- 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
- Email Newsletters
- Boat of the Year
- 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
- 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
- 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
- 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
- Cruising Boats
- Pontoon Boats
- Fishing Boats
- Personal Watercraft
- Water Sports
- Boat Walkthroughs
- What To Look For
- Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
- Boating Lab
- Boating Safety
Boat Drain Plugs
- By Jim Hendricks
- Updated: June 24, 2020
Recently, I decided to replace my boat’s old brass-tube/rubber-plug bilge drain with a more robust bilge drain, one that’s better suited for keeping the boat in the water for the summer. These are known generally as garboard drains. In the course of this re-fit, I discovered more choices in garboard drains that I had originally imagined. Here are some of the factors to consider when it comes to these fittings.
Hole Diameter
Garboard drains are available for transom holes ranging from ¾ to 1½ inches in diameter. The most common for today’s recreational boat is one that fits a 1-inch diameter hole. Whichever garboard drain fitting you choose, make sure matches the transom hole and that there is enough surface around the hole to accommodate the size of the flange without it hanging below the bottom of the transom.
Some garboard drains have tubes that extend farther inside the transom hole than others. This dimension is irrelevant unless the tube extends beyond inner wall of the transom. In this case, it could impede bilge drainage by allowing water to collect along the inner transom wall aft of the drain-tube opening. Make sure the tube is not too long.
Garboard-style drains come in three materials. Bronze, stainless steel and plastic. Since these fittings are well below the water, let’s discount plastic as a viable choice. Bronze is the traditional material, time-tested for resisting corrosion, especially for underwater applications. However, stainless steel offers a more pleasing esthetic when the boat is on the trailer, and is a better choice for aluminum boats, provided that the stainless steel is properly isolated from the less noble aluminum (bronze and aluminum do not play well together at all). However, stainless steel is more prone to corrosion than is bronze in underwater applications.
Through-Bolt or Not
Some garboard drains feature backing plates for through-bolting the flange to the transom. This is a good idea for boats that are kept in the water full time, and certainly can’t hurt on any boat, be dry-stacked, trailered or slipped. However, some garboard drain are installed with self-tapping screws through the outer flange. Make sure the screws are long enough to bite into the meat of transom. Whichever way the fitting is secured, be sure to generously bed the flange with an application marine sealant that is designed for use below the waterline.
Wrench vs. Thumb Screw
The original 1-inch garboard drains used bronze ½-inch plugs with a square head that required 9/16-inch or 14mm open-end wrench, an adjustable crescent wrench, or a special T-wrench for properly tightening and loosening the plug. Later versions feature a crossbar for better leverage for hand-tightening/loosening. More recent iterations offer more ergonomic thumb-screws that dispense with wrenches. The latter have gained favor with trailer-boaters and dry-stackers, while skippers who slip their boats still favor plugs that require a wrench.
Captive Plugs
One downside of the garboard plugs is that they are smaller and easier to misplace or lose than the old rubber plugs. To help mitigate this failing, some garboard drains now feature captive plugs. The Attwood stainless-steel oval garboard drain ($34.95, greatlakesskipper.com ), for example, has a plug that is retained by the fitting even when unscrewed, so you cannot lose it. I see many boats today with this style drain.
Seals and O-Rings
The original ½-plugs featured NPT threads that sealed watertight once battened down, but some of today fittings also feature O-rings or rubber seals that add an extra measure of safety. For instance, the Davey and Company bronze drain plug ($38.78, greenboatstuff.com ) has a rubber seal that seats on the outer flange for a ultra-watertight fit.
Read Next: Three Things To Look For In A Bilge Pump
Emergency Spare Plug
Garboard drain plugs are small and easy to misplace, so have a spare or two is good idea. The Emergency Garboard Drain Plug from SeaSense is designed for just this reason. The injection-molded nylon, bright-orange plug clips to your boat’s key ring, so it is always handy when you need it most. $0.95, muddcreek.com
- More: How-To
More How To
On Board With: Brian Grubb
Installing Clear Acrylic Livewell Lids
Captain of Dive Boat That Caught Fire Sentenced to Four Years
How to Make DSC Fully Functional on a VHF Radio
Boat Test: 2024 Checkmate Pulsare 2400 BRX
Cox 350 Diesel Outboard
Suzuki Marine Unveils New Stealth Line Outboards
Boat Test: 2024 Zodiac Medline 7.5 GT
- Digital Edition
- Customer Service
- Privacy Policy
- Cruising World
- Sailing World
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Sport Fishing
- Wakeboarding
Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.
Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
🚚 FREE US SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $25 🚚
Boat Drain Plug Kit
- ROBUST AND DEPENDABLE: Crafted from 316 Stainless Steel or Brass, our Boat Transom Drain Plug Kit offers superior sealing capabilities, enhanced by resistance to corrosion and the rigors of marine environments. Designed for durability, it provides sustained performance even under rough conditions.
- WIDE-RANGE COMPATIBILITY FOR BOATS: Featuring a 2" outer ring, this kit ensures ample room for securely sealing the plug housing to your boat's transom. It includes a standard 1/2 inch threaded and .84" diameter boat drain plug, expertly threaded for optimal sealing and efficient high flow.
- SIMPLE INSTALLATION PROCESS: These marine drain plugs are designed for easy installation with a standard boat drain plug wrench. They fit smoothly into your garboard. For a guaranteed watertight seal, pair with our marine sealant (sold separately). The kit also comes with screws for firm attachment of the thru-hull plug housing.
- VERSATILE OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Choose from two variants - our 1/2" garboard drain plug in stainless steel or the brass boat drain plug. Each type ensures hassle-free boat draining, letting you focus more on enjoying your time on the water rather than on maintenance tasks.
- choosing a selection results in a full page refresh
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
This is called a garboard drain, a carryover from the days of wood boats when the garboard strake or plank marked the turn of the hull where it met the keel. Various companies make garboard drain plugs, basically threaded bronze fittings that securely plug a drain hole when the boat is afloat and can be opened when it's on the hard to let out ...
Garboard drain plugs are small and easy to misplace, so have a spare or two is good idea. The Emergency Garboard Drain Plug from SeaSense is designed for just this reason. The injection-molded nylon, bright-orange plug clips to your boat's key ring, so it is always handy when you need it most. $0.95, muddcreek.com.
Garboard Drain Plug. Keep your bilge dry and drain water whenever you want with the help of the Shoreline Marine Garboard Drain Plug. Designed to form a water-tight bond and prevent leakage, this boat accessory should be in every boat's emergency kit to avoid any damage. When rainwater fills the bilge and floods the cabin, one may feel ...
7/8" Stainless Steel Garboard Drain Plug 5 out of 5 Customer Rating Model # 9766445 Mfg # 7557-7. $49.99 Model # 9766445 Mfg # ... Boat maintenance presents dangers to do-it-yourselfers and pros alike. Read about the gear that can help keep you safe.
Garboard Drain Plug 4.1 out of 5 Customer Rating Model # P006_181_003_505. $17.49 Model # P006_181_003_505. Select a Product ... Allows you to quickly drain your boat when it is hauled out. 1/2" NPT tapered pipe threads ensure a watertight fit. Key Features:
The T-H Marine Supplies Garboard Drain Plug Kit is an essential accessory for boat owners looking to quickly and easily drain their vessel's bilge. This kit includes a durable brass drain plug, along with the housing kit. The drain plug's unique design ensures a secure and watertight seal, preventing leaks and keeping water out of your bilge.
Seachoice Stainless Steel Marine Boat Garboard Drain & Plug, Polished Finish . Visit the SEACHOICE Store. 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 70 ratings | Search this page . $24.03 with 14 percent savings -14% $ 24. 03. List Price: $27.79 List Price: $27.79 $27.79.
Boat Drain Plug, 2-Pack Upgraded 1/2 Inch NPT Solid Brass Garboard Drain Plug for Boat Drain Plug, Fits Most Boat Hulls . Visit the Ancable Store. 5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 21 ratings. $8.99 $ 8. 99. Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime. FREE Returns . Return this item for free.
