Bilge drain plug replacement

M

mikehetu

.
May 12, 2005
3
Anyone out there know where I can get a replacement for the small thru-
hull plug in the bilge? Not the knotmeter thru-hull; the bronze thru-
hull with metric fine threads? I've been working on the boat going on
two years now, stripping the bottom, repainting the hull and deck,
gutting and rebuilding the interior (pics to be posted as soon as I
complete it), and now that I might, just might be able to get her into
the water in another month or so, I'm finally getting around to that
little hole in the bilge . . . ah, just a small detail.
 
S

skipperjs

.
Aug 29, 2000
40
The marina misplaced the hull plug when they hauled my boat and they were readily able to replace it.Drusie SheldonTo: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.comFrom: mikehetu@...: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 21:14:43 +0000Subject: [AlbinVega] Bilge drain plug replacement
Anyone out there know where I can get a replacement for the small thru-
hull plug in the bilge? Not the knotmeter thru-hull; the bronze thru-
hull with metric fine threads? I've been working on the boat going on
two years now, stripping the bottom, repainting the hull and deck,
gutting and rebuilding the interior (pics to be posted as soon as I
complete it), and now that I might, just might be able to get her into
the water in another month or so, I'm finally getting around to that
little hole in the bilge . . . ah, just a small detail.
 
A

albinvega1493

.
Dec 15, 2006
139
Be careful, because some of the hull plugs I have seen on the marina
shelves are brass and not bronze. I think they are intended for fresh
water or bait tanks. I was going to replace mine, then decided just
to glass it over with epoxy. One less hole to worry about.

Larry Bissell
albinvega1493@...
"Kemanalea" SF Bay -- Vallejo
 
A

albinvega1493

.
Dec 15, 2006
139
I think I saw a posting on this group some time aga about someone who
had the marina replace a plug, and it corroded out, could have sunk
the boat.
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
The Vega in question was Chelabelle and it happened at Southsea Marina
on the South Coast (UK). The marina changed the plug with one they
called "Sea Brass". 6 weeks later the plug had corroded and teh boat
sunk up to her engine at her mooring. Luckily they got her out before
total immersion.

Make sure they are made from reputable bronze. I have them in stock if
needed.

Cheers

Steve B
 
S

SVFlyAway

.
Oct 31, 2019
303
Larry, I think glassing it over is a good idea as I have never seen the
rationale for having a drain plug. I have owned a dozen or more big boats
and few have had drain plugs. I saw the plug on the Vega when I did the
bottom, but I just painted over it - next time I will glass it over. I don't
see a need for one really , especially this low on the hull and so
inaccessible. As you say "one less hole to worry about."



To take care of the bilge I just use my shop vac and suck the water out. One
less hole in the hull and I can clean the bilge while in the water at the
slip, which is most of the time as we don't haul in the winter. Enough of my
rant.



Chris





From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Larry Bissell
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 12:46 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Bilge drain plug replacement



Be careful, because some of the hull plugs I have seen on the marina
shelves are brass and not bronze. I think they are intended for fresh
water or bait tanks. I was going to replace mine, then decided just
to glass it over with epoxy. One less hole to worry about.

Larry Bissell
albinvega1493@... mailto:albinvega1493%40yahoo.com
"Kemanalea" SF Bay -- Vallejo
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
I disagree. The bilge drain is there for when yoy have the boat on teh
hard. Very useful when the bilge fills up and you just leave it open so
it can drain away. Very useful if the boat is kept in a very cold place
as the collected water in the bilge could freeze and cause big
problems!!!

Cheers

Steve B
 
A

albinvega3283

.
Oct 30, 2019
234
Steve

The bilge plug on my boat will not unscrew. Any bright ideas as to how it can be loosened? As the boat is in Scotland it gets cold up here!

Regards

David Wisdish
Ponteneur Albin Vega 3283
 
F

fotofundi

.
Oct 30, 2019
80
When I had 'Little Star' surveyed, the only area of concern for the
surveyor was the keel around the area of the drain plug, which had
been glassed over. The moisture meter gave a high reading here and he
was concerned it might be osmosis or laminate separation in the keel.
The boat was on the hard and the bilge was dry so my guess was that
the tube down to the plug still had water in it. Fortunately Steve had
warned me about the drain plug so I was not too concerned. That was
three years ago and one of the jobs for this winter will be to uncover
the plug and drain down the bilge to let the keel dry out completely.

By the way Steve, where is the opening at the bottom of the bilge
which leads to the drain plug? I never looked before we put LS in the
water and there has been a nasty brown soup at the bottom of the bilge
since then.

