Transom Drain Plug Upgrade

[RobbieO]

I've seen several pictures on here that show stainless steel plugs. I'm not very confident with the plastic plug that came with my 2021 212SE. It doesn't really thread easily, and only has like 2 threads on it. How durable is that? You would think Yamaha would make a point of installing a very safe and durable plug. As a matter of fact, all the plugs on my boat are like this. Any suggestions and feedback on an upgrade appreciated! Thanks

 

[jocolo21]

PLUG

 

[RobbieO]

PLUG

Thanks, I want a plug I have to turn multiple times before it stops....

 

[mrcleanr6]

Believe it or not those same plastic plugs are on every waverunner ever made and from every manufacturer. Never really an issue with them. I do like that stainless one posted but looks like that only has a thread or two also

 

[mrcleanr6]

Thanks, I want a plug I have to turn multiple times before it stops....

you can put the std marine ones in that use a std npt pipe plug

 

[212s]

I've seen several pictures on here that show stainless steel plugs. I'm not very confident with the plastic plug that came with my 2021 212SE. It doesn't really thread easily, and only has like 2 threads on it. How durable is that? You would think Yamaha would make a point of installing a very safe and durable plug. As a matter of fact, all the plugs on my boat are like this. Any suggestions and feedback on an upgrade appreciated! Thanks

As mentioned, these plastic plugs have been in service for many years and work perfectly fine. I have the same ones on my boat and I have no issue with them at all.

To help make it easier to use, grab a spray can of silicone lube from your auto parts store. Spray the plug O-ring once a week and it will keep it supple for a good seal and also will make it go in/out much easier. Also don't over-tighten the plugs, they just need to be snug - the O-ring does the work, not the threads or how many there are on the plug. And if you tighten too much you can damage the threads making a sloppy fit.

You can use the same spray lube on the clean-out plugs to keep them from sticking too. Cheap easy maintenance.

 

[jocolo21]

Thanks, I want a plug I have to turn multiple times before it stops....

Then it personal preference not concern about it, i have used theze plugs for 3 years no problem.

 

[RobbieO]

As mentioned, these plastic plugs have been in service for many years and work perfectly fine. I have the same ones on my boat and I have no issue with them at all.

To help make it easier to use, grab a spray can of silicone lube from your auto parts store. Spray the plug O-ring once a week and it will keep it supple for a good seal and also will make it go in/out much easier. Also don't over-tighten the plugs, they just need to be snug - the O-ring does the work, not the threads or how many there are on the plug. And if you tighten too much you can damage the threads making a sloppy fit.

You can use the same spray lube on the clean-out plugs to keep them from sticking too. Cheap easy maintenance.

Thanks...I have a few cans of the Yamalube silicone spray

 

[Dfred]

As a matter of fact, all the plugs on my boat are like this.

Personal preference and situation depending...
I agree with you, first inclination was to upgrade to a “real boat” drain plug. But we found it a great help to have backup plugs onboard that could be swapped to work in the critical transom drain plug. (When it happens to get lost during trailering to the launch). OEM is cheap replacement also.
Lube and maintain them and they should work fine.
(If still a problem in 2021 model: Recommend upgrading the scupper so the plastic one doesn’t break and sink your boat.)

 

[RobbieO]

Personal preference and situation depending...
I agree with you, first inclination was to upgrade to a “real boat” drain plug. But we found it a great help to have backup plugs onboard that could be swapped to work in the critical transom drain plug. (When it happens to get lost during trailering to the launch). OEM is cheap replacement also.
Lube and maintain them and they should work fine.
(If still a problem in 2021 model: Recommend upgrading the scupper so the plastic one doesn’t break and sink your boat.)

Yeah, I already purchased extra drain plugs. Cost $8. You just discard the flange. After looking at the new ones, I agree, they should not be a problem. I had a hard time putting mine back in because of all the debris. Now all is clean and lubed. Works great.