Replacement Hull Plug

[tlkenyon]

When I took delivery of our R21 Classic, the former owner had only one hull plug - a white nylon slot-screwdriver plug. He indicated that he could get a "sack of replacements" for just a few bucks. He never said where he could get them (among other things he never said or did).

Where can I get some of these? The one I have is flush with the outer hull when screwed all the way in, which kinda negates the brass male-socket kind. Because I trailer a lot, I would really like to have a spare or two.

If this has been asked and answered somewhere in the forum, please point me to the right post and accept my apologies. I searched but did not find....

THANKS in advance.

TK

 

[RProffer]

Just about any marine supply store should have a plug. Here is a variety from West Marine
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?Ns=Most Popular|0

 

[commander bill]

I do not know about the R21 but my R25 has a standard "pipe plug" designed plug. I have 2 since an extra came with boat. One appers brass and other bronze. Both have approx 3/4" square head for use of a wrench to install. I noted that the same plug design is available in most marine stores (even the boat/RV section of K-mart and Walmart). I also bought an extra bright orange plastic plug of same design which has a hole drilled in head. I use it on engine key as a reminder that I need to install plug before launching. Plastic plug would work as an extra if I forget metal plug.

 

[tlkenyon]

Rick and Commander Bill,

Thanks for the information in your prompt relies, but the referenced plugs appear to be intended to be located in the transom and inserted from the outside, with a portion of the plug still protruding from the hull. On the R-21, the plug is located on the starboard side of the keel just forward of the prop. Anything that protrudes would not only represent hydrodynamic drag (very minor point), but could be damaged if I hit something. The plug that I currently have is white nylon that is flush with the hull when screwed in. Everything I have found on the websites and in stores is not flush when screwed in...unless screwed in from the inside, which I am not even sure is possible in the R-21 with the restricted clearance and access issues.

Am I just missing something here? I am new to the R-21.

 

[TowmanDoug]

I think what you may be looking for can be found here: http://fittingsandadapters.com/counhexplug.html

Typical small boat garboard plug is 1/2" MPT.

BTW a standard allen or Hex wrench is the tool used for these. I have seen plugs with a square recess, but cannot seem to locate a source of supply.

 

[tlkenyon]

Towmandoug,

That is indeed what I am looking for.....I will order one and report back.

THANKS

 

[ron cowan]

The brass plug mentioned with the square head did not protrude very far and allowed me to use a long extension with a socket and ratchet. It was easy to install or remove the plug while the tug was on the trailer without getting on the ground or trying to crawl and reach over the trailer rail.
Ron

 

[RProffer]

I have a R21EC and my plug is located on the port side just forward of the prop. I got mine new from the factory and it looks like this http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10111&subdeptNum=10636&classNum=10637. I imagine you could use a flush plug or a recessed one. IMHO I do not believe the plug I have presents enough drag to be a concern, nor protrude enough to be a concern. If I am going through seaweed or grass that deep, then my prop is in big trouble.

You should be able to get the appropriate sized bronze plug from any marine store, and at most hardware stores. I read somewhere bronze is preferred over brass, but I do not remember why.

 

[tlkenyon]

Thank-you all for your information and replies. The points about the negligible drag and the "my prop would be in trouble" are well-taken. Also, I like the idea of not having to crawl completely under the boat/trailer to insert/remove the plug.

Happy Tugging,

TK

 

[abcandjrc]

Bronze is a copper-tin alloy and much more durable in salt water than the copper-zinc alloy of brass. Think about the zinc anodes and you can see why. Brass eventually becomes quite porous and fragile as the zinc disappears.

 

[doke01]

My brass plug was so brittle this year, after 4 years, I couldn't use a wrench to get it out, I had to drill it out. I am getting a couple of new bronze plugs in the spring.

 

[tlkenyon]

aaaaah....the glories of fresh water.

 

[RProffer]

Men belong on ships and ships belong at sea... not some little fresh water pond 😉 😀 :lol:

 

[tlkenyon]

Roger that...but have you ever seen Superior in a storm? Ever heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald? I think there was a song.... 😉