While sanding the bottom of our boat today I discovered a small rubber plug located almost directly under the mast crutch . Can anyone tell me its purpose ?
rubber plug?
- Thread starter mmsailor
- Start date
On the transom or actually on the bottom? I don't have one, may have been for a transducer as Chief suggested, maybe a knotmeter. If it is below or anywhere near the water line, and it is just a rubber plug filling a hole, I'd glass and epoxy the inside.
The plug is directly under the center of the mast crutch in the bottom . Could it be some type of drain for the hole the mast crutch sits in ? I have yet to step the mast so not sure what it looks like with the mast crutch out . It appears to be in the bottom where the indentation for the mast crutch is . Hope that makes sense .
On my 23 (I have a '91 hull; maybe the models changed, or maybe you have a 23.5?) the mast crutch is a metal bar with a u-shaped support welded to the top, and it fits over the pintles on the transom that normally support the rudder. There is no "bottom" to the crutch and since it sits outside the boat (on the transom) there is nothing under it that could have a plug. Do you have a photo? I am thinking maybe this match crutch sits inside the cockpit and what you mean by the bottom is the cockpit floor?
I had an 89 23 for 15 years, the 23.5 is different . Whereas on the 23 the pintles supported the mast crutch on the 23.5 there is a seperate bracket for the mast crutch , it sits behind the transom which in molded with an indent to accept the crutch .The bottom of the boat is the part that sits on the trailer to me . The cockpit floor is where my cooler sits and where I put my feet . I appreciate the response . Pardon my weird sense of humor, Hope everyone has a great mrmorial day weekend, with fair winds and following seas .
ix:I would suggest strongly taking a photo as I am perplexed like all others and trying to guess will not get you any good response sir. I too cannot figure what is going on and I was the top dealer who sold the 23.
I believe it does have something to do with the mast crutch as it is located directly underneath the center of the crutch . . When I take the mast crutch out after stepping the mast I will know for certain . What did we ever do without pictures ??
plug
Dave it is not on a 23 it is on a 23.5 and it is directly under the mast crutch . Not sure with the dark bottom paint and the black plug it will show up but I till give it a try . The crack repair you helped me with is turning out very good . Thanks so much for your advice . Hope the house is coming along .
Send it to my email at davecondon@mindspring.com.
Generally, you would see a drain bail plug at the lower part of the transom on a daysailor for removal of water from the belly of the boat which you cannot get to but different on the larger trailerables such as yours as you can get back to the rear of the boat. I may have missed something which is why I asked for the photo.
Keep me posted on your transom repairs. I know you are doing a good job and glad to help sir.
Generally, you would see a drain bail plug at the lower part of the transom on a daysailor for removal of water from the belly of the boat which you cannot get to but different on the larger trailerables such as yours as you can get back to the rear of the boat. I may have missed something which is why I asked for the photo.
Keep me posted on your transom repairs. I know you are doing a good job and glad to help sir.
We are talking about pole that supports mast at stern right.On my 23.5 it keeps the mast support from contacting the fiberglass and wearing a hole.
plug
Is there a rubber plug directly under the mast crutch visible from the bottom of the boat ?
Yes.It covers the bolt head that keeps the plastic plug in place that the mast support goes over to keep in line .Send me a message with phone #,I,ve had mine for 12 yrs can answer some of your ?
Mast crutch supporet
I also have same problem. What ever belongs at the base is missing.:cry: Can you share the photo? Email to rogerbw2@yahoo.com
There should be a screw underneath into the base of the mast crutch if I recall. Never got the photo so I will defer on what folks are asking about.
Planning on putting wooden plug in base of crutch with a bolt through it to fit in hole in the stern.Thanks anyway!