Anchor locker, PLUG or UNPLUG?

[TS4811]

So, as a lot of us are discovering our anchor locker drains leak like launching the boat without the drain plug installed. With that notion, why not put a plug in the drain to keep the water out and be done with it? So that's the question plug it or not? And if not WHY?

 

[Bennie]

Interesting concept.
I'll be following to see what experienced guys like @Julian and @Bruce have say about that idea.

 

[haknslash]

Some people do plug it. Ronnie does it with a cork. https://jetboaters.net/threads/lots-of-water-in-the-anchor-locker-212x.13978/#post-241676

I don't understand why they put the anchor drain going through the bow. These boats can dip the bow so easily it just seems like a bad move. Why not just make the drain dump into the ski locker like it does on the 19' SX/AR boats?

 

[Pullen724]

I plug mine always. I see no reason not to.
I just use a rubber stopper from home depot. Fits perfect and less than a buck.

 

[CraigAR]

Seal it with marine 5200 then drill a hole through it for drainage. My 2017 ar240 needed it done and that was the first thing we did. We were parked out on the Gulf 2 days ago and I watched inside the anchor locker as the bow dipped up and down and water was flowing in and out. When we pulled the boat at the ramp, I opened the drain while still on the incline and not 1 drop came out. Now I don't have to worry about water collecting in there from the top.

 

[Julian]

Ideally when you use your anchor in the ocean, you will want to rinse it and the rode upon return....if it drained to the bilge, then all the rinse water would end up in the boat, with the current drain, it just goes overboard. If the drain didn't LEAK....this would be a non-issue. So if you boat in fresh water, plug the drain and you'll likely never rinse your rode! If you boat in salt water...plug it...and just unplug it when you rinse....either way...fix the leak if you have one!

 

[TS4811]

Thanks for the explanation, I guess we forget about you salties! It must be a real nightmare for you guys as this defect must drench the boat with salt water. I am not sure it wouldn't pump the locker full underway at slow speeds and passengers in bow. Once I fix mine, I will test in FRESH water.

 

[gackt3]

I am not quite sure about it.

 

[Gym]

Thanks for the explanation, I guess we forget about you salties! It must be a real nightmare for you guys as this defect must drench the boat with salt water. I am not sure it wouldn't pump the locker full underway at slow speeds and passengers in bow. Once I fix mine, I will test in FRESH water.

Hmmm. I've been using my 06 SX230 exclusively in salt water for 6 years without any problems. Ocassionally I see a half cup of water in there but no more. I figure most of that comes from stowing a wet anchor & rode in the locker when leaving the beach. I also never rinse the anchor & rode with no ill effects. The rode is origional to the boat.

 

[robert843]

my 2017 AR240 had a small hole in the anchor drain between the two hull pieces I sealed it with 5200 and silicon it now drains in and out of the locker fine with no leaking into the boat. Another option to help assist this is adding a drain vent cover like many offshore boats have this would let most water slide right past the hole but still drain.

 

[buckbuck]

@robert843
I have tried to find one of those online without success. Any ideas where I can find one?

 

[robert843]

@robert843
I have tried to find one of those online without success. Any ideas where I can find one?

@buckbuck Google search clamshell marine vent it should pull up a bunch of them In different sizes

 

[buckbuck]

Got it, thanks.

 

[Bill D]

@buckbuck I don't know if you found one yet, but here are a few options. Everything I have ordered from Gem has been top quality.

http://www.gemlux.com/catalog/vents-stainless

 

[buckbuck]

I think #839 is what I ordered. Thanks.