Possibly a stupid boat question... :oops:

[StrictlyBiznuss]

Ok, so, I'm still learning the ins and outs of being a boat owner and trying to do what I can to learn all I can about my boat. I will admit I'm kind of a dummy when it comes to boats, but I figure I'm better off possibly asking a stupid question and finding out the answer than going on forever just pretending to know what I'm doing.

So, I was recently reading through an old issue of BASSIN' magazine when I found a pretty good article about keeping your boat in good shape. In it, there was a checklist of things to go over on your boat everytime you go out on the water, as well as a list of what to go over about every 20hrs of use.

HERE'S THE QUESTION: It talks about pulling out the drain plug and draining the water. Where the heck is the drain plug, what does it look like, and what do I need to do to pull it out? I know this probably sounds stupid, but I'm assuming my plug has just always been in because my boat hasn't sunk yet. haha. I've always just drained any water that gets in out by using the bilge pump. Anyways, thanks in advance...

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

you don't got ANY of these in your boat?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... cmCat=perf

I would think you would have one in the area your bilige pump is or somewhere on the inside of your transome, behind your motor.

steven

[Mark Pollard]

Usually under your boat motor, back transom. Look at the prop then the bottom of the transom in the back.

[Hipster]

StrictlyBiznuss,

I am not sure if you are pulling our legs or not but in the very back of your boat under the motor mount area, just above the bottom of your hull you will find your plug. Most screw out if you have the old stlye you pop the tab and pull out.

Mark

[StogieMan]

Alex.... Go to the back of your boat and on the bottom of the boat in the center will be a drain plug. You will need to hunker down to see it, the plug will be low and usually not visable from a standing position.

There are 2 standard plug types demonstrated by the aNNieNsaLTIE post. The snap handle type is a "Lever" pull the lever up to release tension and it will pull out. The "T" handle type is a screw, turn in counter clockwise until loose and it will pull out.
Two pieces of advise:
If your plug in the "Snap" type, ALWAYS make sure the lever is up when engaged, if down when engaged the water pressure could deploy the lever and you would loose the plug while on the water. I prefer the "T" handle type.
Always remember to check that your plug is "IN" before each outing, a common mistake made by everyone at some point.

Also do not be alarmed if upon removal of said plug you have a water discharge, this is normal.

[jack morris]

Just using the bilge pump will leave some water in the boat ,if it sets to long it cause problems( mold, rot ,bad smell, damage to wiring,ect) Jack

[StrictlyBiznuss]

Gotcha...thanks guys...only one problem...without looking at my boat right now I can almost guarntee that there is no plug back there and I don't ever recall even seeing one when I first bought the boat. I will take a gander tonight and let you guys know...haha

[krpierce]

I would say that if you DONT have a plug in there you would know for sure!!!! The plug fits in a 3/4 or inch hole so if you didnt have one the boat would fill up with water fast and your bilge would be pumping out a stream of water!!! I know from experience!!!

[tunaman]

Alex, try posting the make and model of your boat and we can help identify where and what type the bilge plug is.

I don't personally know of any bass boats that don't have a bilge plug, so if yours doesn't it would be a shock.

Roger

[BuckSnort]

Just take a hole saw and drill your own.......

[kopper_bass]

Strictly,
There are more than the 2 versions of plugs that the guys mentioned - these are just the typical ones for bass-type boats.

Not knowing what boat you have, you may have another type that looks like a giant bolt made of bronze. these are typical on I/O type boats and cruisers. When installed, its very flush, so you may not recognize it as a plug. To remove, just get a wrench and unscrew it. Careful, as there is no latch holding it, so it will just fall out.

As everyone mentioned, get down on the ground and really look under the boat, at the transom. It's surely there somewhere.

Kopper_Bass

[jimmy87]

reguardless of the boat brand it certianly has a plug unless somthing strange is going on.
It is possible that glass work was done and the plug hole was elimintated.
However that would be entirely stupid to say the least.
If it dose not have a hole for the plug I suggest you get one.

[Bill K]

Just for conversation, what make/model is your boat. That will aid in telling you where your drain plug is. Most are on the lower edge of the rear transom, centerline. Bill K

[mark poulson]

*NM*

[Mr Gambler]

Gamblers have 3 drain plugs

[StrictlyBiznuss]

Sorry guys...I haven't had internet access for a few days...but anyways...yes, I found the plug thanks to the first few replies. I always thought that that was the general area where it ought to be, but I was just never looking quite low enough as it turns out. I had to pretty much lay down on the ground to see it.

Thanks everyone!