Plugging Exhaust Port

[Heathenly Twins]

So, with wet exhaust on a low freeboard sloop, wouldn't it make sense to plug the exhaust tip somehow when the engine is off? There must be a reason I never see it done but I can't imagine what it is. Exhaust tip is about 14" above the waterline so that's a bit close.

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by Heathenly Twins

So, with wet exhaust on a low freeboard sloop, wouldn't it make sense to plug the exhaust tip somehow when the engine is off? There must be a reason I never see it done but I can't imagine what it is. Exhaust tip is about 14" above the waterline so that's a bit close.

A plug should not be needed as there should be a gooseneck on the inside of the transom to stop splashes and the waterlock muffler should have a loop that extends well above the waterline to prevent any further inflow of water.

[rslifkin]

If the system is designed properly, you should be able to dunk the exhaust outlet underwater as often as you want without getting water back to the engine.

[Heathenly Twins]

But there's no harm in plugging the tip, right?

I like redundancy when it comes to my boat.

[markwesti]

Only if you forget to un plug it . Our boat came with a gate valve mounted right before the outlet . I have never used it . But if I was going to use it I would hang the ignition key on the valve handle .

[gonesail]

most would find it difficult to deal with a plug in the exhaust .. and easy to forget the plug was there. i guess if you backed in the slip it could be done .. but then why would you since the stern is protected from waves by the dock? up to you of course.

[Sherpa17]

Exhaust flaps are available in many sizes