2015-16 Drain Plugs

[JTC1016]

Has anyone changed out the factory drain plug on a 2015 or '16 boat with an articulating keel? I haven't taken delivery of my ar240 yet but it looks like the plug housing is integral to the keel. I bought a brass housing and plug, planning on changing it out as soon as I got it but I'm not sure if I'll be able to with that setup. If I can't, I think that will also eliminate the option of drain plug lights.

 

[Matt Phillips]

What's the concern with the stock plug? Am I missing something?

Regardless of what you do, you'll want something that's easily removable. With invasive mussels and weeds so prevalent, it is not uncommon to have park rangers stop you on the way out of parks to ensure that your drain plug is removed. Even when leaving the Lake Tahoe basin at the end of the season, it's common for the State Ag Inspection station to flag me in to check that the drain plug is removed.

 

[JTC1016]

I would just prefer a brass or stainless one to plastic, but I'm sure the stock one is probably fine. But the new keel is so slim that it doesn't look like there is room for the flange on a brass one. I also don't know how easy it would be to remove the stock housing or how it is attached.

 

[Matt Phillips]

Thanks...that makes sense on the brass over plastic.

I'll be curious to see what others say about this topic and the value of changing it out vs. leaving it. Will it become yet another scupper as was on the 2009 and newer boats?

 

[OperationROL]

I first frowned at the plastic drain plug and the plastic reverse buckets. Having owned a 2007 SX230 previously, where both items were solid metal, I was expecting the same or better. However, I have since changed my mind. The plastic units are no less effective than metal counterparts. Personally, the plastic plug has grown on me and appreciate being able to install and remove it with only my hands.

I don't remember it the threads are plastic or metal and integrated into the articulating keel base or not, but I bet you could swap out the plug itself. The threads should be standard. As for what it screws into, you are correct, a standard plug housing will not work.

 

[JTC1016]

Thanks for the info @OperationROL . I'm sure it will be fine as is.