New boat plug?

[Cecil]

So, some guys at the sport show were talking about a self draining boat plug that you could buy and you wouldnt ever have to take your plug out each time you leave the lake.

Anyone heard of or seen one of these?

[goblueM]

I found this on google...

http://www.google.com/patents/US7434528

[Cecil]

I saw that too. But nothing more...

[Wayne Ek]

Cecil, Digger Anchor shop is making them. I just installed one today. I can let you know how it works... if I ever get the rig on the water! More sport shows and retail support this year than ever. Call me on my cell if you need more information.

Later,

Wayne

[Wayne Ek]

Here is what it looks like installed. On my Ranger I removed the original plastic drain plug assembly. Then installed the stainless steel one in it's place. The new drain plug then screws into the new assembly just like the old drain plug would.

[Superduty]

Please explain how this works. The plug on my new boat is a real pain in the "bottom" to reach!

[Prairiefire]

The DNR zebra nazi's are going to have fun with you the first time you pull up with one of those

[g_anoka]

About a month ago, I stopped in at the "digger" shop and he showed me this plug. He claims he has worked with the DNR and it would be legal to leave this plug in, because your boat would be self draining.

[JeffB]

OK so basically it a self closing check valve. What happens when dirt, weeds, or fishing line washes into it and hold it partially open. I'll stick with the throw a spare plug in the glove box and install the standard plug from the outside. When washing the boat interior down will it let the junk out easily?

[Cecil]

Only one way to find out! Someone had to buy the first Rapala too...

[Deitz Dittrich]

its a neat idea, I too would be worried about gunk and such sticking in it.. .we shall see if Wayne is still floating come seasons end.

[grab the net]

He runs a Ranger, of course it will still be floating. What are they retailing for?

[Wayne Ek]

I'm not sure what the retail price will be.

[bobbymalone]

I know that in few short years as a boat owner I haven't had a problem with popping in and popping out the plug as I come and go from the water. I was pulling the plug before it was required and I've got a system to prevent forgetting it.

neat idea though.

[Wayne Ek]

I hope this works. I've replaced 2 drain plugs already. When you fish almost every day all of the open water season and switch lakes to chase the bite, drain plugs just plain wear out. I think the primary culprit it the dirt and gravel that gets into the open plug hole when driving on gravel roads. Then the constant screwing in and out of the plug finally strips out the plastic treads.

[RiverFish]

I'm not sure what the retail price will be.

Do you know when they will be available?

[Wayne Ek]

Had the boat in with the new plug. Was in the water for 1-hour doing the yearly boat check... everything worked. Always nice when that happens. The Hummingbird will now read bottom even at top speed, I love it when things work. So during the hour outing the auto-bilge when off 3 times so the new plug does let water into the boat. When I pulled the rig the plug seemed to let all the water run out. I checked the bilge area with flash light,it was wet, but no standing water. I will leave this new plug in for a couple of more outings to give it a fair try (as it cost me nothing) But if the auto bilge keeps going off I will pull the new one and go back to the old screw-in style.

[flippenstick]

Bass Boat Solutions remote drain plug system is a great solution Wayne,should you decide this option isn't working for you. I installed one in My Skeeter last year and it works flawless. No more crawling under the boat to take out the drain plug. http://www.bassboatsolutions.com/

[mwal]

I have the bassboat solutions plug. its been working great so far.

Mwal

[scaup]

I also installed one these plugs and had the same concerns as others have listed. Long story short boat full of water because old dead minnow from the bottome of the boat caused the ball to stick open. They need to intall some type of screen to stop debris from clogging from both inside and outside the boat. $55 not impressed, talked to another guy and he had the same problem.

Great concept though.................