Garboard Plug

[rjm337]

This might be a stupid question, but why have boats gone to a threaded garboard plug instead of the old rubber style? My old Vanguard o/b had the rubber plug, my new Maxum i/o has the brass garboard. The rubber ones were easier to install and remove without tools.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Garboard Plug

I think you answered your own question with "remove without tools" as boats have become more amd more expensive, so have the means to keep them on top of the water. My old boat had the rubber type which I never had problems with but I always felt a bit nervous something would go wrong and it would get knocked out/snagged/ whatever. With the thread in type you KNOW it isn't going anywhere until you take it out with a wrench. I put a spring clip on my trailer frame right below the drain that holds the end wrench so its always there when needed, trailered thousands of miles and never lost one.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Garboard Plug

I agree with Utah, it's harder (if not impossible) for the plug to come off.

It's true, you have to carry your wrench at all times, but it sure feels safer to have one of these plugs.

I have my 9/16 wrench in my dry box at all times, so I have it handy when needed

 

[Ram58]

Re: Garboard Plug

My Crestliner 1860 has a threaded plug with finger holds on it so you can tighten by hand.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Garboard Plug

My neighbor's 2 year old 27 foot Whaler has the old rubber twist-in plug, from the outside. Talk about feeling uneasy!
Well at least it is not the rubber flip type!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Garboard Plug

Why feel uneasy about the rubber plug. Properly adjusted and inserted the plug cannot come out with the boat at rest (at least if inserted from the back of the boat). Water pressure will force it tighter. If you have the "T" handle style of plug and tighten it there is nothing to snag under way. Garboard plugs are also available with a "T" handle so no tools are required.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Garboard Plug

The rubber plug is the tee handle type. I would think a snag of some kind would easily be able to pull it out. Ski rope in the prop, for example, comes to mind. I would feel much better it it was a threaded plug. Just my $0.02 Of course the Boston Whalers are unsinkable, right?

 

[rjm337]

Re: Garboard Plug

Thanks for the input, I was thinking mostly of the PITA factor of needing tools. I'd never had any problems with the rubber compression fit style.