Storing boat with drain plug open?

[Searayguy185]

I'm sure this might be a silly question, however I'm wanting to store my boat and wave runner outside and want to leave the drain plug out so if water gets in the bilge it will drain and to prevent condensation. I've been told there is a risk of mice or other creatures entering in through there and potentially doing damage to the boat. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks

 

[Little Ducky]

If mice want to get in...... they are going to get in.

Boat covered?

Leave it open and if you fear mice getting in through the drain opening tape a piece of window screen over it.

 

[BillK2632]

Mine is in a dry storage building, no heat and not tight enough to keep rodents out. I leave the plug out over the winter, cover it, some damp rid containers - never a problem with rodents.

 

[QT1]

The window screen idea sounds like a winner for your situation if the boat is not high enough from ground reach

 

[Creekwood]

Out for sure. If water gets in it will freeze and can do a lot of damage if there is enough. Don't leave food on the boat. That will help keep mice out although you should not have an issue unless you are in an area with a bad problem.

 

[KevinC]

Out for sure. If water gets in it will freeze and can do a lot of damage if there is enough.

One side note about this - you need to consider where you are and know the way your boat is stored in the event of extreme weather. Hurricane Sandy sunk many boats here on Long Island that were blocked and stored with the plugs out. When the water rose it filled the bilges and in essence sunk them in place. Those with plugs in floated and while many still took on some damage it prevented many total losses.

-Kevin

 

[Tonka Boater]

Agree with the others. Leave the plug out but more important, don't make the boat a good environment for mice. I empty my boat completely so there's nothing in there that would attract mice or other critters.

 

[Leardriver]

I always have it out. In Utah and Colorado, it is illegal to even tow a boat with the plug in. They want everything dry to discourage mussel growth.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Mice absolutely hate steel wool. But the problem there is that it rusts. Bronze wool is another good alternative to use to deter the little electrical-nightmare-creating critters.

 

[Ike]

If your boat is stored on a trailer like mine is, pull the plug. It would take a very tall mouse or one with a ladder to get into the drain hole. Now if I could eliminate the spiders that would be great!

 

[WalterJ]

You could always put a few cubes of poison in the bilge so if they visit they don't stay long

 

[Jeff h]

That would have to be a tiny mouse to get in that small drain plug hole but I guess it could happen if the mouse was determined enough.

If there was food left on the boat, mice might be something to worry about. Make sure to clean it all out and you shouldn't have anything to worry about.