---

I was planning on putting a garboard drain on the bottom of my 1963 13 foot whaler. I want to do this because when the boat is not in use (in the winter and in the driveway periodically during the season) I want to be able to unscrew the plug and let any water in the foam to drain out. The boat floats pretty much at the normal height and moves along pretty well so there isn't much water in the hull. I just got the boat last year and did some work to the bottom so I'm sure there's got to be a little water in it. I know a lot of you will say it wont do anything but whatever I'm going to put it on anyways unless someone really convinces me not to. I was planning on putting it about a foot in from the very back since I did some repairs back there and I wanted it to be as close to the keel as possible. My question is how close can I get to the keel that I don't hit any strutcural wood?

Also I am replacing the brass drain tube going through the splashwell but the tube going through the transom was replaced professionally 5 years ago the prev owner told me. I have to tube which came pre flared on one end and I have the 2 o-rings and I have 5200 sealant. Is this too hard to do myself or is it just worth it to have a professional do it? I live near metan marine so I'm sure they could do it in a reasonable amount of time.

If anyone could provide help/advice it would be appreciated. Thanks!