www.iFourWinns.com

We've been touching on this in the Horizon section from a novel way a new FW owner stores his plug.
I wanted to start a discussion on what some owners do to prevent the embarrassing "bilge pump capacity check".

ie I've kept my drain plug in the driver's cup holder, so it is readily visible before launch.

others??

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

I found a very easy way to not forget the drainplug. Leave the boat in the slip. That way I only have to remember it once. I found this neat plug on Ebay though. Doesnt solve any problems with forgeting it, but really cool idea.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HURLEY-U ... 0197139943

I put the plug in as part of my pre-towing checklist, along with tire pressure check, strap check, drive up, etc. I also have a spare plug in my tool bag. Also my wife usually does a "2nd pair of eyes" check before launching. None of that is any assurance, but so far so good.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Spares, plenty of spares. They're always cheaper than sinking the boat.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

We also keep it in the helm cup holder. The Admiral always checks and asks if the plug is in. Only missed it once a long time ago.

_________________
Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA

This may be a silly question but does anyone wrap their plug with that thread tape before installing? Is this a good idea or should it be avoided? Thanks.

_________________
1999 258 Vista
2003 Avon RIB280
1991 Freedom 170 (gone but not forgotten)

Completely unnecessary and you'll just end up with little bits of the tape all over the place. I've always thought drain plugs ought to have some sort of rubber seal in the fitting, but that's just one of those things I wonder about.

No such thing as a silly question

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Found the at boaters World. Plug Boss Drain Plug Holder with 1/2" Bronze Drain Plug
Mfr # 2402 Our Stock # 367580024

I put some of the liquid thread sealant on the plug before I launch. It sits in the water for almost 7 months, so I want to make sure I dont have any extra places for water to come in.

My old Maxum, I would just put it in hand tight. At that I'd leave it at Lake of the Ozarks for a week at a time without getting any water in the bilge... I even removed my auto bilge pump switch because of it. Never leaked, Never a problem without tape or rubber washer.

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

Somebody smack me. I always forget about the Vista folks and others who keep their boats in the water for a season at a time. If I did that I wouldn't be able to resist putting something on those threads, either. Although, if it doesn't leak for a week it shouldn't leak for a season, but...

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

It may be unnecessary to put anything on the plug, but it certainly cant hurt. Better safe than sorry

I have always kept our boats in the water all season (7 months) and have never used any type of sealant. Mike is right, if it doesn't leak right away, it won't. I actually had not thought of putting sealant on it, until now. A good idea for sure.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Plug goes in right after the trailer is hitched up. I always double check at the ramp while taking off the straps (just in case).

A spare plug is kept on board.

_________________
-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

I always pull the plug and let it drain completely before putting her back in the garage. If she happens to sit outside I have a couple of half couplings welded to the trailer to hold the drain plug and a spare!

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive