Bassboat pain -- removing the plug!

[livemusic]

I tell ya, the worst part about loading up my old 17' Tracker is removing the main plug. I have to stand on the ground and lean way over and let the transom serve as a fulcrum as I reach back, and can barely reach, the main plug to pull it out. It's usually stuck and hard to get out. I am still pretty athletic. Once I hit old age, that move would be impossible. And then, reaching it from being up on the rear deck, that would be just about as tough to get to. Do you guys install your plug from the outside? We have a lot of stumps, it seems the plug could get yanked out, but maybe that is really low odds? Actually, on mine, it is impossible to install from the outside because Tracker added a weld bead around the outside rim of the hole, apparently for strength, and it lessens the hole diameter such that the plug will not go in from outside.

I read recently that many states have laws saying you cannot trailer a boat with plug in. I wonder why.

Removing my plug really is a problem! My bilge isn't working. Maybe I should just fix it and not remove the plug and just pump the bilge out each trip. I don't know if that will remove all water or just most of the water.

[Bluebasser86]

Mine screws in from the outside. Can't imagine a stump ever being able to really contact it at all, let along pull it out. 

 

The plug has to be removed in KS because the state is trying to stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species like Zebra Mussels and Asian Carp. 

[WIGuide]

On newer glass bass boats the plugs are the plastic screw in variety which only screw in from the outside of the hull. On a normal plug like you're talking they won't get ripped out as long as you flip the lever up. (had a guy put on in upside down once and as soon as you planed out it loosened itself haha) The plug should fit from the outside. Check to make sure your plug is adjusted correctly as they can be tightened (to be made bigger) or loosened. 

As blue said most places want you to drain your hull so you don't transport invasive species. 

[desmobob]

I use a plug that has a small t-handle for tightening instead of the type with the big lever.  It works great and lessens my worry about it being loosened if I drift transom-first into some button bush or brush. 

My Tracker Pro170 never takes on any water and I leave the plug in all the time.  After reading this thread, I understand why there are laws requiring the plug be removed when trailering; I was never aware of these rules.  I'm so used to leaving the plug in all the time, I'm afraid I'll forget to put it in if I start removing it!  (Anyone have any clever tips for always remembering to put the plug in?)

Tight lines,

Bob

[livemusic]

On 3/14/2016 at 9:39 AM, desmobob said:

I use a plug that has a small t-handle for tightening instead of the type with the big lever.  It works great and lessens my worry about it being loosened if I drift transom-first into some button bush or brush. 

My Tracker Pro170 never takes on any water and I leave the plug in all the time.  After reading this thread, I understand why there are laws requiring the plug be removed when trailering; I was never aware of these rules.  I'm so used to leaving the plug in all the time, I'm afraid I'll forget to put it in if I start removing it!  (Anyone have any clever tips for always remembering to put the plug in?)

Tight lines,

Bob

In my aging brain, I am forgetful. I am considering making myself a preflight list to go over just like you do when you pilot an airplane. I have pulled some dumb moves in my day.

As for my plug, it is impossible to insert from the outside due to Tracker welding that bead around the hole edge. It sticks up enough to change the hole diameter and the plug will not insert. This is a major PITA to remove this plug from the inside! I wonder if I could find a different type plug that would go in that hole... will check into that.

[Al Wolbach]

5 minutes ago, desmobob said:

I use a plug that has a small t-handle for tightening instead of the type with the big lever.  It works great and lessens my worry about it being loosened if I drift transom-first into some button bush or brush. 

My Tracker Pro170 never takes on any water and I leave the plug in all the time.  After reading this thread, I understand why there are laws requiring the plug be removed when trailering; I was never aware of these rules.  I'm so used to leaving the plug in all the time, I'm afraid I'll forget to put it in if I start removing it!  (Anyone have any clever tips for always remembering to put the plug in?)

Tight lines,

Bob

I really don't think you would forget more than a few times, lol. Put it back on the trailer or go swimming..

[ethan-333]

i always put mine in from the outside and take out after every trip. i do forget to put it in a couple times every year, havemt this year yet (knock on wood) but i just reach over the edge and screw it in or if its warme enough just jump in the water and screw it in. have never had a plug come out on the water

[gulfcaptain]

Mine to is a plastic plug you screw from the outside as well. I undue it when it comes out of the water and put it in before it goes in.  Says out during storage as so not to collect any water in the boat.  Trying to reach that thing from the back I'd need a snorkel and have to get in the water and dive under the motor.  Not going to happen.  When I was 17 my Dad did manage to loose the plug while fishing, so came back to the dock on pad to drain the boat, had to run home 7 miles and get another one so we could get back to fishing the weeknight tournament we were in.  After that he put it in on the inside of the boat.....lol

[WIGuide]

It makes me wonder if that weld could be ground down some as it shouldn't be interfering with the hole. My dad buy's and sells boats as a hobby and he's owned a lot of trackers. Hasn't had one yet that you couldn't get the plug in from the outside so it makes me think there was a screw up somewhere along the line. Also, I don't know if it'd be worth trying to retrofit the hole to make it work, but TH Marine makes a remote open close drain plug now that closes using a dial like the livewell valves. No more bending over or crawling under the boat to get at it. Only problem for you is they're designed to replace the screw in type plastic plugs. I'm sure you could make one work but it'd take some mods for sure.

[Kevin22]

I installed a screw in plug on my Ranger. I think they are made for kayaks.. anyways it works fine. We have to remove the plugs here as well, but the DNR is not too anal about it. I asked an officer once if it would be okay if I put the plug in when going from my house to the river and he said that is fine as long as everything is dry.. That way I don't forget to put the darn thing in! 

On 3/14/2016 at 9:39 AM, desmobob said:

I use a plug that has a small t-handle for tightening instead of the type with the big lever.  It works great and lessens my worry about it being loosened if I drift transom-first into some button bush or brush. 

My Tracker Pro170 never takes on any water and I leave the plug in all the time.  After reading this thread, I understand why there are laws requiring the plug be removed when trailering; I was never aware of these rules.  I'm so used to leaving the plug in all the time, I'm afraid I'll forget to put it in if I start removing it!  (Anyone have any clever tips for always remembering to put the plug in?)

Tight lines,

Bob

My buddy leaves his plug out until we are at the ramp, he tapes a sticky note to the wench handle that says "plug". 

[Fishes in trees]

I have a 2002 Lowe WF 180.   Plug goes in from the outside.  I am getting older and bending over to stretch and insert the plug sometimes is a challenge.   I've invested in a good pair of knee pads that stay in the fishing truck all the time.   Wearing the knee pads hurts less than stretching out and trying to insert the plug by feel.   Secondly I made myself a plug wrench out of plastic pipe.  I use the T handle style plug.  Fit the plug into the wrench - insert it into the hold and then I have much more leverage to tighten the plug than I can get with just using my fingers.

I have run my boat up over a stump and caught the stump just right and had the plug tear out - years ago - when I was installing the plug "finger tight".   Bilge pump came on instantly.   Never any danger of sinking, but I took on quite a bit of water before I got back to the ramp (roughly a mile away) and got a new plug out of the truck.

The real moral to this story is ALWAYS carry one of two spare boat plugs in your fishing truck.

 

[Airman4754]

My Triton has a tiny little screw in plug. I dont think I have ever removed it.