By Bill Nolen
Many older sailboats, both fiberglass and wooden, were not built with a hull drain plug. There’s no way to remove water from the hull or cockpit except by means of a manual or electrical pump—or the good old bucket method. Smaller sailboats usually rely on a bailing scoop and a sponge. However, it’s very easy to install a drain plug in the stern transom of these sailboats to aid in the removal of large amounts of water.
It is true that many boat owners may not wish to install drain plugs in their hulls. Reasons are many, but the main one is owner reluctance to bore holes in his hull! And wooden boat plans sometimes do not include drain-plug installation instructions.
I have the view that anything that will aid and speed the process of removing water from the insides of my boats is most welcome. And it’s very inexpensive to add a drain plug.
After trailering an open cockpit boat in a rainstorm, I’ve found it an easy matter to remove the plug and tilt the trailer tongue up, so that water in the cockpit and hull will drain out. Later, when the rain has stopped, I return to the boat and mop up any remaining water with a sponge and towels.
There are many drain plugs on the market, some more costly than others. The one I have used on several boats is sold by Duckworks. It’s one of the less expensive ones—about $2.50, and it’s very easy to install. Order two so you’ll have one for your next boat. (Model #SD-520010 Nylon Flange Screw-in Drain Plug).
Materials Required:
Nylon Flange Screw-in Drain Plug #SD-520010
Epoxy or Titebond Glue
Silicone Sealer
2 ea. #8 x 1" wood or metal screws
Tools required:
Electric or hand drill
1-inch bit.
Hand screwdriver.
Source for Drain Plug:
First appeared in issue #83
Short of a self bailing cockpit or scuppers at cockpit sole level, drain plugs are a necessity. My Livingston has two, one for each hull and I leave them out when on the trailer. Hopefully I don't forget to put the plugs in before I launch....