One-way / check-valve drain plugs

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Matt Gent
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Location: Treasure Coast, FL

One-way / check-valve drain plugs

Post by Matt Gent »

Application is a small, wet planing boat (see Flivver link in my signature). I have direct access to the transom during operation. Transom is 1-1/2" Coosa; floor has 5/8" Corecell coring.

Boat will occasionally sit in the water overnight; creek behind the house is fairly protected. Without the engine on it the boat will float with the plug out of the boat: tunnel sponsons stick far enough down to raise the floor. I don't know yet but I think it will also self-bail with the engine on.

What I'd like is the bottom of the plug hole to be low enough that *all* the water drains out when it is pulled. And I want to be able to drain water while planing, either by using a one-way plug assembly or being able to pull the plug from the inside.

Looking for tube & plug options that will achieve the above.

-if I use a standard flared drain plug, I'll need to raise the bottom of the plug above the "sole" surface. I guess I could rout out a little pocket locally to set it lower.
-I could glass in a fiberglass tube, scalloping into the floor coring and grinding it flush. Doesn't leave a flat lip for standard plug flanges
-Old-school duckbill plug could work, given the boat won't sink if it is held open with debris
-Simplest solution would be a plug installed from inside, maybe tethered to something. Maybe a tapered kayak plug? I have a few of those
-There are a handful of check-valve plug systems, or I kinda like the Gemlux which has a handle accessible from within. Has to be manually operated, and spendy but easy install.
https://gemlux.com/collections/boat-dra ... ducts/3065
https://www.amazon.com/BoatWise-Safety- ... B00PYU43AO
https://www.amazon.com/Digger-Anchor-Ba ... B008AJWYXY

I'm surely over-thinking this. What's your favorite solution for small boats / dinghies?

Matt

fallguy1000
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Re: One-way / check-valve drain plugs

Post by fallguy1000 »

I just keep a high hole above any waterline; then use a pull plug when on plane.
My boat build is here -------->

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=62495

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