How do I install a drain plug in a boat without one?

Post by **Mike B.** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:22 pm

Hey gang...I have 12' aluminum boat which has no drain installed. Anyone ever put one in a boat that didn't come with one. I'm talking about the whole drain,not just the plug itself.
I appreciate any advice.

Post by **SkeeterJohn** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:31 pm

You can buy the drain plug and fitting.. then i guess all you'd need would be a drill. The only concern would be making a good seal so it doesn't leak around the fitting.

Post by **GamblerSteve** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:15 pm

Single gun shot should do the trick then go to CT and get a plug to match.

Post by **BASSSTALKER** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:19 pm

Just buy a bilge pump

Post by **Mike B.** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:20 pm

I'm wondering if there is a special drill bit I'd need...the hole would be quite large for the bits I own.Thanks for the help though.

Post by **SkeeterJohn** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:21 pm

GamblerSteve wrote:Single gun shot should do the trick then go to CT and get a plug to match.

Just don't use a shotgun

Post by **BASSSTALKER** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:22 pm

Make a pilot hole with your biggest drill bit and widen it with a dremel untill you get the size you want. Just make sure you file it down first

Post by **dwc67** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 3:09 pm

buy a hole saw or body knock out tool the size of hole you want.

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 3:22 pm

Mike B. wrote:I'm wondering if there is a special drill bit I'd need...the hole would be quite large for the bits I own.Thanks for the help though.

If you are going to drill a hole through a perfectly good boat, I would spend the 6 bucks and buy the size you need.

What you need is "through hull fitting". You can get these at any of the marinas, CT, princess auto, etc.

Good luck.

M.T. Livewell

Post by **Mike B.** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 3:34 pm

Wow...great help folks. Thanks a bunch!
Anyone out there from the Muskoka region? Love to hear from you.

Post by **Rideaufish** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:48 pm

Can use a floor flange from a plumbing store make a gasket and use a pipe plug for a plug. only problem is it is not flush with the bottom so a little water will stay in. Just seal it good.

Post by **Mike B.** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 6:35 am

Ok...so I bought a 1" brass drain tube,a matching 1" brass drain plug and the 1" hole saw bit.

How does the drain tube actually get installed? Does the flange end go on the inside of the boat or the outside and does the extra tube length stick outside the boat or inside?I have an aluminum boat.

The funny thing is,as a kid I used to rent boats all the time that had plugs in them,but never really paid attention to how they actually were installed.

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:14 am

I would put the flange end on the outside of the boat.
And cut off any excess on the inside.

I assume this drain tube is threaded so you can tighten it down good.

M.T. Livewell

Post by **Mike B.** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:15 am

The actual drain tube is smooth...I guess it requires a snug fit and some marine grade silicone.

I'm thinking of returning the fixtures I bought and getting this other drain I saw.It has a one way valve and looks like it will be a more durable fitting. Decisions decisions!

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:13 pm

Mike, you need one of these ...

http://www.thechandleryonline.com//prod ... 23%5FA6217

It has a 3/4" opening, which is a standard size for drain plugs.

M.T. Livewell

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How do I install a drain plug in a boat without one?

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