Drain Plug Flange

[rfitz]

I take my plug out after every use to let rain water drain out. The screws in my drain plug flange are striped out, actually the fiberglass hull. The only thing holding the drain plug assembly in was the silicone./?? The whole flange started to shift is how i noticed the problem.
Question: Is there a wing nut type of screw for this like dry wall or back plate assembly for drain plugs? I am afraid to install larger screws since there is not a lot of fiberglass there and the flange holes (x3) aren't very big.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Drain Plug Flange

I'n not sure what you mean by 'there's not a lot of fiberglass there'. Why not?

You don't want to monkey around with screw anchors, and don't use silicone to seal the flange. You need to do the repair correctly and use 5200 to seal it. If the screw holes are stripped I think you have a couple of options:

- Drill the holes oversize, pack them with epoxy (like Marine Tex), then redrill them to the right size.

- You won't find a ready-made backing plate (at least, I've never seen one). You'll need to make one or have one made. Then, you'd through bolt it, sealing everything with 5200 to secure the plate and flange.

Others may have some more options for you. Good luck.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Drain Plug Flange

Not to rain on your parade here but there must be a reason the screws came loose, like the wood around them has rotted. I'd pull the flange and check for that. And +1 on the epoxy and redrill.

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: Drain Plug Flange

Yes, check the wood for rot. If it's solid, then just turn the flange 90 degrees, apply 5200 sealant and drill new holes.

 

[rfitz]

Re: Drain Plug Flange

Thank you, yes the holes are stripped out. I didn't want to make them bigger, which would make them too close to the large drain hole area. Do you have to put the 5200 inside the hull too? or just outside? The reason i ask i can't get to the backside without major parts removal. Boat is a 04 Yamaha SX230. I bought it used this year.