To the folks at Merritt Marine

[Fischer53]

Many times at the old site there was the phrase "Call the guys at Merritt". I was always reluctant as you folks need to make a living and its unlikely that I would turn into a paying customer from Connecticut. But the kickoff notice for this site said you would be participating so now I'll put you on the spot.

I am real interested in putting a drain plug between my inner and outer hull on my '04 170 CC. I got a couple of gallons of water when I drilled screw holes for for my fish finder. The boat had sat on the dealers lot over the winter and the water could have come from the loose plug on the center stringer or the poorly sealed mounting bolt on the engine. Its getting to be winter here in CT, so now is the time to drain out any additional water that might be there. Besides, "sealed" is always a relative term when you are talking about boats that get pounded in the salt.

I suspect that there are a number of folks that would also like those instructions and this would be a way to minimize pestering you folks. I'm just looking for guidance so I can stay between the hulls and avoid anything that might be molded in that area between the hulls. I also suspect that some hardware is better than otheres to use. I would appreciate anything you can offer.

[Dick@merrittmarine]

As you probably know there is a inner hull drain on the center stringer, almost under the fuel tank, water that gets in the hull will migrate down to that level. If you remove that plug for the winter, tie it on the steering wheel or other place so it's not forgotten.

[Fischer53]

I do know about the stringer plug and found it loose. The boat sat on the dealers lot in northern Vermont over last winter and I suspect that the bilge may have gotten an Ice block then filled. I got a couple of gallons into a bucket through the screw holes when I installed my fish finder. There could still be several gallons of water in there due the height of the plug on the stringer and a couple months of a solid freeze will do nothing good.

Is there a reason not to punch a drain between the hulls. Message traffic on the old site implied that you folks routinely did it on the boats you delivered. Just seems to make sense to me to have a drain there.

[Dick@merrittmarine]

The only reason not to put in a center drain is that it's another hole in the hull. We do it routinely on the 210's. If you want a transom drain into the center hull, we suggest using the black plastic base that uses the same plug as the others. We line the plug up with the other two, on the centerline. Use plenty of Rule Elastomeric and screw the base on. Don't forget, bow up, motor down, when it's below freezing. Oh, by the way , it's 68* here in NC.

Dick

[Davekfl]

Dick, First let me thank you for taking the time and effort to provide expert knowledge to Triumph Boat Owners.
On a previous post about drain plugs you stated to a 170cc owner that his boat had a drain plug on the center stringer that was used to drain the foam area between the inner and outer hull. You stated that it was located under or near the gas tank. I have a 2004 170 bass which I think is the same hull as the 170cc. The only hole that I can find on my boat on the center stringer is the hole that allows bilge water to migrate from the right side of the bilge to the left side which has the bilge pump. My gas tank is located right above the center stringer and I cant get my hand under the tank to check out the whole center stringer. Is there a drain plug on my 170 bass to drain the foam area and if so how far from the transom is it located?
Thanks in advance.
Dave K ( Sarasota, Fl)

[Fischer53]

I can help withthis one. The plug is on the center stringer, left side when you are facing the motor. Start at the back of the stringer and move your hand. You should find it just before you meet the inner hull.

[Davekfl]

Fischer53
Thanks for the info. I found the center stringer drain on my 170 bass. It was located on the center stringer on the right side of the stringer about a foot from the transom. I was able to sneak my hand around the gas tank and reach it. Just about at the tips of my fingers. Its the same plug that they use for the bilge drains.
DaveK