Bilge plug- in or out?

[Wee Hooker]

Ok, I know the standard answer is to install the bilge plug from the inside but my new boat requires that I get on my hands and knees, remove the gas tank, then reach down/in/back to get the plug in. ( Read; it's burried) I'm thinking that the T handled type 1" bilge plug , installed from outside the hull would be plenty secure and a whole lot easier to get too. Thoughts and experience welcome.

 

[Backlash]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

I've never had a boat where I'd put it in from the inside. Always put it in from outside the transom.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

My plug is always installed from the outside. I think you will be ok.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

I guess a little more information would help. Is the boat kept in the water? Is it a small boat. I see no reason to not have it installed from the back of the boat. That is where mine is put in from. You can get the whole bilge plug to put on your boat that screw in. But I see no real good reason not to use one from the outside as long as it is secure.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

i insert from outside, but also have 2 bilge pumps.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

Thanks, just looking for confirmation and didn't realize it was that common to install from the outside. ( Maybe i've alwaysed installed from teh inside because I've never had a boat over 16'??) Anyway, this one is on a trailer and I'm going to go from the outside. I have a electric bilge pump and will keep a spare in the bilge well should I have an emergency.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

There'd be no way to install the transom bilge plug from the inside on my boat. It's underneathe the engine exhaust tubes and transom plate. you'd have to pretty much remove the engine to get to it! The outside is where we have ours and we have a small diameter cable that attaches it to the outdrive so that we can pull it out and leave it hanging when trailered. Makes sure you never lose/forget the plug.

 

[willieboy]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

It depends on the boat. On my aluminum john boat, you have to install it from the inside. The bilge drain from the outside is not even round. However, on my Larson there is no way to even reach the bilge plug from the inside. Thus it screws in from the outside. Our past boat (mom and dads) used the t-handle plug from the outside and worked great.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

Inside? Thats a first! I install from outside, MUCH EASIER!

 

[David Greer]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

It's all about the threads: there are hull plugs and there are drain plugs. Small boats won't have the former and the plug will be accessible to the operator while running, and pull out without unscrewing. Some work like a latch Be sure to tie a string to it and carry an extra.

Hull plugs stay in except when the boat is on the trailer, so they screw in from the outside. Carry an extra.

 

[22E6441]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

A lot of small boats don't have bilge pumps. How are supposed to drain the water from the bilge if you can't pull the plug? (while on plane)

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

How are supposed to drain the water from the bilge if you can't pull the plug?

Add a bilge pump

 

[22E6441]

Re: Bilge plug- in or out?

Add a bilge pump

lol....if only it was that easy on some boats.

I may not be able to add a bilge pump to my new boat for example, as the bilge may be too small to accommodate one....I'm not sure yet.

Back to the original question, I'm pretty sure that almost all small o/b boats have the plug from inside. My last boat was an exception as the the prior ower had installed a screw in from the outside one.

I think I prefer the screw in from the outside method as it became part of my launch prep routine. transom saver off, plug in, etc.