Looking to add a drain plug to a jon boat

[Newbie@boats]

I have a 12FT aluminum flat bottom Jon boat that I have on a trailer, problem is when it rains out the boat will fill up with water and it doesn’t currently have a drain plug. So I am looking to add one. Anyone have any ideas or links to a proper drain plug? I attached a couple pics. I was thinking of putting one in the floor instead of the transom.

 

[poconojoe]

I thought all jon boats and row boats had drain plugs! Tells you what I know!

Instead of allowing water to collect in the boat, maybe get a good cover.

Water collecting in the boat, even with a drain hole is not a good idea. It's got to be bad for the boat, even if it's aluminum.
I'm sure there are wooden benches and foam flotation that can be damaged by constantly being wet.
Plus, what if a leaf or something blocks that small drain hole? You'd be back to having a boat full of water. And that is bond to happen.

My jon boat had fiberglass bows to support it's cover. No water got in...ever.
Maintain the cover by waterproofing it every few years and you'll be good.

 

[aspeck]

I would not go with a floor drain, I would stick with the transom drain. Here is a link to a kit that will be easy to install and you are good to go ...

Moeller Drain Fittings Kit

Specifically designed for aluminum boats as a 1" drain for transom, livewell or baitwell. Easily flanged fitting eliminates need for welding. An o-ring forms a watertight seal in 0.04" ot 0.09" wall thickness.

www.iboats.com

 

[JASinIL2006]

I installed a standard garboard drain and plug on my 14' aluminum v-hull utility boat. I used stainless steel screws and bedded the flanged female section in JB Weld. It's held up perfectly now for about 8 or 9 years.

Seadog Garboard Drain Plug Bronze - Sea-Dog

Die cast bronze. Fastener is #8 FH.

www.iboats.com

Perko GARBOARD DRAIN

Cast bronze flange with brass plug. 1/2 IPT thread. Flange OD 2. Uses #8 fasteners. Sold each per display pack.

www.iboats.com

 

[Chris1956]

If you want a floor drain, get one with a scoop fitting on the exterior. The scoop deflects water under the boat a bit, so the drain hole is dry at cruising speed, allowing you to pull the plug while cruising.

I don't readily find a picture of one, but if you picture a clam shell, like this over the drain hole, on the outside, facing back, that is what the fitting looks like.

 

[jhande]

Free simple fix...

Store it upside down.

 

[Alumarine]

This type would be easy to install.

Beckson Drain Plug 1in Black

A screw-type with patented self-cleaning thread design. Ideal installation for transom of small boats fish wells coolers ice chest water tanks etc. Part should be mounted in 1" ID hole with two stainless steel fasteners with gap in thread at lowest point. 1". Black. Includes gasket.

www.iboats.com

 

[JimS123]

A "Garboard" is the first bottom plank on a wooden boat. They call the bronze drains "Garboard Plugs" because that's where they used to put them.

I have installed drain plugs on 2 boats in the past, because neither came with one. IMHO, they work much better on the bottom.

A garboard plug is particularly well suited to an aluminum boat because it will work on any thickness hull. Bolt the 2 flanges using brass flat head bolts after sealing them with 4200 or 5200. Install the plug from the inside and the only protrusion on the outside will be the 1/8" flange.