Bow Storage drain plugs

[Eric G]

My "live well" snap plugs are not long enough to keep water out. After inserting the plugs and pushing the handle closed, the plug is "rotated" out of the hole. rough water also forces the plug up and out of the through-hull drain holes. Have turned the bottom plate on the plugs to make them "tighter" but almost impossible to snap them closed. Has anyone found different plugs to use or a solution?

170CC

[cagrove]

When you say "live well" are you referring to the front fish boxes or the bait well? I assume you mean the fish boxes because the bait well has a rubber stopper used to keep water in or out.

On my 170CC the drain holes were not completely round so I had to run a drill through them to "true the hole up". After that I turned the plug handle to tighten them up and haven't had a problem. If the hole is too large for your plugs then you may want to enlarge them and install a garboard drain plug like this one from Boaters World:

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/326790482.htm

Just a thought. I hope this helps.

[Eric G]

Yeah, I mean the front fish boxes in the bow.

My 2007 170cc has drain holes thru the bottom of the boat. Unfortunately, the rubber stopper portion of the snap live well type plugs are not long enough that came with the boat.

When trying to snap them closed, the plug literally gets rotated out of the drain hole. If a smaller than 1" rubber t-handle drain plugwas made, it would be ideal. I believe the "live well' snap plugs are 11/16" in diameter.

[cagrove]

It sounds like your drain holes are a little large for the plugs. I did a quick search for longer plugs in that size but came up empty. I would look at installing the garboard plugs...I've been thinking of doing this to my boat as well.

[Jim Jenkins]

Had same problem early on (2002). Purchased plugs from Wal-Mart which were longer and right size made of ORANGE plastic with rubber. They work very well and will keep the water out in pounding seas.

The live well is a larger diameter and I learned the hard way that water will come in through the drain, mabe 1-3 inches. Found this larger snap type plug which with closing the supply line valve will make the bait well dry. Still wouldn't put my camera in this compartment. Have several outings with no water with no water.

Both these topics have been covered in more detail in past threads...

[Eric G]

Based on your advice went to Wal-mart to see if they carry plugs.

Found Wilmay plastic "red" snap plugs in 1" diameter. Plugs will not fit in holes due to red plastic end plate on bottom plug which exceeds diameter of drain hole in compartment. But for $1.29 plug, hope to shave it down enough to make it work...rubber part of plug also has "ribs" which exceed 1" diameter, need to trim these off. Like the fact all plastic, no corrosion, no sharp metallic edges to cut fingers.

Like the fact its a "t" handle to snap close rather than the 'small" tab on the typical livewell snap plug. Can grip it better with wet/saltwater soaked hands should that live trophy fish come aboard.

thanks for the tip...

Maybe Triumph could contact Wilmay to fabricate correct size plugs for this use. Triumph Engineering are you out there...

[Eric G]

Found the right livewell plugs at Wal-Mart.

Same company, Walk-Winn Co, Inc. 3/4" livewell plug, all plastic red with ribbed rubber bottom. Fits perfectly, has longer rubber "shaft" part that can't be wiggled out like the factory provided plugs. Put a vice grip on the plastic handle and couldn't pull the plug out of the drainhole!

$1.87/plug. No more pinched and slashed finger with the brass/rubber factory plugs that are useless.

Triumph, take note!