What are these for?

[Boyd95]

I recently bought a 08 sx230. I am wondering what these two plugs are for in the bilge. There is one in the front of bilge and one in the middle. Does anyone know where they lead? For now I have been leaving them open when using the boat.
Thank you

 

[Andy S]

They are drains that go to the lower bilge, the water will make its way all the way aft. The vertical one by the forward drain is from the fuel compartment. There should be plastic plugs that get screwed into each drain. Now for the debate to being, bilge drain plugs in or not.

 

[Boyd95]

Thank you for the reply. Do you suggest screwing the plastic plugs in while the boat is in the water?

 

[Andy S]

Thank you for the reply. Do you suggest screwing the plastic plugs in while the boat is in the water?

I'm in favor of having them removed to let any water make its way to the lower bilge so that if enough accumulates it will get pumped out or at least drained out once you pull the transom drain plug.

 

[davel501]

Thank you for the reply. Do you suggest screwing the plastic plugs in while the boat is in the water?

I screw mine in per the manual. Page 3-9. The reason is if the fuel tank leaks it keeps the fuel and associated vapors from spreading to the engine compartment where they could be a problem.

 

[ToddW850]

As @Andy S said, there is a debate regarding opinions on leaving the plugs in or out while boating. Like @davel501 I leave my plugs installed while on the water. If you do get water in the boat, it will compartmentalize, instead of flooding the bilge at once. Obviously that depends on the amount of water. In the Gulf, I've taken waves over the bow of my boat and felt better about having the plugs installed. Or if you get a leak near the transom, the water won't fill the storage and fuel areas from underneath. However, there are others that are more comfortable leaving the plugs out.

 

[Bruce]

My plugs are out and will stay out. I want any water that gets in any compartment to make its way to the bilge pumps. Most water will run out through the scupper valve without ever entering the bilge.

 

[Boyd95]

Thanks for the replies guys, Does the drain on the back of the boat right near where you lift up the seat drain right above the drain plug?

 

[Andy S]

Thanks for the replies guys, Does the drain on the back of the boat right near where you lift up the seat drain right above the drain plug?

Yes, water flows through the white hose and out the scupper valve.

 

[Boyd95]

thats what i thought, just had to double check, I'm sure ill have more questions in the future, I'm still trying to figure everything out lol

 

[96Pirate]

@Boyd95 If your scupper valve is plastic you might want to replace it with a stainless steel one. The plastic ones have been known to crack and if that happens on the water it will flood your bilge. There are posts on here on what to use and there are wrenches made by some of your fellow forum members that you can borrow to do the job.

 

[Boyd95]

i appreciate the info. I will definitely look into replacing it

 

[96Pirate]

This link gives you all the info needed.

https://jetboaters.net/faq/how-to-replace-a-broken-or-waiting-to-break-plastic-scupper.113/

Also, while you are in there you will want to take a look at all the hose clamps and possibly replace with SS ones.