Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

[OllieC]

I thought I'd share on this experience.

I went into a marine products store to purchase an extra plug for my boat. I was sold one of these. Apparently the DNR is really cracking down in MN at the boat ramps about pulling plugs, and this plug is the only plug approoved to leave in your boat.


What it does, is inside, where the black label is, is a ball that acts as a drain plug when there is water pressure (boat in water). When the boat is pulled out of the water, the ball rolls away from the hole and the water drains out.

Well, when I do it "the old fashioned way", my bilge is dry - last weekend I took the boat out for a couple hours and water came pouring out of the drain for a couple of minutes. So I wonder if some water is coming in while I'm on plane? You would think it would be forced out.

- the plugs are about $40.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

I'm not sure what the advantage is to the Natural Resources, but it sounds like it could sink the boat if the ball does not make a tight seal (and why would it?)

I'd go get a regular plug online.

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

Maybe someone can enlighten us as to why this plug setup is mandated by the DNR. In my personal opinion, some things should be left super simple and this is one of them. And I'll say you're right about taking water in on plane.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

Just found this article . . . invasive species and I guess some folks don't pull the plugs at the ramp and head off to another body of water, etc.

http://www.thenextbite.com/node/21752

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

This plug isn't required... pulling your normal plug is. A one way valve like this in the only way you can le

to stop (read...slow) the distribution of zebra mussels and milfoil.

I suppose on a boat where you could access the plug easy (internal mounted plug like most small fishing boats) it would be easy to replace with a 'normal' plug for long term docking or if there was the eventual plug leak when it gets gummed with algae/sand/weeds.

I would Recommend spraying some 409, oxiclean, bleach or something in there every few weeks to keep that ball clean....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

Sorry, but you won't find me putting a check-ball valve bellow the waterline on any boat I own. The regular plug works fine, and pulling it out is just as effective as having the expensive plug you have.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

Nah....I'm pulling it. Just another wasted $40 - it may be better suited for a smaller fishing boat.


Yes we have a problem with Zebra and Milfoil, however our DNR just recieved a ton of money (different thread and subject) to purchase new vehicles along with boat cleaning pressure washers at X amount of thousands of dollars.....they're putting it all to good use by handing out fines.....

...on the other hand we do have a few ding-dongs that know that this is in effect(large signs at every public launch) and still don't pull there plugs...

 

[OllieC]

Re: Digger Anchor Drain Plugs

Update -
Removed the plug and it was full of gunk which prevented the ball from closing off the bilge. I'm not sure if it came in from the river or from the bilge. I'm keeping it as a spare but will do it the ol'fashon'way from here on in.

Ollie