How do you remember to insert the drain plug?

[talltigeguy]

I made the mistake last year of forgetting to put it in and quickly got myself back to the boat launch jumped out and did it under water as I didn't even have time to try and get back on the trailer. I was idling away from the boat launch and was about 150 yards away when I tried to go full throttle and the boat would get up on plane. After checking a few things I looked out back and then noticed how low my rear was in the water....Oh S###!! Back to the dock. I had just got to our summer house the day before and as you mentioned Johnnie I had my plugged pulled and forgot to put it back in.

As you always learn a lesson the hard way I double check the plug is in even if I know I didn't pull it the trip before. Part of my start up routine as Dukes mentioned.

I usually now put it back in before I leave my driveway on the way to the lake.....I still check again even before launching. Don't even trust myself.lol.

If your bilge works, it reminds you. I left the plug out the only time when I did not get in it right away to see the plug sitting in the cupholder. It happened to be when I learned that both bilge pumps in my X45 failed. I am lucky it did not sink. Check the bilge pump regularly by taking a giant roller over the front is what I recommended.

[gumby]

Check the bilge pump regularly by taking a giant roller over the front is what I recommended.[/QUOTE]
LMFAO.......You win best advice. if it was a contest

[Ruger761]

I've gotten into the habit of putting the plugs in before I ever hook the trailer to the truck, so they are in before I ever leave the house. Been doing that for years now and haven't ever forgotten them.

Taking them out, same type of habit. When we pull the boat out and putting on transom straps I take out the plugs.

[KoolAid]

I open the center hatch, fire up the engine and let it get close to operating temp before I pull off the trailer. Always feeling the manifolds and inspecting the bilge. Have had too many different issues so I inspect very carefully before leaving the trailer. You know right away that the plug is not in when you see it flowing in the bilge :-)
Just remember it will keep draining as long as you are moving

[freeheel4life]

Just remember it will keep draining as long as you are moving

If you keep it on plane the whole time the bilge stays really dry with the plug out

[MikeB313]

I keep my drain plug in the rear cupholder and I've just gotten into a habit as it's on my mental checklist every time I launch the boat. I also keep a spare plug in the boat glovebox and another spare in my truck glovebox just in case...

[RzrbackAV]

I put both of mine in the cup holder at the drivers helm. and look in there before putting the key in the ignition. Every time!!! Forgot my plug 10 years ago caught it wright a way no damage. but scary.so I put this in my regiment After that. Works good for me.
kock, kock. kock.

I do the EXACT same thing. Has worked so far


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[Jetdriver]

I keep mine in the transom locker along with my ropes. I’m a creature of habit so it’s not hard to remember when you do the same procedure every time. Like KoolAid I start the boat while still on the trailer(just stern in) with engine hatch open.
At the lakes I go to the inspection crews make you pull the plug when you leave so leaving it in isn’t an option. I also pull the plug right after I take the boat out of the water. Most ramps are steep enough to drain your bilge. If not I reverse a tad then tap the brakes a couple times until nothing else comes out.

[cnote]

I use the cup holder method for drain plug, and also go through the mental checklist for transom straps and plug. i do it enough that it's automatic. I shop vac the water out of the bilge every time right before we trailer.

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[tigemech]

Well its illegal up here to tow with the drain plug in, so its just become a habit. Park boat, grab drain plug, remove straps.

[jslayde1]

I open the center hatch, fire up the engine and let it get close to operating temp before I pull off the trailer. Always feeling the manifolds and inspecting the bilge. Have had too many different issues so I inspect very carefully before leaving the trailer. You know right away that the plug is not in when you see it flowing in the bilge :-)

X2!

[TeamAllen]

Keep mine on drivers seat

That's what I do as well, so X2.

Told my paranoid 8 year the boat will sink if it's not in. GET REMINDED EVERY TIME BEFORE BACKING IT IN

Now that is just pure genius right there!! It's like a built in alarm. (now there's an idea, drain plug sensor)
outkastmunkey FTW!

[jslayde1]

(now there's an idea, drain plug sensor)

So I just heard this at Wake the Desert this weekend, but I believe there is a "Tige guy" that just designed a plug with a sensor. I'll try to pull some information about it and post it...

[Ewok]

There are those who have, and those who will forget the drain plug. I've done it once and now I have the exact same routine at the boat launch but I have several backups just in case. I keep this orange plastic drain plug on my boat keys in case I forget the plug, then I can quickly jump in and insert this plastic one to get back to shore. I also keep a spare drain plug in my toolbox in the boat, and one in the rear compartment as well, and the main plug I install at the boat launch is in a cup holder in the cab of my SUV.

https://www.amazon.com/Shoreline-Mar.../dp/B009CDYGRY

[Joehs]

I keep mine in my dash with the stereo. It's just part of my process. Batteries on > keys in > blower running > bimini up > plugs in

It's the last thing I do and check before I back down the ramp. Basically reverse order when I trailer it after we're done for the day.

I have a hard time letting people help me get the boat ready to go out because I've had others forget, or interrupt my steps and have backed down the ramp without the plugs in on more than one occasion. Luckily I never took it off the trailer in those instances.