Drain plug re-install

[fmaster360]

This isn't really an older boat, but I figure that you guys would know exactly what to do since I'm sure you've done it before. I bought my first "good" boat yesterday, a '00 Osprey 205 with a 200hp Ocean Pro. The seller said that the drain plug holder popped out once, and he secured it back together. It seemed solid at the time. I bought the boat and I didn't take the drain plug out yesterday after the sea trial. I went out to take it off today (no water in it, nice....) but it had tightened a bit. I could see the mount that the plug was in twisting slightly as I was taking the drain plug out. I'd like to repair this so it would never be an issue, because I'm envision a friend being too buzzed and trying to be too helpful, and that thing coming right off in his hands as he tries to take only the plug out. What can I do! Thanks guys!

[gman 82 aquasport]

You are talking about the drain plug for the bilge area at the bottom under the motor correct,and does the plug screw in or is it a rubber plug.. If it screws in, the part that is mounted on the boat that the plug screws into usually has 3 screws that hold it in place, I just got a new one for my boat and thats the way it came and the old one was the same, if the base is coming out, you need to check and see if it had screws,and if they are just removed and for what reason.If you can just pull the base out, pull it out and run a finger up in the hole to make sure there isn't an issue around the plug hole.If its solid back there and your base didn't have screws, get one that does and replace it..Hope this helps.

[wingtime]

You need to fix this ASAP.  As already mentioned the base should have two or three screws holding it in place.  If it is moving as you try to unscrew the plug thats not good.  Over time some screws on a boat will loosen up...  If they are left that way they start to work and open up the holes.  They also allow water to get into the core material of the boat.  If it was my boat I would remove the drain.  Inspect the condition of the screw holes.  If they are wallowed out you can repair them by filling them with epoxy or marinetex.  Now is the time to upgrade to a different style garboard drain if you like.   After the epoxy cures drill new screw holes.  Get some 5200 and butter you finger up with i.  Stick your finger in the drain hole and coat everything with a nice layer of 5200.  This way you know things are sealed up inside and out.  Then reinstall the drain.  Be sure to put 5200 on the screws and bed that thing in there.  Now that you have a nice boat a little bit maintenance will go a long way to make it really last.

[fmaster360]

Thanks for the response wingtime! It's not really that loose yet, but I think it's only got a few install/removes left. I'm guessing the the holes are stripped like thee other poster said. What's this upgrade that you speak of? Is it ok for you to provide a link to a good site to buy it and the epoxy from? I'd like to order it now so I can do the job next week. I  see you're nearby in clearwater, you assist for beer?

Gman, yeah, it's that one. Screws are in there, but I'm betting they are stripped. A lot of epoxy / sealant over them. It was "repaired," just not well. Especially with something as important as that.

[fmaster360]

I looked online. I have a Garboard style already. I'm going to remove it, get the 5200 and Marine Tex as recommended, and then reinstall.

[fmaster360]

Ok, upon further inspection, mine is corroded along with being installed in less than a perfect method. I'm going to replace the flange and the plug. I want to start the project Friday, so hopefully in a week or two it will be ready to go. My list is the flange, plug, 3m 5200, and Marine Tex... Anything I'm missing? I have sandpaper and drill bits to clean it after the goop has been hardened. Is the flange going to come with screws? Those of you guys in Clearwater, I don't want to wait for this stuff to ship since it's a critical part of using the boat, can I get all this at West Marine?

[Circle Hooked]

Carl west should have what you need, and you can always go with 5200 fast cure if time is a concern, the other stuff I would let cure at least a week, the marine tex will cure in a full day.

[gran398]

Carl,

Just make sure the area internally is bone dry. A hair dryer will do a good job...or heat lamp carefully placed.

[fmaster360]

Thanks guys. It is a little moist in there, so I'll try and let it dry for a day or two. Is the fast cure 5200 going to be ok though? It sucks waiting to use the boat since I just got it, but I don't want to have to do this again.

[gran398]

Yep, that'll do it. To reiterate though...it has to be DRY. Put a fan in the bilge too, blowing out of the hole.

Know that you are anxious, but a few days won't make a hill of beans five years from now.

[Circle Hooked]

The fast cure just has more hardener in it, cure time is 48 hours or something like that vs a week.

Gran is right make sure its dry so you get a good bond.

I redid mine going on two years ago with the above method, just used regular 5200 and let it sit for a week but it's still solid.

[gran398]

Marine-Tex:

Not sure you should use it in the mix for this application...unless you are dealing with slight chips on the outside glass after sleeve removable.

Marine-Tex is and will always be a Band-Aid.

[Circle Hooked]

Scott you under estimate marine tex, I've used that stuff for so many things over the years, filling gauge holes in the console you name it, even filled holes on my cavitation plate from when i had fins on it, been about eight years since and it's still holding, it's an epoxy filler, it's permanent, and much more then a band aid, it's never failed me, I love that stuff  

[fmaster360]

I picked up all the stuff today from WM. Taking the wife out for out first time on the boat tomorrow, and then Friday I'm going to clean it off and see what kind of condition it's in.

[gran398]

Scott you under estimate marine tex, I've used that stuff for so many things over the years, filling gauge holes in the console you name it, even filled holes on my cavitation plate from when i had fins on it, been about eight years since and it's still holding, it's an epoxy filler, it's permanent, and much more then a band aid, it's never failed me, I love that stuff  

Scott, guess was a little hard on ol' marine tex...I just have a bad taste in my mouth about the stuff right now, the top guy screwed up and drilled some unnecessary holes in the console and filled them with marine tex...and the gel won't bond to the epoxy marine tex...so now the glass guy is going to have to drill out the stuff and fix the butch job.

Anyhow...back to transom drains