Drain Plugs

[robfurman]

Guys,

Would adding a drain plug be a good or bad thing in an old boat? I was thinking that would be a good way of knowing if you have any water in the bottom of the hull and also provide a way for most of it to drain out and allow you to vent the rest to dry out?


Thoughts?


Robert

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Drain Plugs

Most boats have them. Even the aluminum row boats I used last week had a drain plug. If you like bailing by hand get a bucket if you dont put a plug in.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Drain Plugs

The only disadvantage to a drain plug that I can think of is to leave it out when you launch, other than that it's all good.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Drain Plugs

If you are talking about a drain for a "inner hull" it won't do a lot of good. meaning a boat like a whaler with about 2" foam filled between the hull and "deck." The foam holds it all in.
On a boat with a bilge, sure. Makes it easier to drain. But you can already see that water so you don't need one to know.

 

[robfurman]

Re: Drain Plugs

actually I was thinking for my old 16' Demcraft Ski/Fish. It has a well about 1" square that sits pretty close to the bottom with a drain hole with one of those rubber screw type plugs, but i was thing of something outside that area that would allow any water that may of gotten in the hull below my deck. I know I have some rot going on, but I'm hoping it will make it through this year before I decide if I want yo repair it or look for another boat at some point. I first noticed some wear when a few areas of the deck were getting soft. That was fixed 9sort of) with some expansive foam. Now the transom had a drip leak and I noticed as I tightened one of the bolts it was pulling in the inner fiberglas shell. So at some point soon I will need to figure out if I want to tear it apart or what.


Robert

 

[cpubud]

Re: Drain Plugs

if you already got rot going on its too late to put a plug in it.

 

[silveraire]

Re: Drain Plugs

sounds like the drain plug is the least of your worries. I'd be worried if its safe to even float the boat. Doesn't sound like it.

chad