garboard plug

[peislander]

Dalliance is out of the water for the first time in two years and I was pleasantly surprised by the minimal amount of crud there was on the bottom. However, I can't get all the water out of the bottom of the bilge and I'm a bit worried about ice in the bilge. I realize I can pour in lots of antifreeze, but I would really like to have a dry bilge to cut down on the dampness over the winter. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Dale Tanski]

I installed a garboard plug when I purchased the boat for the same reasons you stated.  I have also seen keel sumps damaged by ice expansion.  The plug is flush with the outside of the keel eliminating the possibility of damage from submerged objects.  I know there are those that will have a cow over purposely putting holes in the bottom of a boat, I am not of that mindset.

Dale

[peislander]

Thanks for that Dale. Given the winter you get on the south side of the lake I was wondering
if you might have installed a garboard plug. I think I will go ahead with the installation, thanks for
helping me make up my mind.
al