Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

[kwolanin]

I have had my 14 foot jon boat for 4 years now. This year I have been taking on a lot of water! I was suspicious of the drain plug, so I replaced it with a new snap plug. Next time I went out, water again (not as much though). I tightened the plug as much as possible & forced it in again yesterday. Again quite a bit of water. I examined the plug receiving hole and it is a little dented (especially the last inch where the plug seals). I rounded it out the best I could but it is still not perfect. Any suggestions? I was thinking of a t-handle that I could tightened down more. A longer plug would seal further in the drain receiver where it is undamaged, but I cannot find a longer plug anywhere. Does anyone know how to solve this problem?

Thanks

 

[rosser1]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

you can always put plug in and silcone around it, and leave plug in. work great for my old 14ft flatbottom.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

Can you put the plug in from the inside out or ids that the part that is bent?

I would watch torquing on that too much, if you break that tube lose you have a real problem, maybe pics if possible so we know for sure what you are talking about.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

I have the same problem on my jon boat... leaks like a civ around the drain plug ... tube was damaged, and only way to "fix" it is, to have the tube cut out and a new one welded in by a place that can handle welding aluminum...

I have just been doing the silicone around the plug and fill the tube from the end of the plug flush with the transom trick for over 5 years... I use maybe 1 of those pressurized cans a year... so far been a lot cheaper (if a bit messier) then having a new drain tube put in.

When I need to drain/clean the boat, you can just use your finger to push the silicone plug out of the tube...

Good luck

 

[kwolanin]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

The inside of the drain tube has a curled flange. The flange was bent slightly, distorting the round shape of the drain sleeve about 5/8 of an inch. I gently tapped it bak round the best I could (definitely do not want to break it loose / crack!). The outside of the drain sleeve is welded around and no where near a round shape (rough weld around opening).

I can get a plug in alright, but I think that because it is not perfectly round anymore it does not seal great.

 

[kwolanin]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

Thanks - I will try the silicone

 

[gcboat]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

OR - you could install the plug from the outside. Might be a little 'squarer' fit.
My $.02 :redface:

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

Here's what I would try-

I'd use some JB Weld to restore the hole to round. Adjust the rubber plug screw so that the plug just barely fits the hole with the lever snapped shut. Wrap the plug body in saran wrap (to act as a release layer). Rough up the inner diameter of the plug hole in preparation for the epoxy. Mix up enough JB Weld to fill the area around the plug when installed. Slather up the hole and plug, install and snap the lever shut. Leave until cured. Unsnap the plug lever and remove from hole. Clean up the inner diameter with those small rotary sanding spindles you can put in your drill. Now adjust the plug back to the full compression setting and viola!

 

[kwolanin]

Re: Leaky Aluminum Jon Boat

Great suggestion! Thanks - I think that will work perfect