Does the drain plug get installed from the inside of the boat or from the outside?
I have been installing it from the inside but I have to move the fuel tank every time I need to access it. Just wondering which is best. Thanks
Threaded plugs install from the outside and expanding type install from the inside.
Too much opportunity for an expanding type to get pulled out if you install from the outside.
The expanding rubber type with the flip handle are meant to be only installed on the inside. The T-screw expanding type are better for the outside.
I’ve always installed my flip-handle plug from the outside and never had a problem. Two different boats, 20 years or so of use. Always orient the handle pointing up when it’s tightened.
I’ve always installed my flip-handle plug from the outside and never had a problem. Two different boats, 20 years or so of use. Always orient the handle pointing up when it’s tightened.
Same but apparently we’ve been doing it wrong? I can see how the T-bar version would be safer.
I use the T-bar version, installed from the outside. I have a “tether” on it so I don’t lose it.
SR
Same but apparently we’ve been doing it wrong? I can see how the T-bar version would be safer.
It’s not wrong til it falls out.
I don’t know anyone who installs it from inside. Too much of a PIA.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>pool2fool wrote:</div>
Same but apparently we’ve been doing it wrong? I can see how the T-bar version would be safer.It’s not wrong til it falls out.
Reminds me of a time one EARLY spring on Table Rock when my 7 year old daughter said from the back of the Lund,”Daddy, are my feet supposed to be wet?”
Took all day and many stops around Branson to find a replacement plug because it was in March and Marinas weren’t open yet.
Always carried a ‘spare’ after that!!
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Ron wrote:</div>
I’ve always installed my flip-handle plug from the outside and never had a problem. Two different boats, 20 years or so of use. Always orient the handle pointing up when it’s tightened.Same but apparently we’ve been doing it wrong? I can see how the T-bar version would be safer.
never done any different either. I may as well buy the T handle kind if its safer. $8 investment that could save a world of headache.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>pool2fool wrote:</div>
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Ron wrote:</div>
I’ve always installed my flip-handle plug from the outside and never had a problem. Two different boats, 20 years or so of use. Always orient the handle pointing up when it’s tightened.Same but apparently we’ve been doing it wrong? I can see how the T-bar version would be safer.
never done any different either. I may as well buy the T handle kind if its safer. $8 investment that could save a world of headache.
My thoughts exactly. Pretty cheap piece of mind purchase.
2 different threads in 6mins on the same subject…..
I have never had my T come out…
plug-1.jpeg
I have the flip handle. Always had them in 3 different boats now.Installed them on the outside for years. Sorry but I think it’s highly unlikely it will get snagged off. Who puts it on with handle facing down anyway?
I want to see you reach the bottom of the bilge to install the plug on some of the deep Vs out there with a rear casting deck. I would need 4 foot arms to reach from the inside to put the plug in from the inside of my boat
No way for me to do it from the inside on my current poat, so its from the outside and I also use a t-handle screw tight one. Never had any issues with it, but I always keep 2 spare plugs in the boat in case something happens.
My older tiller boats I could do it easily from either side so it didnt matter.
I can’t see, hear, smell or feel the bottom drain in my boat from the interior. I HAVE to install from the exterior. I do use the flip over over the “Tee” style only because of the ability to tighten it with my itsy bitsy sensitive fingy tips.
With that said, I can start my plug about 1/2 way into the hole and then have to give it 2 to 4 bumps with the palm of my hand to flip it up because I have it rather tight to start with. I have no access to my drain from the interior of my boat.
Our previous 18ft Crestliner very deep v outboard and the Larson 1850 runabout i/o were accessible from the interior.
I have never had an issue with a drain plug coming dislodged for over 50 years.
I have the flip handle. Always had them in 3 different boats now.Installed them on the outside for years. Sorry but I think it’s highly unlikely it will get snagged off. Who puts it on with handle facing down anyway?
I agree, but it’s amazing how some people can find a way to screw things up. I worked as a manufacturing engineer and tool designer for many years. No matter how much designing, testing, foolproofing, process documentation and training you do, someone will do something to cause a failure mode you never dreamed of. The only thing I can be sure of is the thing I do myself. And I install my plug from the outside, with the handle facing up.
If a guy can put the plug in from the inside, it’s the best way to go.
If not, I’d recommend getting a screw type installed for the outside.
Not worth the risk.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>WalleyeThai wrote:</div>
I have the flip handle. Always had them in 3 different boats now.Installed them on the outside for years. Sorry but I think it’s highly unlikely it will get snagged off. Who puts it on with handle facing down anyway?I agree, but it’s amazing how some people can find a way to screw things up. I worked as a manufacturing engineer and tool designer for many years. No matter how much designing, testing, foolproofing, process documentation and training you do, someone will do something to cause a failure mode you never dreamed of. The only thing I can be sure of is the thing I do myself. And I install my plug from the outside, with the handle facing up.
this reminds me of a story from way back. My father was the founder/owner of a store in golden valley called Northern Sky Telescope which operated in the 80’s. One day he gets a call from a customer who purchased a telescope from him who had a complaint. The directions that came with the telescope had a step that said, “line up the end of the telescope with a star”. The customer was irate because for the life of him he could not locate the star in the package. He accused my dad of not including everything in the instructions. His employees could hear him talking to the customer, “… you know, twinkle twinkle little star!”. You cant make some of this stuff up. Anyway I digress. Not sure why this comment made me think of that story.
Oh one other quick story. Was at the launch at LOTW a few days ago getting checked over by the DNR person there. He relayed the story that the guy a few minutes before me was blowing up at him because he arrived at the launch with the plug in his boat and he was given a fine. I heard the fine for that amounts to around 1k 
Don’t yell at the DNR officer for your stupidity people. Everyone remember your drain plugs today 
or you can go this route,works very well,simple to install and operate.
https://flow-rite.com/products/marine/remote-drain-plug/mpa-rdp-006
2 different threads in 6mins on the same subject…..
I have never had my T come out…
My Lund came with the T Handle type tethered to the inside. It’s a reach, but I can put it in standing on the ground and reaching over the transom.
I have had 2 boats and both use the flip style. Always put them in from the outside. My Dad, Uncle, and league partner all do the same. Interesting that this is apparently the wrong way.
BK answers phone at Resort: My boat is sinking says the voice at the other end.
Turned out to be Realtor Ron in the Vermilion.
Head to shore and call me back once there!
Ron calls back: Ok now, what’s going on?
Ron: Plug fell out and bilge pump must have blown a fuse.
BK: I’ll get someone to bring a plug up to you.
Turns our Ron had the flip style plug and while cat fishing backed into some wood. The wood caught the plug and either fell out there or shortly after. With his bilge not working he was kinda up the creek.
Ron left that day with TWO “T” style drain plugs.
or you can go this route,works very well,simple to install and operate.
https://flow-rite.com/products/marine/remote-drain-plug/mpa-rdp-006
That’s nifty but I’d love to see the AIS inspectors around here try to wrap their heads around that one. It’s not in the training manual! 
Outside only forever. I use the t-style.
Flow Rites are approved by the MN DNR.
I’ve seen it done both ways.
Growing up with a small tiller, the flip over plug on the inside where it was easily accessible. Bonus is you can drain the rain water out by getting the boat on plane then pull the plug from the inside to drain it out as you drive around.
Maybe I grew up as a red neck. 
After moving to bigger boats with a covered transom the plug has always been on the outside, flip or T style.
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