Plug problem

[pj]

I think the plug hole in my bilge is out of round or something. I can screw the plug all the way in, but it wiggles around in the hole. Thus, water is leaking in at a pretty fast rate. The boat is a '91 ski that I bought used and it has been this way since I bought it. Luckily we store the boat on a lift. But, we usually have to run the bilge pump frequently while we're out skiing. Can I replace that plug hole, or is it actually glassed into the hull? Maybe I could somehow fill that one in and just drill a new one. What does everybody think? I'd appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

[SNMike]

RE: plug

Hey pj! Do you know what diameter the hole sir? Mike

[MARK-S]

RE: plug

PJ, Are you up for next tuesday?

[Mikeski]

RE: plug

Should be 3/4" pipe threads.

[SNMike]

RE: plug

PJ, you can try applying teflon tape around the drain plug. You will have to adjust the amount you apply. To much and it won't go in, not enough and it won't stop the leak. Just a thought. Guys, that sound viable? Yellow_Flash_Colorz: Mike

[DavidF]

I doubt it is the plug to socket fit that is leaking, but rather the socket is loose in the hull and this is the leak point. Unless of course you are using a plug that is too small for the socket. If the socket is loose in the hull, remove it and use Boatlife Life Caulk to reseal and make sure it is tight in place upon reassembly. I believe there are screws on the bottom side (not sure here, going by memory).

Now what are those plugs actually called again...Garboard plugs? Yep, here is an example...see the screw holes for mounting. Yours is probably loose or the wrong plug used.http://www.iboats.com/products/7/363...ain_plugs.html

[Rick]

Notice that the plug shown above is not NPT pipe thread. I would bet that the plug was replaced with a NPT and thet is the problem Go to a boat store Take the old plug and find the proper one.

[OldFart]

is it quite a jump to go from a possible improper thread or even t-handle to the socket loose in the hull? Just askin'. I deal daily in rumors, fiascos, etc... It may be a possibility but also a good jump. Maybe, maybe not. Just a thought.

[AirJeff]

I've taken a look at his boat and the plug actually wobbles around side-to-side in the hole. (When its screwed all the way in!) It's kinda like the hole is bent out of round. Yellow_Flash_Colorz: Anyone with this vintage boat ('91 Ski) know if the plug hole(socket) unscrews from the bottom of the hull and pulls out? Then he could just put in a new one.

[AirJeff]

Thought of something else too. Could see if those expandable rubber plugs (where you bend the handle down and it squeezes the rubber) would fit and just use that. Like these
http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog.asp?P=1538

[DavidF]

Jeff:

I am pretty sure that the thru hull fitting (socket) is through bolted with machine screws and nuts on bilge side. Remove the screws/nuts and work the socket out from the bottom (outside). Install the new fitting with Boatlife Life Caulk or equal (and screws/nuts, of course).

With that said, I find it hard to believe that the socket would be out of round unless someone tried to tap it out or force the wrong plug in. Try to find the proper size plug with the proper threads. If no luck, see if you can match brands with fitting currently installed to avoid fitment issues or buy from CC. Might try buying a new Garboard plug directly from CC before replacing fitting.

[pj]

Thanks for all the ideas. I took a good look at it this past weekend and it looks just like DavidF described with 4 bolts holding it in. I think I'll try to remove the old plug hole and get a replacement. I think the plug may have been forced in very hard cross-threaded at some point. I can sometimes get the plug screwed about halfway in and it will then bind up and I have to back it out and start it again.