rotten drain plug!

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pulleyman123

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
42
I just got a new 17' 1987 Reinell. The piece that the drain plug screws into is not attatched. It uses four screws on the outside of the boat. Can I just screw it back in, can i use RTV to create a gasket, maybe RTV in the screw holes too. I'm worried it won't seal and also worried that water will get into the transom. Also, can I just seal the screw holes and pop a rubber plug into the hole. Please help, thanks!
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: rotten drain plug!

sounds like your new boat has some rot in the transom. explore more.
 
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pulleyman123

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
42
Re: rotten drain plug!

It's not rot, the previous owner just removed the whole piece rather than unscrewing the plug. I just want to prevent rot in the future.
 
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Dakota47

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 22, 2007
Messages
722
Re: rotten drain plug!

Put it back with RTV and go boating.. check for leaks at the dock..
 
Scaaty

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: rotten drain plug!

Dakota47 said:
Put it back with RTV and go boating.. check for leaks at the dock..
Click to expand...
RTV junk below water line ...(comes in many flavors too)..
Slam it back in with 3M 5200, or 4200 ..good to go...
 
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Willyclay

Captain
Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
3,240
Re: rotten drain plug!

I cannot stretch my imagination far enough to believe the previous owner just removed the garboard drain fitting for convenience. If TD says, explore more, you might want to follow that input from a VERY knowledgeable boater and Moderator of this forum. Good luck.
 
Last edited:
studlymandingo

studlymandingo

Commander
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
Re: rotten drain plug!

Sage advice from WillyClay; don't take the sellers word at face value. Check it thoroughly just to be safe.
 
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OhWellcraft

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 22, 2007
Messages
277
Re: rotten drain plug!

I agree with the further explore option just to have the piece of mind. If it all checks out okay remove the garboard setup thats currently there take plug out inspect threads. If all good I would reseal the existing holes with marine tex drill new holes seal all well with 5200. Dont use rtv it won't hold up below water line. If the old drain or plug is questionable at all I would replace it they sell them here and they aren't much money.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: rotten drain plug!

he may have put a galvinized plug in the fitting, rusted to itself. could not drain anyother way. or stripped the screws out trying to free it. if you use the screw in type, put a little plumbers teflon tape on it. then tighten.
 
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