Is Kayak Drain Plug Acceptable For Boat Drain?

[great_white_fisherman]

I want to swap my brass flanged garboard plug for a plastic "kayak style" plug for a couple reasons. For one, I won't lose the plug because it has the plastic keeper on the back of the screw in piece. Also, more importantly, it is self-sealing as it has a rubber washer. No more wondering if I tightened the plug enough or having to retape the threads every time.

Should I do it? Or do I just need to deal with the inconvenience of the traditional garboard?

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, there is no pressure on a kayak drain plug like there is on a boat. kayak plugs are stamped cheep because they can be.

second, they make garboard plugs with a swivel lanyard so you cant loose it. in fact most of the remote oil drain kits come with it as you pull the oil drain hose out the garboard plug.

third, you only need to tighten the brass 2 hexes past finger tight without any tape. no need to crank it in unless you want to.

 

[great_white_fisherman]

Thanks. I just went ahead and resealed it and put it back in. Don't want to take the chance on the kayak plug breaking under the pressure

 

[Grub54891]

As stated, you don't need tape or sealant of any kind on the plug. It's a tapers pipe plug. Over tightening usually causes the flange retaining screws to loosen and the bedding to loose its seal. That results in water getting to the wood then rot begins.