Vented plugs??

[bigdee]

Are vented plugs necessary on the pontoons? I have always had some water in the logs but I think it came fro the vented plugs. Boat sits in water all the time except winter so I know it is not leaking below water line and it doesn't seem to have taken on in more water in the past six years. Previous owner kept boat out of water and constantly washed toons with a garden hose so it may have been possible the cold water created a vacuum and sucked in water while he was washing?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Vented plugs??

Vented plugs are to keep the tube from "banging'' as the air pressure increases and decreases, there are internal baffles in the tube and as the air expands it pushes on theses until it causes them push the other way casueing aloud bang.


It is completely harmless but sounds bad, it that doesn't bother you can go to unvented plugs, they were used for years and years with no problem.

I would be very careful though, I don't think the vented plugs can let in that much water so if we are talking a significant amount it probably isn't coming from the plugs.

 

[OlePoleyEvinrude]

Re: Vented plugs??

From the information you're presenting I'd say your vented plugs are the source of the water in your tubes. Vented plugs allow humid air into your tubes and then condensation pulls the water out of the air and it settles in the bottom of the tubes. Because they are vented, more and more condensation adds to the water in the tubes and after a season you could have anywhere from 1 gallon to 10 gallons or more in each tube.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Vented plugs??

We have used vented plugs at work for a few years now and haven't had any problems with water getting in the tubes, the holes are a tight 1/16'' and I really don't think there is that much water in the air to give you enough water that you could hear it slosh, that is almost always a leak.

As long as the boat doesn't take on any more water you are fine and I would leave the plugs although it really doesn't matter which type you have.

 

[jakedaawg]

Re: Vented plugs??

Just a simple suggestion. If you live in an area that freezes hard in the winter store your boat so that the bow sits slightly above the stern. I mean on a slight angle with the bow higher so the water in the toons does not freeze in the narrow pointy end. A gallon of aluminum safe antifreeze wouldnt hurt either.

 

[dls322]

Re: Vented plugs??

From the information you're presenting I'd say your vented plugs are the source of the water in your tubes. Vented plugs allow humid air into your tubes and then condensation pulls the water out of the air and it settles in the bottom of the tubes. Because they are vented, more and more condensation adds to the water in the tubes and after a season you could have anywhere from 1 gallon to 10 gallons or more in each tube.

I don't think that's quite accurate...you would have a very hard time building anywhere near 1 gallon of water from condensation let alone 10 gallons!! iI so i'll buy your pontoon and trademark it and sell the technology to people who live in the desert LOL