Cheers

David
'Little Star' V1696
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
The opening is on teh starboard side nearly at teh bottom of teh bilge
but beneath the keel fuel tank (If you have one still fitted).

Cheers

Steve B
 
A

albinvega1493

.
Dec 15, 2006
139
Obviously, you have to weigh the benefits of being able to drain the
bilge, especially in cold weather climates, against the fact that
there is another hole in the hull. Seems to me more like a personal
decision based on where you plan to take your vega... If you are
planning a trip across an ocean, a glassed over plug might be a better
option.

Larry Bissell
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Larry

Always a personal choice. When I antifoul and launch my Vega each year I
cover the complete fitting with a blister of poleurethane
adhesive/sealant (Sikaflex or similar). This gives and extra protection.
If I was crossing an ocean then I agree a coat of fibreglass matting and
resin would be ideal as still able to remove when you next lifted.

Cheers

Steve B
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi All

OK you budding graphic artists. I need a logo for IFR2008 to be held at
Harwich. Ideas please.

22nd International Friendship Regatta
Harwich, Orwell, Royal Harwich Yacht Club
Black V, Red Star as per Vega insignia
UK, VAGB

Cmon there must be someone that can help. Must be simple to print and
embroider.

Ta in anticipation of teh flood of ideas. Best input will get a free
IFR2008 Polo SHirt!

Send to steve@... as that will accept attachments

Cheers

Steve B
 
A

albinvega1493

.
Dec 15, 2006
139
Hi David,

I'm sure Steve Birch has more experience with this, but here was
what I did. I removed mine with an impact screwdriver. Then I
promptly lost it, and eventually ended up glassing over the hole.
Most tool supply stores have impact screwdrivers. Be sure to clean
the screw slot out thouroughly so the screwdriver bit has a good
bite, use the largest bit that will fit into the slot, a smaller one
will damage the bronze screw head. Scrape off the excess paint and
corrosion to reduce the turning force necessary to turn the screw,
spray it with WD40 or some type of penetrating oil and let it set
overnight (unless you plan to glass over it, then the oil will
contaminate the surrounding fiberglass). If you break off the edges
of the screw head and you still want to use the drain fitting, you
may have to drill it out and remove it with an easy-out. Steve
sells replacement plugs I believe. Good luck.

Larry Bissell
Shop Teacher/Auto-mechanics, welding, foundry, metals, woodshop etc.
albinvega1493
"Kemanalea" SF Bay, Vallejo
 
P

papasbackhoeinc

.
May 1, 2007
127
Hi all,

My name is Andi and I own an albin vega 27 ( Vallhalla ) docked on the texas coast. I am new to Vega's but have read everything that I can find. How do I get into all the group archives so that I don't waste your time with a bunch of stupid questions that have already been discussed. Also where can I inquire about parts for the boat? Thank you and I enjoy your group. Also please be as specific as you can cause I am computer challenged.

Thank You Andi Vega 3179
Steve Birch steve@... wrote:
Hi Mike

I have them in stock. Complete fittinbg or just the screw plug. Drop me
an email at

steve@...

Cheers

Steve B
 
G

groundhogyh

.
May 30, 2006
1,075
To get to the Albin Vega Group page in yahoo, go to..
groups.yahoo.com

Yahoo! Groups

groups.yahoo.com groups.yahoo.com

At the top left area, if you are not signed in, you will see the words "Sign In". Click this and enter your yahoo username and password.

If you are already signed in, you will see "welcome (your username)".

At the middle of that page you will see a searchbox.
Just type in keywords for your topic and away you go..

roy
 
P

papasbackhoeinc

.
May 1, 2007
127
Hi Roy,

Just wanted to thank you for the info on archives. This will really help me as I am rebuilding my boat. No sense in talking about a bunch of stuff over and over. Again thank you. Andi

groundhog groundhog1rb@... wrote:


To get to the Albin Vega Group page in yahoo, go to..
groups.yahoo.com

Yahoo! Groups

groups.yahoo.com groups.yahoo.com

At the top left area, if you are not signed in, you will see the words "Sign In". Click this and enter your yahoo username and password.

If you are already signed in, you will see "welcome (your username)".

At the middle of that page you will see a searchbox.
Just type in keywords for your topic and away you go..

roy
 
T

td76

.
Oct 31, 2019
50
Andi, don't forget to take a look at the files and photos sections
also. You can get there from the same page that Roy pointed you to.

Another thing you might consider is joining the American Vega
Association. A wealth of good information and the membership is
inexpensive and well worth your time. See Albin Vega - The American Vega Association Home
 
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