thru-hull drain fitting

[oddysea1]

I have a 1989 wellcraft 18 ft. sport with a thru - hull drain at the bottom of the boat two feet forward of the transom.Im looking to plug it up in case the hose lets go.The thru-hull hardware looks solid. Im looking for a practical idea to plug it up, the thru-hull has very limited access on the inside part of the hull.The plug will have to be done from the outside.Thankyou Andy

 

[dingbat]

Re: thru-hull drain fitting

It doesn't have a seacock on it?

 

[oddysea1]

Re: thru-hull drain fitting

Its very hard to get a clear look because of its location compared to the inspection plate , it didnt appear to have a seacock, however the thru -hull looks original to boat.Its a drain for the console bait tank.There is a cable and a pull switch on the transom. the cable is rusted and there doesnt appear to be an easy way of fixing it properly.Im assuming there is some sort of closing valve but I cant inspect it, so Im assuming the it could be frozen open.Im not going to use the bait tank so I just want to seal it up.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: thru-hull drain fitting

most likely the hole in the hull 2' in front of the transom is the intake for the live well (and wash down if you have it) and not the drain, but for your purposes it doesn't matter. I understand your wanting the peace of mind by plugging it if you don't use it, and sea cocks fail (often crack from trapped water there in freezing weather).

My hull intake is covered with a sort of screen or protector; I suppose I could put a fiberglas patch over it. For extra safety, don't unhook anything inside. Double the hose clamps.

it's better to go from the inside. Are you sure there's no deck hatch? Can you lift the floor section up?

See if you can also find the drain for the livewell (or if your hole is truly the drain, find the intake) to see if it needs attention. On many boats (like one of mine) the intake is under water and the drain above water for the livewell, but on another, the intake and drain are both through the transom, vertical surface but below the water line.