Boat leaking around plug

[wkngmomof2]

Hopefully someone has some suggestions for me, we have my FIL's old 1977 Crestliner and it leaks around the plug, any suggestions as to how repair this without completely putting in a whole new plug repair kit? It has threads that just don't seal so great anymore. We have tried a rubber plug that you either twist or snap into place - but it still leaks. Any suggestions? We are thinking about selling this boat to upgrade and would like to have the problem fixed. and if we don't sell - it would be nice to be able to keep our shoes dry! My youngest is worried we are going to sink - but we only take on enough to be annoying - like you wouldn't want to put a jacket on the floor or anything... This has bench seats and a console....

[CAMAN]

Does the rubber snap plug fit snug? If it does you may want to try taking some fast setting epoxy and a gloved finger and spread just enough of the epoxy inside the hole to fill in the threads. Let it cure and file down any high spots, maybe repeat if there are still some threads showing.

[wkngmomof2]

Thank you! This sounds like it should work - now we just need some warm days to get it done!

[pureinsanity]

have you cork of any kind?

[wkngmomof2]

You mean like for a bottle? I could probably get some....

[ozzie]

I have an older crestliner (1974) with the plug in the bottom of the boat. it will leak pretty bad if I don't tighten the plug until I can't spin the handle (upright) then I close the plug (90 degree angle)...when I do it right I will have little to no water in the bottom of the boat....when I don't do it right I can have anywhere from 2-10 gallons of water in the boat over a couple hours of fishing. I looked at solving the problem permanantly but not worth it. with a plug in the bottom of the boat it is tough not to get a little water.

[pureinsanity]

You mean like for a bottle? I could probably get some....

Yes. or just silicone around the plug

[CAMAN]

Yes. or just silicone around the plug

I don't think this will work very well now that, by law you must pull the plug while trailering.

[Juneau4]

Did you try teflon tape?

[TooTallTom]

Does the rubber snap plug fit snug? If it does you may want to try taking some fast setting epoxy and a gloved finger and spread just enough of the epoxy inside the hole to fill in the threads. Let it cure and file down any high spots, maybe repeat if there are still some threads showing.

You'll want to check your diameters before filing down the threads. Inside diameter of the hole and max outside diameter of the plug. Obviously, you want the plug to be slightly bigger than the hole when the cam lock is engaged, so that you have a waterproof fit.

If you have the right size drill, you might want to just put in the epoxy and drill it when cured. That would give you a cleaner (more regularly round) hole assuming it's done with a steady hand...

[CAMAN]

You'll want to check your diameters before filing down the threads. Inside diameter of the hole and max outside diameter of the plug. Obviously, you want the plug to be slightly bigger than the hole when the cam lock is engaged, so that you have a waterproof fit.

If you have the right size drill, you might want to just put in the epoxy and drill it when cured. That would give you a cleaner (more regularly round) hole assuming it's done with a steady hand...

Never said to file down the threads, I just said to file down the high spots that may have been created by the epoxy, rounding out the hole and smooth everything out.

[walleyemaniac]

I have an '88 Crestliner with a screw in plug. Had to replace the o-ring a few times, but that usually stopped the leak. There is an o-ring on your plug right, there should be. You can pick new plugs up cheap. Mine has three screws that hold it to the transom, if yours is the same, you might try taking it out and using some silicone around it if thats where it might be leaking.

[TooTallTom]

I took "Maybe repeat if there are still some threads showing." as repeat the filing on the threads rather than the whole process, which (I know now) is not what you intended. Sorry for my confusion.

It would still be a good idea to verify the diameters, though.

[pureinsanity]

If they threads still work, why not put a big rubber washer on it. when you screw it in tight that rubber washer should slow the leak down if not stop it.

[TooTallTom]

That makes sense. I'm a fan of using the least-troublesome technique that will work well enough to get the job done.

[wkngmomof2]

Tried the washer and the plug that my FIL had in the boat doesnt; seem to go in far enough for it to be effective....

[Grum]

If the threads are still in good condition I would try using PST, it is a product from Loctite. It does not harden so you can remove and reapply it easily without damage or permanent build up on the threads. This along with a new rubber o-ring/gasket should seal the leak, if that is where the problem is.

[TooTallTom]

Maybe you could find/ try a shorter plug. But shouldn't it just protrude from the back of the boat it's too long? Is there something blocking the plug itself, and preventing it from being screwed in all the way?

[wkngmomof2]

The threads are nicked up pretty good, we have been using one of those rubber plugs.. So I think the Epoxy idea may be our best bet