Garboard plug

[JeGagne340]

Since acquiring my 340 in the fall of 2003, I have enjoyed a completely dry bilge─ until last summer. I started noticing the bilge pump run at least once anytime I visited the boat. This caused me to become completely fanatical about tracking down the source of the leak. I systematically eliminated cracked pipe or loose fitting on the fresh water system, intake fittings, engine hoses, shaft seals, rudder posts and rain etc. all to no avail. Just before Christmas we hauled the boat for bottom painting. On a hunch, we pulled the garboard drain plug fitting and found what looked like plain silicon used to bed the fitting. Re-bedded with 5200. In the five weeks we have been back in the water, once again have a completely dry bilge!

But my curiosity is only been partially satisfied. Can anyone explain why a boat this size even needs a garboard plug?

 

[RobF300]

so when its on land it can drain

 

[mrtopknight]

It's funny that you mention that; I had the very same problem with my plug. Now it's bone dry except when people swim and re-enter the boat. You would amazed at how much water people can drag on.