Install Drain Hole

[Paddy3101]

I'm just finishing up a transom replacement on 21' fletcher. I want to avoid puting holes in the transom if possible, as holes are where the rot starts. I'm thinking of not putting back in the drain-hole and relying on the pumps. The drain hole is the first place that's going to get wet.<br /><br />So, other than the convenience of the boat emptying itself when on land, is there much point in putting back the drain?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Install Drain Hole

That's the biggie. Batteries go dead, boats fill with water. I just had to pronounce a really nice Ranger as a total loss because the owner left the plug in over the winter and a roof leak filled the boat. It sat full of water for months with the batteries still connected. Virtually all of the wiring and components were damaged to the point of failure. He had an automatic bilge pump, but the battery went dead eventually and any wire or component that had battery power to it corroded. Have you ever seen bassboat wiring? In most cases you'd have to split the upper half off the hull just to get at it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Install Drain Hole

properly installed and maintained thru hull fittings, do not cause rot. they must be sealed properly.

 

[Paddy3101]

Re: Install Drain Hole

The boat sits on a trailer in my drive, next to my front door, so if knowing there is no drain, and I let it fill with water, then I guess that makes me rather stupid.<br /><br />Yes, I could probably get the drain sealed, at first, but there isn't really any way of checking whether it remains sealed, until the transom rots. Any water that remains in the boat will eventually find a way in through any hole. Can't do much about the engine mounts, but they sit up from the bilge.<br /><br />Also, I have seen quite a few stories of boats sinking when the plug has been forgotten, or fallen out on route to the slip.<br /><br />However, I'm kind of tempted to put one in. Would be nice to find some sort of "self-bailer" which would recover the boat from a mild swamping. That would be more usefull than a 1/2inch drain hole.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Install Drain Hole

Paddy, I think if what you are proposing was a good idea the major boat manufacturers would already be doing it. <br />I see plenty of 20 year old boats that aren't rotted out around the drain plug. Just seal it right and be done with it. <br />Bilge pumps never get all the water out, they always leave a little in there. <br />Do you ever go on vacation? What if it rains while you're gone?

 

[Paddy3101]

Re: Install Drain Hole

Yes, I think you're probably right. <br /><br />I have bigger things to think about in the project. The whole boat needs re-wiring, the steering replaceing, engine re-mounted, engine serviced, New fuel-tank...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Install Drain Hole

i find more rot around the engine mount bolts, than the drain plug. if people would periodically reseal the engine bolts there would be fewer transoms replaced.