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BillyK

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I'm repairing the sump pump in the forward bilge area and I see something I don't know what it is. The T handle in the lower middle does what?

Thanks,

Billy K.
 
That's a drain plug. Do NOT unscrew it while the boat is in the water.

Personally I think having a handle on it is tempting disaster. Mine requires a wrench.
 
That is a hull drain plug for when the boat is hauled to remove any standing water the bilge.
Bill
 
Why would any boat builder put a drain plug in a boat that unscrews from the inside? That's a disaster waiting to happen!
 
quote:
Originally posted by Neverending

Why would any boat builder put a drain plug in a boat that unscrews from the inside? That's a disaster waiting to happen!

Click to expand...

They are more common then you would think. If you know what it is you know not to unscrew it while in the water. Many boats mine included are bow heavy when at rest, the bilge pump can not remove all the water. These drains are used for when the boat is on the hard.
Bill
 
I'm not saying there shouldn't be a drain plug. All I am saying is that if it should only be removed when the boat is out of the water then it should only be removeable
from the outside of the hull.
 
That's a pretty strange sight and not something I would expect to see on a boat. Next time the boat is out of the water, take a look from the outside.

In the meantime, you might want to hang a tag on it explaining what it is and warning folks not to remove it if the boat is in the water.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Neverending

Why would any boat builder put a drain plug in a boat that unscrews from the inside?
Click to expand...


Because the handle would snag on grass or rocks if it was on the outside! ;)
 
Ron, I have seen many it must be a New Jersey boating thing?
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by rawidman

quote:
Originally posted by Neverending

Why would any boat builder put a drain plug in a boat that unscrews from the inside?
Click to expand...


Because the handle would snag on grass or rocks if it was on the outside! ;)

Click to expand...

I agree Ron or if the boat did a soft grounding it would be a disaster since these are generally mounted in the bow's bilge.
Bill
 
That's the exact same drain plug that is on my Carver. The T end on mine is just under the front on the engine. I use a wrench to loosen and tighten it.....
I also put some silicone plumbers tape on it before installing it every spring...
 
I was kidding about the handle being on the outside but a recessed square or allen head would work well and could not be removed easily while the boat is in the water.

I've seen big boats with a garboard drain plug like the smaller trailered boats, but never anything like what's in the photo.
 
Every boat I've owned that wasn't a trailer boat, had a plug that screwed in from the inside. Never had a "T" handle on any of the plugs though.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rawidman

I was kidding about the handle being on the outside but a recessed square or allen head would work well and could not be removed easily while the boat is in the water.

I've seen big boats with a garboard drain plug like the smaller trailered boats, but never anything like what's in the photo.

Click to expand...

I didn't mean the handle either but a hull plug near the center line that protrudes in the bow could be a potential problem.
Now that everyone is educated, "caution" do not remove this plug while the boat is in the water.
Bill
 
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