Boat Garboard Drain Plugs . MxEol marine garboard drain plug made of heavy duty 316 stainless steel. Fits 1/2" NPT garboard drains. Easily removed by wrench or pliers. Garboard drain plug kit includes female drain receptacle and plug. The nut plug can easily be removed by wrench or pliers.
Moeller 020307-10 Brass Garboard Drain Plug The Moeller Brass 1/2" Garboard Drain Plug is an OEM certified replacement brass drain plug. Features a flanged 90 ° on one end to function as a drain for transom, motorwell, baitwell, or livewell.
The kit also comes with screws for firm attachment of the thru-hull plug housing. VERSATILE OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Choose from two variants - our 1/2" garboard drain plug in stainless steel or the brass boat drain plug. Each type ensures hassle-free boat draining, letting you focus more on enjoying your time on the water rather than on maintenance ...
Shoreline Marine presents "Captain Weekend", Loye Futch, a 25 year veteran of the marine industry and professional boat mechanic, who will show you how to ch...
Key Features: Stainless Steel Oval Garboard Drain and Plug. Allows drainage for bilge during haul-out. Housed with dripless lip to prevent hull staining. Housing is designed to capture plug when unscrewed to prevent loss. Mounts with (2) #8 flat head fasteners Not Included. Available in 0.5" and 0.75" Drain Flange.
YUSOVE Garboard Drain Plug Kit,Marine 316 Stainless Steel Drain Plug Fits 1" Hole,with Screws,Boat Transoms Garboard Drain & Plug 4.7 out of 5 stars 28 Amazon's Choice
Emergency Garboard Drain Plug. Available in 2 options. $4.26 - $11.11. In Stock. 1-45 results of 65. 1. 2. Drain water off your boat deck easily with quality scuppers for boats from leading brands at Fisheries Supply. Shop boat scuppers located at deck or cockpit level to allow excess water to escape overboard through the hull while blocking ...
In 1938, it was granted town status. [citation needed]Administrative and municipal status. Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated as Elektrostal City Under Oblast Jurisdiction—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, Elektrostal City Under Oblast Jurisdiction is incorporated as Elektrostal Urban Okrug.
596K subscribers in the vexillology community. A subreddit for those who enjoy learning about flags, their place in society past and present, and…
Garboard Drain Plug WEST MARINE. Garboard Drain Plug 3.9 out of 5 Customer Rating Model # 544494 Mfg # 7553-3. $17.49 Model # 544494 Mfg # 7553-3 ... Allows you to quickly drain your boat when it is hauled out. 1/2" NPT tapered pipe threads ensure a watertight fit. Key Features:
Elektrostal. Elektrostal ( Russian: Электроста́ль) is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia. It is 58 kilometers (36 mi) east of Moscow. As of 2010, 155,196 people lived there.
Elektrostal , lit: Electric and Сталь , lit: Steel) is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located 58 kilometers east of Moscow. Population: 155,196 ; 146,294 ...
Boat Plugs 1/2 Inch Npt Solid Brass Boat Drain Plug, 1 Pack Garboard Drain Plug Boat Drain Plug Fits Most Boat Hulls (1/2 Inch NPT 1pcs) 62. 100+ bought in past month. $699. Save 20% with coupon. FREE delivery Sun, May 12 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Wed, May 8.
Boat Garboard Drain Plug 1/2" NPT Thread Brass Drain Plugs,Marine Drain Plug Fits External Thread is 0.8 inch,Used for Boat Hull Spare Garboard Drain Plug One Way Safety Plug,Pack of 1. 4.4 out of 5 stars. 16. $12.99 $ 12. 99. FREE delivery Thu, May 2 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.
Garboard Drain Plugs 5 out of 5 Customer Rating Model # P006_181_003_503 Mfg # 742DP2. $22.99 - $39.99 Model # P006_181 ... Boat maintenance presents dangers to do-it-yourselfers and pros alike. Read about the gear that can help keep you safe. Spring Boat Maintenance Checklist.