jon boat drain plug installation

[squarebobdumbpants]

Hey guys, first post here. I just purchased a '68 Alumacraft 14' shallow-v, but the drain plug has JB weld or some other epoxy smeared all over it. It is completely useless. What are my options? Should I try removing the sealant, and replacing the plug? It doesn't leak, so maybe I should leave it alone and make a new hole and install a brand new base and plug?

BTW- I know very little to nothing about boats. All input is appreciated!

 

[lncoop]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

I'm a little confuzzed. I suspect when you say drain plug you mean plug tube. Are we talking about the round thing the plug goes into? If so, as long as it's not leaking I'd just leave it alone provided you can get a plug to seat securely in it. If it is no longer usable, you can have it replaced for a nominal amount of money. If I'm wrong and you're not talking about the plug tube then I'm stumped without a visual aid. Welcome aboard.

 

[squarebobdumbpants]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

I'm a little confuzzed.

I told ya I don't know anything

Currently, the plug is inserted into the tube, but it is smeared all over in some sort of hard epoxy. I can only assume it leaked at some point in the past, and the guy decided to fix it by rendering it useless instead of properly repairing it.

 

[lncoop]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

Oh, I see. One sees all sorts of bubba mods performed on aluminum boats, but that sounds like a good 'un. I'd love to see it if you get a chance. Does sound like it's time for a new plug tube though.

 

[squarebobdumbpants]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

Haha "Bubba mods." I like that.

I'll see if I can't get a picture of it for ya. I agree that a new tube is in order, but I don't know the first thing about installing a new one. I can't imagine it being something I couldn't do myself, I just don't even know where to begin.

I have checked out some online marine stores and have found plastic tubes, brass tubes, fancy things with wide flages and threaded plugs, etc. I was thinking (if they come in a big enough size) to buy a tube that is bigger than the current one and drill it out with a hole saw, and then install the new one in the same spot. That way it eliminates the ugly "bubba mod" and I won't have to look at it and wonder if it will ever start leaking again.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

The easiest and best hull drain system is called a "Garboard". It is usually brass and has a threaded plug. The housing itself is screwed tothe back of the transom using appropriate sealant. The plug is then screwed into the housing. Done! Here ya go. You can get the two parts right here on iBoats.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...*********.734854579--submit.x.25--submit.y.11

 

[squarebobdumbpants]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

The easiest and best hull drain system is called a "Garboard". It is usually brass and has a threaded plug. The housing itself is screwed tothe back of the transom using appropriate sealant. The plug is then screwed into the housing. Done! Here ya go. You can get the two parts right here on iBoats.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...*********.734854579--submit.x.25--submit.y.11

Thanks for the info! So its screws into the transom, and not the floor? Seems like it wouldn't drain all of the water that way.

 

[robert graham]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

Sounds like the previous owner had the plug in the tube and it leaked, so he decided to seal it up with JB Weld, OR he lost the plug and he used JB Weld to seal it up. Remove the JB Weld with a chisel, wire brush, drill, however, remove the plug(if it's in there), otherwise drill out the JB Weld or old plug, open up the drain, get a new plug from Ace Hardware or other that fits the hole, should be home free! You really need that drain for rainwater, etc. Good Luck!

 

[Outsider]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

Take it to a mechanic and have it replaced properly with a tube and internal rubber plug. He'll have the correct flare tool and will be able to seal it properly. You'll be glad you did ...

 

[NYGiants]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

wont the brass react with the aluminum in the boat? if you buy a brass plug

 

[Silvertip]

Re: jon boat drain plug installation

If a reaction bothers you, buy a plastic one. And as for location of drains, the vast majority of boats have them at the lowest point in the transom. Put the boat bow high and there won't be half a cup of water in the bilge.