I have posted here before about getting my grandfathers 1963 razorback ski boat. Well I was able to bring it home this Saturday. When I was moveing it around I noticed a sloshing sound that sounded like it was comeing from inside the hull. I asked my grandfather about this, and he said that he has had to drain the hull before along time ago. He also showed me where the drain hole/plug was for this. So I guess here is my question. 1) The boat has not been in the water in about 15-20 years. How did the water get in? (it has sat uncover for a while) 2) What kind of damage could this water do sitting in there like that for so long? (I would say it took about 15-30 mins to drain) 3) Would the boat still float after all the water was removed? 4) How long should I leave the plug out to let it dry? The plug that came out was just a brass (copper) tube that had three little screws holding it in. 5) Should I replace it with the same plug or try and get a new one? If so what kind? once again thanks for all your help
On number 2, not knowing the boat, it is hard to speculate, but if this water was solely in the bilge and not up in the floor, damage could be minimal if there is any. Did you see the height of the water before you drained it? Can you see any evidence of how high the water was now? 15 -30 minutes is a long enough time that I would want to get a good look at everything.<br /><br />3) Yes the boat will float, but it could be totally waterlogged inside and quite a bit heavier because of it. Not a great thing no matter how you slice it.<br /><br />4) Always keep the plug out when you are storing her, eliminates the problem you are having 
