Anybody have an automatic bilge or a manual pump in the back of their jon boat? I fixed all the leaks (for now at least) but the plug still leaks at a fast rate, i was out for 10 hours saturday and bailed gallons of water several times. Even with that fixed she still takes spray like its a job, giving some serious thought to investing into a bilge pump. Brands to get/stay away from? Experiences?
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
quote:
Originally posted by yakman72Anybody have an automatic bilge or a manual pump in the back of their jon boat? I fixed all the leaks (for now at least) but the plug still leaks at a fast rate, i was out for 10 hours saturday and bailed gallons of water several times. Even with that fixed she still takes spray like its a job, giving some serious thought to investing into a bilge pump. Brands to get/stay away from? Experiences?
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>You could buy a battery and pump and drain line and wiring and switch(es) and, etc… Or learn how to pull the drain plug while underway.
Rule pumps are reliable and cheap.
What kind of plug are you using? Is it a one of the rubber expanding type that expands when you turn the T handle? If it’s not you need to get one!
Yakman Rule bilge pumps seem to hold up well I’ve only had to replace one in twenty years of boating. Bought several over the years and never had one go bad I broke one replacing a hose that was my fault. I have the 360 gph in my Jon boat it doesn’t have a floor so no float switch or auto for me if I see water I can cut it on. On my flats boat I have the Rule automatic it cuts on no resistance it cuts off not sure if I like it or not. It is reassuring that the pump works when you here it just don’t like hearing it all day long.
2005 180 Flats Fox w/115 Yamaha 4 stroke
1996 1436 War Eagle w/25 Evinrude 2 stroke
I had the same problem with my jon boat. Even a new plug leaked. I guess the whole had enlarged some or corroded so there was not a good seal. I cut a small piece of plastic (like off a case of water) and put it in on the plug and it seals it perfectly. Been doin it for years without fail. Carry a few extra cut pieces on the boat. No gluing required
kms
All leaking aside, BiggerthanYours made a good suggestion! You can drain a lot of water fast if you pull that plug while running. Just don’t lose the plug[:0]
I use a piece of pool noodle for a drain plug. Works great
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
My little boat doesn’t go fast enough to drain the water underway… trust me i already tried!
The boat doesn’t have a floor either, trying to stay light, so im not even sure a bilge pump would work. My plug now is a cheap one that you push in and screw down, then snap the ring up into place, it sucks!
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
I agree with Easy. Try a T handled drain plug. It never hurts to have a bilge pump in the boat with a manual switch as well. I had a Rule for years, only problem I ever had with it was pinestraw and twigs sometimes clogging it up due to beaching the boat under the trees. Haven’t ever tried the plastic trick but I can see where it could work.
The suggestion of wrapping it in a piece of plastic can help. In your case, try something like a sandwich bag wrapped around it.
I use one of the cheap types also but it never leaks a drop. I suspect you may have a problem with the drain hole being worn out or damaged in some way.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
Yakman; You could always put a new drain plug and receiver in the boat. Only cost you a few bucks.http://catalogs.westmarine.com/WebProject.asp?CodeId=7.7.1.24&BookCode=wmm When the catalog page loads top left search for transom plugs.
I’ve got a small 500gph pump in mine with a manual toggle switch.
Works great.
I bought the type that has the threaded inlet. Cut it off so that it sits in one of the Vs. Ran 1/2" CPVC up and over the transom. Switch is mounted on the brace that connects the transom to the port gunnel. With an open boat you will need to put some type of strainer over the inlet. Those little water-oak acorns are rough on it.
Manual bilge pump…I have one for my 16 ft. jon boat and it works great…never leave the dock without it…
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Shoreline-Manual-Bilge-Pump/16606502
John
quote:
Originally posted by yakman72My little boat doesn’t go fast enough to drain the water underway…
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>In that case, you have to go with the manual bilge. Adding a battery and bilge pump and all the other crap will only make matters worse. Grab any plastic jug that has a handle and cut the end out of it and use it as a bilge. Tie a string to it so it won’t blow away while you are underway. Those pump things are OK but they aren’t free and they work slower than a scoop type bilge.Maybe like this (though I would have cut the other end out of it and I would have only cut the bottom half out in order to keep it more rigid.):
I worry that the basics of boating have been lost in the 21 century.
Rule #1: Keep more water outside the boat than inside the boat. Just bring a bucket, cup, scoop, can, mug, vessel, container, etc… with you at all times.
PS And wear your life jacket. 
