transom plug wrench?

[beason]

ok so here is the deal.

I trailer, so i remove the plug after each use and leave it out until the next outing. i currently use a cheapo crescent wrench to do the plug.

My trailer has a flip up roller system, and the last roller is out past the plug a bit, causing issues when using a large "prop wrench" to tighten it. The Chaps run an "extended V plane hull" which has the lower and plug in a small pocket built into the transom

similar to this



when not in use, my plug and wrench stay in the small locker built into the swim platform. this is normally damp to standing water at least for a few days after use. This has caused the wrench to rust up, and stains to form in the locker.

What im looking for is a wrench, that wont rust, but that is small enough to work in this confined area. A mini version of a prop wrench that is just big enough for the transom plug would be great, but i cannot find one.


This is the closest i have found, but i have never used one so i dont know how well it works



anyone have experience with this product? or can suggest something else?

 

[agallant80]

Re: transom plug wrench?

Why don't you just get a cheep ratchet, a socket extension and a socket that fits the plug and keep it in your truck? I keep all kinda goodies like this in the drivers side door map pocket.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: transom plug wrench?

I use a 9/16 combination wrench and store it in my door pouch

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: transom plug wrench?

... and the last roller is out past the plug a bit, causing issues when using a large "prop wrench" to tighten it. The Chaps run an "extended V plane hull" which has the lower and plug in a small pocket built into the transom...

If the roller is not under the boat, move the boat back or move the roller forward.
It isn't giving much support if it isn't under the boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: transom plug wrench?

ok so here is the deal.

I trailer, so i remove the plug after each use and leave it out until the next outing. i currently use a cheapo crescent wrench to do the plug.

My trailer has a flip up roller system, and the last roller is out past the plug a bit, causing issues when using a large "prop wrench" to tighten it. The Chaps run an "extended V plane hull" which has the lower and plug in a small pocket built into the transom

similar to this

View attachment 228222

when not in use, my plug and wrench stay in the small locker built into the swim platform. this is normally damp to standing water at least for a few days after use. This has caused the wrench to rust up, and stains to form in the locker.

What im looking for is a wrench, that wont rust, but that is small enough to work in this confined area. A mini version of a prop wrench that is just big enough for the transom plug would be great, but i cannot find one.


This is the closest i have found, but i have never used one so i dont know how well it works

View attachment 228223

anyone have experience with this product? or can suggest something else?

Ayuh,.... Drill a hole in yer plug, tap it, 'n screw in a "T" handle,....

Ya won't need a wrench,....

 

[Chris1956]

Re: transom plug wrench?

They also have plastic garboard drain plugs that can be unscrewed with fingers, and only come out 1 inch or so, allowing the water to drain. No loss of plug, no need for wrench.

 

[beason]

Re: transom plug wrench?

If the roller is not under the boat, move the boat back or move the roller forward.
It isn't giving much support if it isn't under the boat.

its not supposed to be under that part. the hull sticks out further then the part where the plug is. (see pic) the roller is there to allow the boat to roll off the trailer. like a keel roller.

 

[beason]

Re: transom plug wrench?

Ayuh,.... Drill a hole in yer plug, tap it, 'n screw in a "T" handle,....

Ya won't need a wrench,....

I have been eyeing the ones with the T or the ones with a loop you just put something through. afraid the T one would snag on something.

 

[thumpar]

Re: transom plug wrench?

My plug has an allen fitting. I just loosen it with the short end and then use the long end to take it out.

 

[Bondo]

Re: transom plug wrench?

I have been eyeing the ones with the T or the ones with a loop you just put something through. afraid the T one would snag on something.

Ayuh,... You'd snug it tight enough so's the T is horizontal,...

It's tapered pipe thread, tight is 'bout 1/2 a turn either way,... you'd only need to adjust 1/4 turn,...

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: transom plug wrench?

The plastic one should work fine. Or you can get a stainless steel scuba divers wrench. They are pretty cheap.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: transom plug wrench?

I let my cheapo crescent wrench rust to the right size....

Rather than a ratchet, they make T-shaped socket "wrenches" with no workig parts. Just fish aound in old tool boxes at the estate sales.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: transom plug wrench?

What im looking for is a wrench, that wont rust, but that is small enough to work in this confined area.

Tupperware, any small waterproof bag that will hold the wrench. Even a school pencil pouch will keep a 6 in. adjustable wrench dry, and you can fold it over to keep it from rattling and no rust stains.

I do like the wrench you found, but no info on it. :first:

huts

 

[beason]

Re: transom plug wrench?

i ordered that wrench from Iboats, so ill put up a review when it arrives.

$5.59 and it comes with a spare plug?? cant beat that with a stick!!

i already have like 3 plugs, but still!

 

[beason]

Re: transom plug wrench?

i just noticed, it also has the pins for the gas cap. even better!

 

[midcarolina]

Re: transom plug wrench?

Hey be thankful you have a storage compartment in the swim platform..... I gotta climb my big butt in and out of the boat....

Think I will do something similar to what Bondo suggested and drill a appropriate size hole through the hex and drive a roll pin in it as a tee handle.........

 

[Brian 26]

Re: transom plug wrench?

I just also take it on and off by hand, I've never had a problem.

If I was leaving it in the water I would use a wrench.

 

[beason]

Re: transom plug wrench?

ok, so i got the wrench. its a nice unit, but still not quite what i need. there just isnt much space down there. It works, but its a pain.

also it didnt come with the spare plug like the listing says it does. I got 3 so its not like im in need, but it says it comes with it, it should. I have sent an email to iboats, but havent heard back.

 

[beason]

Re: transom plug wrench?

Hey be thankful you have a storage compartment in the swim platform..... I gotta climb my big butt in and out of the boat....

Think I will do something similar to what Bondo suggested and drill a appropriate size hole through the hex and drive a roll pin in it as a tee handle.........

my old boat was short enough i could stand on the fender and reach the plug and wrench in the port cup holder and gunwall storage area. This one, not a chance. I feel your pain.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: transom plug wrench?

I made a simple box end wrench out of 1/4" by 1" aluminum bar stock with a square 9/16" hole in it. Aluminum is very easy to work with, you can make it any length you want, and it does not rust. To make it, I simply drilled a 9/16" hole in the bar stock, squared off the hole with a square file, then cut it to length with a hack saw; took 5 minutes. I got the bar stock at my local Ace Hardware. For less than 10 bucks you can get enough to make 10 short wrenches.

When the boat is on the trailer, I store the wrench by putting one of my transom strap hooks through the hole in the wrench, then through the transom U-bolt. That way, it's secure and when I take the strap off, I'm immediately reminded to put the plug in. When the plug is in, I store the wrench in my swim platform storage well (which is where I store the plug when it's out).

If space is really tight, make two 90 degree bends in the bar stock so it's sort of S shaped before you drill. One end will get the hole for the plug and the other will be the handle. The middle can be any length you need to reach the plug and the handle can be any length you need for adequate torque. Use a propane torch to heat the aluminum before you bend it so it won't crack.