DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

M

msova2

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I have been searching for a while online to see if someone did this mod, just to get ideas... I had no luck. I am sure its been done by some of you, but I thought I would share just for fun... I took a spare brass plug and notched it with an angle grinder. Then hammered flat a copper coupling. Fit that in the notch. Soldered in with some mapp gas and plumbing solder and then ground the edges off. Very quick and dirty, works fantastic. No more climbing back in the boat to get the old wrench.

IMG_0881.jpgIMG_0882.jpgIMG_0883.jpgIMG_0885.jpg
 
T_Herrod

T_Herrod

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

Looks like a good idea. Maybe you should do a patent search and possibly retire.
 
roscoe

roscoe

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

sorry


Available in 1/2" 3/4" and 1".



largeimage-6271.jpg
 
Last edited:
H

Home Cookin'

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

I turned a crescent wrench into a plug-only wrench by applying salt water. now it always fits.
 
oldjeep

oldjeep

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

roscoe said:
sorry

Available in 1/2" 3/4" and 1".

View attachment 229944
Click to expand...

Not sure I would use those externally, I've got 2 of those in my boat - they screw in from the inside. The 3rd plug is a standard square head which screws in from the outside.

I'd be worried about the huge head helping the water unscrew it.

The OP's idea looks like a good one, although I just carry one of those orange plastic wenches with the extra plug in it.
 
roscoe

roscoe

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

I think these were originally a Mastercraft ski boat item.
They used them on the inside of the hull.

You can still buy the entire flange, with the plug, and install them on the inside or outside, if it fits your hull.
 
oldjeep

oldjeep

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

roscoe said:
I think these were originally a Mastercraft ski boat item.
They used them on the inside of the hull.
Click to expand...

My Malibu has them as well. 2 on the inside, one under the engine and one under the front ballast pumps.
 
H

Home Cookin'

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

the question is, do you leave the fin vertical for a rudder or horizontal for a trim tab?
 
M

msova2

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

I did see the brass one with the rather large 'T' already on it... but I did't care for it sticking out so far. I also saw the one with the hole for the screw driver, but I thought why not make my own with a little larger area to grab on to. Besides, I already had all the parts so it cost me nothing. My favorite kind of fix.
 
midcarolina

midcarolina

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

I tell ya what some of you guy's are world class jerks.............. Is it too much to simply say nice job!

It's no wonder there are not that many people showing off mods................jeeesh!
 
T

TribalFlounder

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

That's a good idea, it might just be me over tightening mine, but I would have to make mine into a shorter tee handle for more torque.
Did the solder stick to the brass pretty well?
 
M

msova2

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

the solder worked great. Brass is just copper and zinc. I figured that since some plumbing valves were brass, it was at least worth a try. I haven't tried it in the lake yet, but tomorrow looks promising :D
 
S

shrew

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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

You won't get as much leverage as you will with a wrench. I honestly didn't realize this was a problem that needed solving. ;)
 
M

msova2

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Messages
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Re: DIY boat plug mod, no more wrench

While it may not be a concern for you... it was for me. I used it last night and it worked great. No water in the bilge. No wrench. :joyous:
 
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