Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Drain Plugs Use
Posted by maloney on 07/25/10 - 10:03 PM
#1
Hi,
My brother has a Boston Whaler. I know the very basics of driving it, but need more information. It seems he has two boat plug holes, one on the floor near the gear shift and one in the very back of the boat by the engine. Do both boat plugs need to be unplugged when the boat is tied up to the dock and no one is in it? I can't seem to unplug the one at all by the engine. Is it important for that one to be unplugged? Thanks for the information. Even though I have driven it, I do still need to go for my boat license soon.
Edited by Tom W Clark on 07/26/10 - 5:47 AM
Posted by Tom W Clark on 07/26/10 - 5:48 AM
#2
What model and year of Boston Whaler does your brother have?
Posted by vibroluxe on 07/26/10 - 7:36 PM
#3
Was just looking at the owner's manual for the 9 to 17 foot boats.
They say -
All Boston Whaler boats are self bailing. The 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17-foot models will accumulate some water if all drains are left open. The amount of water will depend on the weight distribution and engine size. Once stabilized, additional water from rain or wash down will actually exit the boat through the open drain tubes because of the hull's buoyancy. The water level will not exceed the height of fuel tanks or battery boxes. This feature allows the boat to be left unattended on a mooring or slip without the need for bailing or bilge pumps. An optional bilge pump is offered on 17-foot models as a convenience for dewatering. Water is quickly "run out" of the boat through open drain tubes once underway. Drain plugs can then be installed to keep the boat dry.
I didn't know that...
Posted by Mike-Conover on 07/26/10 - 8:21 PM
#4
The 'self-bail' feature of Boston Whalers is a terrific one... unless I forget to put the plug in before getting off the boat lift! My Montauk weathered a hurricane on our lake in Maine years ago. It did just fine.
Posted by alfa75 on 08/05/10 - 7:49 PM
#5
So if I understand correctly. I can leave my boat tied in my slip with the drain plug out? What exactly do they mean by "The water level will not exceed the height of fuel tanks or battery boxes." That is quite a bit of water. Enough to almost completely fill the boat!
Posted by dprice on 08/06/10 - 9:44 AM
#6
I've pulled the plugs on my 2000 Montauk to see how far the water would rise inside...It is a scary proposition, but if you've ever looked at the Whaler adds with the boat "Swamped" full of water and overloaded with people
My hull filled up about 3.5 to 4" measured above the sump cover. It drained almost all of the water when I took off....
This little experiment will give you complete confidence in the Unsinkable Legend.
Posted by alfa75 on 08/19/10 - 3:15 AM
#7
How long was it left unplugged? And did it rain?
Right now I leave it plugged in and just bail it after a rain, but I am going on vacation next week and am unsure of what to do.