Plugs in front of bilge??

[owassa]

I just purchased a '97 Regal Destiny 200 - a deck boat, 5.7 Mercruiser I/O. I noticed some rain water had made its way down to above the stringers surrounding the bilge. I took a shop vac and vacuumed it up. Was surprised that there was no drain holes to allow the water to drain from these "compartments" into the bilge area where it could drain out the rear drain hole. However, as I inspected the bilge area, I was very surprised that all of the limber holes forward of the bilge had plugs stuck in them. I tried to remove one of the plugs and I thought I was going to tear it up, so stopped to figure why they were present. They are the metal and rubber plugs that have the twist **** to tighten.

What purpose would be served in not allowing water to run from the front of the keel to the bilge area where it could drain out of the boat??

Why would the limber holes in the stringers be sealed with f/g or epoxy??

Logically, it would make sense for water to be able to get out of the boat through the drain hole....Regal seems to have taken efforts to keep it sealed off.

Why???

Thanks for all responses!

 

[Stachi]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

I would clear the limber holes ASAP.....maybe the previous owner was a wake boarder and wanted 'ballast ' in the stern...

 

[NYBo]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

Yeah, Regal did NOT send the boat out of the factory that way. Get "unplugged" ASAP.

 

[owassa]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

So, I am correct that there is no legitimate purpose in plugs being in the holes separating the bilge and the closed in area forward (where the gas tank and fresh water tank is located)?

Thanks again....just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something.

I feel stupid for not noticing this before buying the boat, which is in excellent shape and only has 107 hours on it.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

welcome to iboats forums...good to meet ya

 

[owassa]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

Thank you. I appreciate the information. I was just over at a Regal forum. Although this topic was not exactly covered, someone did mention plugs in the wall separating the bilge and the compartment where the fuel tank was located....so I am still wondering whether these plugs are from the factory and their purpose.

This is a great site with a lot of good information.

 

[grego]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

sitting at the sands, a friend asked "damned, how many holes do you have in your boat?" I have 9, a drain for each storage compartment rim, rod locker rim, live well. They get the water off the boat quickly so sitting water damage is minimalized.

 

[superpop]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

May have had an oil leak in the motor at some point and wanted to keep oily water from spreading all over the boat. Everything should drain to the bilge or over the side. You do not want any standing water anywhere.

 

[owassa]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

Okay, I have been researching this and I have seen references to forward bilge plugs, like on my boat. However, I have seen no explanation why the manufacturer would place them there. I am going to remove all of mine, so that I can make sure that there is no water forward of the bilge, but am trying to decide whether to replace them.

Thanks again for all of the information!!

 

[lkbum]

Re: Plugs in front of bilge??

I'd call Regal and ask them the same question.