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**djousset** · 05-04-2021, 17:30

After too much bilge-bailing over winter I am seriously considering a garboard drain plug. I’ve researched but can’t find any decent visual reference for sailboats, lots of power boat transom applications. (Yes, I am dealing with the known points of water intrusion, and I think the blocking was off)

Bilge shape (?) Fairly shallow, runs the length, pretty level with slight inclines to P and S, and slightly pitched with the lowest point being right in line with the keel bolts. Easily accessible.

How close to/far away from the keel bolts is appropriate for install? I'm thinking 5-6 inches to port. What is the depth through the hull likely to be at that point? The garboard drains I see appear to have 1 inch "necks", is that sufficient to go through the hull? No exterior flange, just the threaded plug? Any guidance is appreciated.

psk125 · 06-04-2021, 01:37

The plugs used for powerboat transoms are probably not what you want to use here. This is going to be a lot deeper under water, so a lot more pressure pushing in to make it leak. If you aren't installing a seacock, you may be able to find something that has a plug that screws down onto a flange to hold it in place. A blank plug for a depth sounder or speedo wheel might work for what you want.

silkie · 06-04-2021, 03:01

It sounds like you want to put a hole in the hull because you have too much bilge water.
I know I have misunderstood something.

Yellowtulip · 06-04-2021, 03:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by silkie

It sounds like you want to put a hole in the hull because you have too much bilge water.
I know I have misunderstood something.

I think he’s talking about draining off rainwater when the boat’s ashore for the winter. Rainwater is a wooden boat killer.

silkie · 06-04-2021, 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowtulip

I think he’s talking about draining off rainwater when the boat’s ashore for the winter. Rainwater is a wooden boat killer.

Thanks. I hadn't thought of the boat being on the hard.

LittleWing77 · 06-04-2021, 03:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by silkie

Thanks. I hadn't thought of the boat being on the hard.

Silkie,

This is a follow-up to Diane's problem this Winter with water in the bilges while her sailboat has been on the hard. You can read about it here:

Ice in the Bilge - Sad story or not?
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f115/ice-in-the-bilge-sad-story-or-not-244422.html

Cheers,
LittleWing77

LittleWing77 · 06-04-2021, 03:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by djousset

After too much bilge-bailing over winter, I am seriously considering a garboard drain plug.

Hi Diane,

I'm sure since the boat is probably still out of the water, you're figuring that if you're going to install a garboard drain, you might as well do it while she's hauled.

My experience has come from the as-few-holes-in-the-hull-as-possible tradition, so my inclination would be to address the topside leaks and fabricate a better cover for next Winter. When possible, my preference would be not to mess with the soundness of my hull.

That's just my personal opinion, you understand.

Warm wishes for your pre-launch boatwork!
LittleWing77

**djousset** · 06-04-2021, 04:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Hi Diane,

I'm sure since the boat is probably still out of the water, you're figuring that if you're going to install a garboard drain, you might as well do it while she's hauled.

My experience has come from the as-few-holes-in-the-hull-as-possible tradition, so my inclination would be to address the topside leaks and fabricate a better cover for next Winter. When possible, my preference would be not to mess with the soundness of my hull.

That's just my personal opinion, you understand.

Warm wishes for your pre-launch boatwork!
LittleWing77

Thanks Littlewing, I am of the same mindset when it comes to holes...less is more. I am also of the mindset that climbing over snowbanks to get aboard in freezing temps to see if the bilge is full and frozen gets old fast. My current 3/4 cover will be completed by fall and I am addressing stanchion intrusion, there's just something about pulling a plug and walking away. Still up for debate.