the drain hole for the boat

[brian3127]

i got the boat out today for another test run. to see how it handled after putting the bow seats in and noticed that the hole where you put the drain plug leaked. before we went out i adjusted the plug to fight tight in the hole then clamped it in. water wasnt coming in fast but i did come in about a drip every 2 sec. what would cause this should i use somthing else to plug the hole. the plug is one i got from walmart it has a rubber grommet with a handle that you fold over once its in the hole.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

i prefer this type, as the levers tend not to get as tight.

http://www.iboats.com/Seachoice_Dra...13576909--**********.072894898--view_id.21696

 

[brian3127]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

is that one that you stick in the hole and turn the handle and it expands and seals the hole.

 

[beauff]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

Yes it is. works great.

 

[brian3127]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

now do you use a pair a pliers to tighten or do it by hand.

 

[Molaker]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

Check a little closer. Most drain plugs fit in a tube of metal or pvc that is glued or glassed in the transom. It might be leaking around that tube rather than around the plug itself. Some good silicon seal (outside & in) can fix that problem - at least for now. Also, the type of plug you have typically will expand even more if you turn the handle a few turns clockwise before you fold it over.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

Never use silicone on a boat, especially where it's leaking. It shrinks as it hardens.

Use 3m 5200 or 4200.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

agree with erik.

 

[Molaker]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

Never use silicone on a boat, especially where it's leaking. It shrinks as it hardens.

Use 3m 5200 or 4200.

Never? At a drop of water every 2 seconds in the location Brian indicated and assuming the leak is around the drain tube, I'd expect that silicon would stop the leak for several years - shrinking or not. However, I agree that 3M 5200 or 4200 would be better.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

Drain plugs are made pretty cheap and some leak even when new, so just buy a couple extra, use the good one and keep the other as a spare.

Don't use pliers, the plugs aren't that strong and you don't need that kind of force to get a good seal.

I use both kinds and they work about the same, it just depends on what the access to the plug is like.

 

[brian3127]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

well i got some 4200 in the basement so i will try that thanks guys.

 

[lkrahn]

Re: the drain hole for the boat

I bought an American Fiberglass 16' Daysailer from a private party. They did not have the drain plugs for the transom. I found one that fits. But then I found that I also need one for the skeg. It is a very strange shape and size.
The manufacturer is out of business. Does anyone know where I can find one, or have any suggestions?