Plug for aluminum boat

[26aftcab454]

Re: Plug for aluminum boat

Don't use a galvanized steel or iron plug as the zink is a very thin coating and wears off.... use a brass or bronze plug. Screw it in with your fingers. If it comes out (it won't) you'll notice it right away... You won't sink. All you would have to do is put, the plug back in, stuff about anything in the hole, even a sock, put your foot on the hole, or simply start the engine and go.... The 4 foot geyser you see on popeye with the boat instantly going under just isn't reality.


Yes, that plug will allow the water to drain out if you remove it while running at speed.... It can actually drain it FASTER than a transom drain because the design makes a suction.

I had this exact set up on my old 1957LoneStar---used a brass plug for decades-no issue-cept looseing one. On plane if you pull it out the it will suck water faster than a bilge pump. Hard ware store sells 'em $4-$5 buy two. I left it out a few times too--when yer feet get wet fishin' time to put it in.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Plug for aluminum boat

It's been a while, but here's a update. My son and I took the boat, fitted with a brass plug, to a local small lake and launched it. We had a fair amount of water coming in from one side of the hole around the plug. It almost looks like the hole was stretched a bit and is slightly out of round. We tried gobbing on teflon tape, we tried using a PVC plug, but nothing would seal and keep water out. I'm about ready to go out an buy some JB Weld and glue that sucker in there and fill the surrounding threads. That doesn't seem a very elegant solution, though... so if anyone has any suggestions, I'd be open to them. I just don't want to sink too much more money into this boat.

And one other thing... today was quite humbling. I am really bad at backing up and getting the trailer where I want to go. Luckily the ramp wasn't busy and I could fumble around for a while until I managed to get the trailer into the lake. Ugh.

 

[RonJon24]

Re: Plug for aluminum boat

I have a old Sea Nymph with the same problem... I have a 3/4 inch threaded hole and a brass plug... when I bought the boat, it didn't leak a drop, after cleaning it up, and the plug too, now it leaks from two or three points around the plug, even when I use teflon tape or tighten fairly tight...I am not sure why...I am worried about stripping out the threads if I put it in too tight. I used plyers to tighten.

What did you end up doing? Any Advice

 

[RonJon24]

Re: Plug for aluminum boat

I figured out my problem.... My brass plug is screwing into the top layer of aluminum boat perfectly, but it is cross threaded into the actual plug hole. I need to replace the actual plug hole. Does anyone know where I can find one of the bottom plag holes with the rounded shield on the bottom so that I can drain on the go? What is that called?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Plug for aluminum boat

I ended up sealing in the plug with JB Weld. Took it out today, and it stayed dry all around the plug. The boat this is replacing didn't have a plug, so I don't feel too bad about it.

 

[duke33]

Re: Plug for aluminum boat

Glad you got it fixed. I took mine out when I got the boat and lost it. It a 20sq ft area WTH. Anyway I use a rubber foldover with a little leakage over several hours. No biggy.