www.iFourWinns.com

I've heard it said so many times, always double check your drain plug. Friend told me on my first two training runs that early on I would forget to put the plug in just once, and never again. Well I've had that "one time" now. Finally had our first sunny warm weekend and we took the Boat and our new 4 person tube out on the Columbia River. I went through my mental checklist, telling the family what needed to be done. But did the drain plug cross my mind like it had several times the night before? Nooooooo.

Launched the boat, family guided it to the dock and i parked the Jeep & trailer and headed down. Got in the boat to fire it up and the wife says, "Honey, is water supposed to be coming out like that," pointing to the bilge outlet. A second didn't pass before I knew the problem, dropped everything, shoved the tube off the back and jumped in and got the plug in as fast as I could. Did I mention that today was the first warm weather we've had? Normally by now we're pushing 95+ degrees by this time of year, but today we were only in the 80s - so the Columbia River was COLD!!! Took my breath away but I got the plug in and then got the tool to tighten it. Bilge pump did its job and we were underway after I dried off.

What a way to start Boating Season. I know one thing... I'll never forget to check it now.

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2007 Four Winns 190 Horizon Merc 4.3 MPI

Our boat on Crescent Lake in Oregon

Glad it turned out ok! I'm still waiting on that first time
When I winterize my boat, I learned from a mechanic to stick the drain plug in a plastic baggie and stick the key through it in the ignition switch. So far (knock on wood), it's been a sure fire way to remember the drain plug. Can't start the boat without the key, voilla drain plug is right there

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'99 Horizon 200

Clever idea.

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

On my last boat I would put the drain plug in the driver side cup holder. I only missed it once in 5 years, and wasn't even off the trailer yet. On the FW, it is on a lanyard attached to the oil drain tube. It stands out pretty well when I am removing the trailer tie-downs.

I always considered making a laminated sign and attaching it to the crank on the trailer. Anyone else have any good ideas they use???

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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.

Here is what I do, I have a 200ss and when I drain the bilge after a day of fun I put the plug back in, why do people leave it out until they run the next time it, that little hole does not really dry the area behind it, I open the ski locker and keep it open until the next trip, I have found that doing this dries the entire bilge. Just my two cents.

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Mike
2007 Horizon 200 SS
5.0 GXi SX drive.

Good ideas guys. I figure now I have my wife and 2 boys that will be reminding me, and reminding me and reminding me.

I did put the plug back in after we parked it, there was still a bit of water left the bilge didn't get out and came out as we parked on a small hill.

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2007 Four Winns 190 Horizon Merc 4.3 MPI

Our boat on Crescent Lake in Oregon

It takes both of us to launch. Our practice is that the boat doesn't launch until we both have seen the plug in with our own eyes. I really like the idea of the laminated sign near the winch though. Wouldn't cost much and a bit of added insurance.

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

Give this a read you think you had a bad day man, it was a nice boat too.
http://www.jrcbd.com/showthread.php?t=41281

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Mike
2007 Horizon 200 SS
5.0 GXi SX drive.

Sounds like a good idea, but in heavy rain my boat takes in water even while covered. Where I camp we have a satelite parking area. I was picking up my boat Sat morn after being out fri night. It was raining as I was dealing with my cover, lines, carpet, etc. Not too worried knowing it would drain and dry eventually. The boat next to mine had the plug in... thier bilge pump kicked on twice in the short time I was there.

I definately agree with keeping the ski locker open. I actually have nearly every door/hatch proped open when the boat is put away. Seems to help keep mildew under control.

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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.

Yep, been there done that. I have also graduated to the "I will never do that again" class until I do it again . It's a terifying realization when it hits you.

To each his own, but I think it's good sop to leave the plug out when on land. Walt sited, I would say the major reason for it.

My practice is to leave a small wrench and drain plug in the starboard rear cupholder, in the event I forget it's in a very visible location. My wife never lets me forget though. I think she was as "traumatized" as I was at the possibilities after the first time forgetting that to this point it hasn't happened again.

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

I have a key chain like this one:


I put the plug in it. So if it is "heavy" I know the plug is still in it. It is part of my pre launch routine to grab the keys and put in the plug. I do that as I am underneath removing the transom tie downs. Typically before I remove the cover. Of course this won't help if you keep your keys in the boat.

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi