drain plug

[seandwyer]

Hey Guys,

I have a drain plug stuck in its hole - which isn't really ideal when the boat is out of the water. The hole is just aft of the center board trunk and the plug is plastic - as in nylon I think. It was made with a fitting in the top for a screw driver, but it is so worn it has become useless. After a lot of attempts with multiple screw drivers and vise grips and a lot of cussing, it's still stuck. Perhaps I put it in a little further than I should have the last time - and once it's out I'm replacing it with a metal fitting. I've considered the drill, but thought I would check to see if anyone had a less destructive plan of action.

Anyone have any suggestions, ideas or experience with such a conundrum?

Thanks!

[GreenLake]

...thought I would check to see if anyone had a less destructive plan of action.

phaser, set on stun

[Peterw11]

Seeing as the slot is beaten into uselessness, you might as well go the destructo route.

Drill out the center of the plug using increasing sizes of bits, starting with a 1/4" and working your way up. When you get to within an 1/8" or so of the outside diameter, see if you can slip a narrow blade, (hacksaw, coping saw, jig saw) into the hole and gently cut through to the outside thread, but being careful no to cut the female threads themselves.

You should be able to collapse the remaining part and pull it out.

BTW, I found a stainless steel hex bolt at the hardware store that matched the threads, and works great.

[GreenLake]

There's supposedly a gizmo that you can use by first drilling into a stuck bolt then tapping that hole, next screwing in a retrieving bolt with handle and finally unscrewing the whole thing.

I have seen that mentioned more than one place, never seen one in action. I presume that the inner thread you cut with that tool would need to be left handed to allow extraction. With a plastic plug, you should be able to rig something that works in a similar way, but with less special equipment.

Drill a hole in the center. Hammer a square bolt, or a triangular file into the hole, so that the edges bite into the material. See whether you can twist the plug that way.

I mentioned a file, because you can get them in triangle shapes which would be least likely to slip once wedged into the hole. Also, they tend to taper, making it easier to get one to be firmly wedged in a given size hole. However, the hardened metal from which files are made tends to be brittle.

If that works, you are done and don't risk damage to the outer threads. If that doesn't work, continue with Peter's suggestion.

If all else fails, order a pair of phasers.

[UCanoe_2]

The gizmo is called an "easy out." You can find them at a good hardware store or auto parts store. No extra threaded piece is needed. The easy out is left hand threaded. Just drill a hole the right size, gently tap in the easy out, and turn it with a wrench.

You will have to get a drill and an easy out the correct size for your plug. I'm guessing the plug is a pipe thread size, in which case the thread is tapered. Measure the small end of the plug, so you don't drill too large a hole.

Consider using teflon tape when you install your new plug. It will help the seal and also help keep the new plug from seizing.

[GreenLake]

The gizmo is called an "easy out."

Thanks, I learned something new. Now I can ask for one, should I need it.

[kokko]

The replacement is a 1/4" NPT - normal pipe thread

[ctenidae]

Would it be possible to replace the drain with a self-bailer, like a scupper drain or something?

I just noticed that very drain (with a similar looking nylon nubbin jammed in it) on mine, and wasn't sure what it was. Now I know!

[kokko]

I don't think a scupper would do you any good. The DSIIs are fitted with a self-bailer. When they work, they are great. They do tend to get fouled so the float ball no longer seals, then water trickles in.

[neisenl]

I have a similar mangled plug on my DS1. Even when it worked, the drain opening is higher than the deck floor, so it still leaves much water in cockpit.
I installed 2 inexpensive drains with captive plugs on the lower end of the transom. Although about 1/2" above the floor level, I can still drain most of the water.