New Owner of a 2016 Yamaha 242 Limited S Clean Out Plug Question

[treeskier]

My old boat was a 2002 LS 2000 after 6 good seasons we just purchased a lightly used 2016 242 Limited S. Are there still concerns about clean out plug blow outs with the newer boats. On the old boat we had EZ locks do the newer clean out plugs need to be modified?

 

[Julian]

I haven't modified mine, but I am anal about maintaining them, and very careful about installing them right, pulling on the really hard to make sure they are seated properly etc.

That said, some people still modify theirs.

Your results may vary, not a member of FDIC, not to be taken internally, may cause cancer but only in California.

 

[swatski]

I would 100% totally recommend EZ locks. No question those can save your butt. They also click closed - see below - to provide a solid visual cue the plugs are seated correctly.

I have no idea why would one not install EZ locks, and those cost like $15...

EDIT: they can be awkward to install at first until you see how they work, them put them on BEFORE shoving the plug in the hole, that’s the key, they lock and click as the plugs are locked, it’s very obvious after the first time.

There is no modification to the plugs, you literally just drill one hole per plug.

In the right place, lol

Here is the EZ locks refresher.

One more thing about EZ locks. Those really ARE easy, and I'm pretty sure I am the first person on the planet who managed to goof up with the install... But just for the record -- here is what I've learned.

1. Watch the @Cobra Jet Steering LLC video clip

2. Drill close to the top -- see the pictures below -- I goofed up on the right, the left is the correct location of the hole.

When installed in the correct location (left in the pic), the locks do not "lock" when the plug is "open".
I know... it is obvious. But I still managed to drill the first hole too low... Before I realized my mistake.

This is what you want to see when the plug is open:

View attachment 47399

And closed:
View attachment 47400

View from top (open/closed):

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[Evil Sports]

Do you have a special sauce you put on your plugs to maintain them

 

[tabbibus]

I would 100% totally recommend EZ locks. No question those can save your butt. They also click closed - see below - to provide a solid visual cue the plugs are seated correctly.

I have no idea why would one not install EZ locks, and those cost like $15...

EDIT: they can be awkward to install at first until you see how they work, them put them on BEFORE shoving the plug in the hole, that’s the key, they lock and click as the plugs are locked, it’s very obvious after the first time.

There is no modification to the plugs, you literally just drill one hole per plug.

In the right place, lol

I thought EZ locks were only for older boats. No?

 

[swatski]

I thought EZ locks were only for older boats. No?

Yes, pre-2018? Only for plugs with the plunger type locking mechanism with the “dog ears”. Once they switched to the screw-in type, there are no EZ locks for that.

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[SCP1]

I thought EZ locks were only for older boats. No?

They changed the design in 2017, all 2017’s have the new design.

 

[swatski]

Do you have a special sauce you put on your plugs to maintain them

I douse mine in 303AP.

Pull them out on the lift and storage.
But I keep them in and locked when trailering.

 

[tabbibus]

Do you have a special sauce you put on your plugs to maintain them

manual says Yamalube silicone spray. So I assume any silicone spray will do.

@swatski I'm starting to think you use 303 like some people use windex! You put it on everything! haha. It is good stuff though.

 

[swatski]

manual says Yamalube silicone spray. So I assume any silicone spray will do.

@swatski I'm starting to think you use 303 like some people use windex! You put it on everything! haha. It is good stuff though.

Yessir!

I douse a lot of things in 303AP.
I just try not to use it on fabric, it won't hurt new but old canvas can come apart when soaked in it.

You can find all kinds of info on those rubber/vinyl products, a lot of misinformation, including from the manufacturer which is just marketing.
Some will say you can dilute Armor All to get 303, and other nonsense like that. The company states "no silicones" which is complete bs, but they are now saying no "silicone oils", whatever. "Silicone" is like saying "organics" - completely nonspecific, broad category of chemicals that vary as much as "rubber" or "plastic".

I started using it years ago when it was still the 303 Products brand, before they were bought out by Gold Eagle. A shop manager in our local West Marine has sold me on the 303AP - he pointed out that for years he has been using it on all his boat interiors and he found it didn't need any other cleaners or conditioners, he told me with repeat treatments nothing else works better.
I have never found it not to be true. That's basically all I use on the interior, I just follow up with Windex (lol) - on glass panels only - as the 303 streaks. I also soak my hull graphics in 303 at least two-three times a season to protect from cracking and fading.

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[captras]

I do the same as Julian, but still got the EZ Locks just because I read to many bad stories. They are cheap insurance IMHO

 

[treeskier]

EZ locks it is ... any coupon codes out there for cobra jet ... lol. Next time I get a new boat I gotta remember not to let ALL my stuff go with the old one.

 

[treeskier]

EZ locks installed. Thanks for the tip on installing them with the plug unlocked, inserting the plug and allowing the EZ lock to close on its own. I had them on the old boat for years ... never thought of that.

 

[jjmparsons]

Very informative thread!!!! Thanks for asking the question. Got some good knowledge on this one!