Garboard (drain) plugs

[mjw930]

Looking for some comments on various drain plug options.

First, the standard "garboard" plugs, bronze or stainless. Old faithful, been using them for decades but I don't have experience with the stainless variety. I have to believe that in a salt air environment galling is going to be an issue with SS plugs. I'm thinking "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" so a classic bronze garboard plug is the way to go.

Second, has anyone had experience with these types of plugs?


I love the idea of never losing a plug and not needing tools to tighten or loosen but it's depending on a rubber seal and you can't find replacement plugs at every marina in case something breaks or gets lost.

Comments? Thanks.

[JPEROG]

I have the ones pictured in my Cobalt "came as oem" and I put one in the center of the STV as well. Scott has them on the race boat as well and we have had no problems other then replacing an O-ring.

Joe

[mjw930]

I have the ones pictured in my Cobalt "came as oem" and I put one in the center of the STV as well. Scott has them on the race boat as well and we have had no problems other then replacing an O-ring.

Joe

Are the O rings available from Attwood or are they a standard size?

[JPEROG]

Are the O rings available from Attwood or are they a standard size?

They are a standard size.

Joe

[Slimm]

I have http://www.basspro.com/TH-Marine-Dra...roduct/101654/ in my bass boat. Installed about 2 1/2 years ago with no problems since. I LOVE not worrying about losing it or forgetting it or having it get snagged on a twig while fishing and pulled out.


Slimm

[mjw930]

They are a standard size.

Joe

Did you use the Atwood part or one of the many knockoff parts that get returned on a google search?

[JPEROG]

Did you use the Atwood part or one of the many knockoff parts that get returned on a google search?

I think I bought them at West Marine if remember correctly.

Joe

[bigboy]

I have http://www.basspro.com/TH-Marine-Dra...roduct/101654/ in my bass boat. Installed about 2 1/2 years ago with no problems since. I LOVE not worrying about losing it or forgetting it or having it get snagged on a twig while fishing and pulled out.


Slimm

I'm using the same ones (have 3 of them, center pod and sponsons).

Cheap, light and work great!

[mjw930]

I found these Sea-Dog items as well. I like the fact it's a direct size replacement for the standard bronze garboard drains. I think I'll order one and compare it to the Atwood.

[berdes]

Not what most would do, but I've always used the duck bill flappers until I found these: http://www.pwcdoctor.com/versiplug.html
Keep boat on a lift so any water just drains out, and auto drains with any forward motion.

[MeCapnDave]

I got the seadog, Boston Whaler OEM on my predator, no problems at all and no more lost brass plugs !!

[David - WI]

I wanted try a "retained" plug but didn't want to put (3 sets of) screws below the waterline; so I'm going to try these "press fit" ones from Sea Dog.



I put them in the lathe and turned off the "ridges" so I could tap them into the brass drain tubes with a big flat-faced hammer (with black RTV on the body).

Not sure yet how secure they'll be, waiting for the RTV to set up before I yank on the them. They were cheap, figured why not try?

[XstreamVking]

I use teflon tape on any garboard plugs I install. Don't leak, and wont back out.

[mjw930]

Here's some pictures of the 3 options, I haven't decided whether to go with the SeaDog or Atwood SS units. I like the construction of the Atwood but it's a larger hole so once it's in there's no going back.