the manufacturers of almost all bilge pumps. For weekly storage, whether the boat is in the water or on a trailer, you still need some way to remove any collected water. If your bilge is not installed with the auto-switch, then DEFINTELY remove your plug (only if it is on a trailer!!!). But, don't forget to put it back in...if you do forget, please post your story on "Stupid Human Tricks."<br />Regards,<br /> Tom

 

[jlinder]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

NYMINUTE,<br /><br />Love the idea about baking soda. Thanks. I will add it to my list

 

[Scaaty]

Re: do you keep your drain plug in during storage?

I have a idiot neighbor down the road selling his Tri-hull Bowrider 85 HP Force and 8 kicker, parked out on the lawn....nothing under the tounge, no cover, and a foot of water already in the bow....I'll have to walk the dog down and check if he pulled the plug!..idiots are everywhere (did I mention we are in Puget Sound,WA?)this aint Arizona