garboard/keel drain plug question

[jmcaleer]

So, the admiral was kind enough to make a run for me to Worst Marine to pick up a garboard/ keel drain plug that somehow got misplaced. We have a 1978 Cheoy Lee that I'm sure has a bronze fitting in it. Of course, Worst Marine didn't have it in bronze, so she got brass.

Without getting into a whole engineering of it too deeply, is it okay to have the brass plug in a bronze fitting? or is this a really bad idea? likely to gall? corrosion?

[bornyesterday]

Garboard Drain Plugs

The Perko one advertised here says it's brass in bronze so maybe that's normal?

Hadn't even heard of a garboard drain plug before and wondering why they're needed?

[StuM]

> Hadn't even heard of a garboard drain plug before and wondering why they're needed?

Drain the bilge when you haul the boat?

[bornyesterday]

Originally Posted by StuM

> Hadn't even heard of a garboard drain plug before and wondering why they're needed?

Drain the bilge when you haul the boat?

I can see that such a plug could completely drain a bilge keeler's or a small boat's hull. Other keel types though - how is the plug going to be anywhere near the lowest point?
I don't understand wanting to make yet another hole in the hull rather than just pumping out the bilge once the boat's ashore.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by bornyesterday

I can see that such a plug could completely drain a bilge keeler's or a small boat's hull. Other keel types though - how is the plug going to be anywhere near the lowest point?
I don't understand wanting to make yet another hole in the hull rather than just pumping out the bilge once the boat's ashore.

Pumping the boat out once? How about after every time it rains.

Some old boats have leaks. Let's say the owner decides to store the boat on the hard for years unattended then removing the plug keeps the water in the bilge to a bare minimum. On top of that if you have a couple solar fans installed, the boat, once opened after years in storage, actually is in decent shape inside without a damp or musty smell.

I'd get a bronze plug though just so you can relax.

[bornyesterday]

"Pumping the boat out once? How about after every time it rains."

Hi, sorry for not being clear... by "once" I meant "when, as soon as, after" rather than "one single time."

[jmcaleer]

thanks for the replies. It was a new concept to me as well, but that's exactly it, to allow any water that leaks in to drain out. Here in the Northeast if that water collects and freezes, and then expands… big and expensive problems.

My initial instinct was of course to get bronze. Of course, it being that time of the season it seems that all of the local chandleries are out of bronze. Was just wondering if I was inviting real trouble if I used the brass.

[Terra Nova]

She should have picked up one of these.
MIDLAND METAL Bronze Square Head Plugs, NPT | West Marine

[pistarckle]

I wonder why that would not work while sitting in the water , we could do away with bilge pumps ?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by pistarckle

I wonder why that would not work while sitting in the water , we could do away with bilge pumps ?

It works as long as you have an even number of them so that the water can get out as fast as it can get in.

[redsky49]

My garboard plug has proven very useful while hauled. In my case, I have a drain nut with a recessed square socket which takes a tool that comes with the drain fitting. In lieu of the factory tool, a 1/2" drive ratchet works just fine.

Mine is US sourced, and I believe it is a Perko No. 0124

[James Plyler]

I use one all the the time, no problems. Dovekie