KEY WEST BOATS FORUM-Where is bilge drain plug? (2024)

Drain plug is normally on the outside of the transom right at the keel on the Bay Reefs and most/lots of other boats.

Its stainless steel w/ interrupted threads typically so you can open it w/o it falling out.

That is the plug.

Normally the bilge pump would empty the majority of water out of the bilge either automatically via the float switch or by the dash switch w/o opening the drain plug but otherwise the plug is the only other option built-in.

You could likely use a pair of pliers or screwdriver to loosen the plug from the inside as stated there are 2 sets of threads, the 2nd set is visible in your picture so you can back it out to let water drain w/o it falling out just don't turn past the first set of threads. Remember to loosen the opposite of normal direction since you will be on the other end i.e. turn it right to loosen from inside... I will note that it would be pretty hard to tighten the plug back up from inside.

The bilge pump is usually easy to replace either in its entirety or by replacing just the "cartridge" which will almost always be something that snaps out of the base that is attached to the bottom of the bilge. Some have built in float switches and others have a separate float switch. Sometimes it will be blocked with debris or have a bad connection/blown fuse so check that as well.

You could also buy a bilge pump and hose then connect it direct to a 12v power source like a battery or a close by breaker/fuse panel that has power and pump water out of the access hatch just to empty as needed for the short term.

Lots of bilge pump brands, easiest way would be to find the exact replacement cartridge to what is in there (probably marked on current pump) as it would fit right back in the base where the old one is so all you would need to do is remove hose, cut the wires to the old one, reconnect wires using waterproof connectors and reattach hose.

I presume you have not previously had the plug open while on the lift. If it were me in that case, I’d need to leave some sort of conspicuous reminder to check it for closure before lowering the lift. Just saying as I’d surely just splash it out of habit without a reminder.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jim
2002 KW 1720 CC / Yamaha 90 TLRA
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUu9ut ... 1abkOGQJcA