Ranger RT188 - Drain Plug (Pic for attention)

[hornedfrog21]

I towed my rig all the way to Destin, FL from The Woodlands, TX for vacation. My wife/her friend/3 girls enjoyed the beach while I fished the Choctawhatchee Bay. During one of my fishing excursions, I noticed that I was getting a lot more water in the bilge than usual, I pumped out quite a bit of water, and I would flip on the pump periodically to get rid of water. I visually inspected the boat after I got her out, and I couldn't find anything that would have explained all of the water, other than my drain plug. I noticed that when I screwed it in, that if it was not just perfect, that it was screwing in differently and stopping at a different spot, even though it felt tight. Has anyone else experienced this? I feel like that is probably the source of my water intrusion. Has anyone swapped out their drain plug? Does anyone know of a brass plug (like on most boats) that would work on the RT?

[Skeeterbait]

Very common. It has to be threaded correctly and tightened probably a bit tighter than you can do with your fingers. using a little silicone grease on the oring helps. I use a pair of duck bill pliers and give mine a slight set after tightening with fingers. Always verify it is seated flush.

I am unaware of another plug that will fit the threads already on the boat but I remember someone replacing the entire mount and plug with a identical stainless steel unit. Frankly do not know if it is actually any better.

[fishon396]

The last two times out I have noticed mine has tried to go in crooked and I have to back it out and try again until it threads right.

[Bill Reynolds]

I have learned that the tongue on my plug has to be horizontal for it to be tight enough to not leak. Every time my tournament partner puts it in, it leaks so I always go behind him and tighten it some more.

[hornedfrog21]

Ok, that is the same with mine... First time I have noticed it, and it was the first time I had taken on a little water because it was not horizontal. Thanks!

I have learned that the tongue on my plug has to be horizontal for it to be tight enough to not leak. Every time my tournament partner puts it in, it leaks so I always go behind him and tighten it some more.

[hornedfrog21]

Great info, thank you! I will get a little grease and put on the O ring.

Very common. It has to be threaded correctly and tightened probably a bit tighter than you can do with your fingers. using a little silicone grease on the oring helps. I use a pair of duck bill pliers and give mine a slight set after tightening with fingers. Always verify it is seated flush.

I am unaware of another plug that will fit the threads already on the boat but I remember someone replacing the entire mount and plug with a identical stainless steel unit. Frankly do not know if it is actually any better.

[hornedfrog21]

Yes, I think that I just have to be sure it is going in properly... I think I know I have a good seal when the tab is horizontal, like Bill mentioned.

The last two times out I have noticed mine has tried to go in crooked and I have to back it out and try again until it threads right.

[lineman42]

I have a 198p that had a small leak,no matter how tight I got the plug! I cleaned out the threads with a toothbrush , when I took the O ring off to clean the plug ,I found a small alum. chip under the O ring. After cleaning , I could screw the plug further ( from 5:30 to 7:00 ) no more leaks!

[XS-Skeet]

If you have a Lowes close by, they are your friend.. 1/2 oz tube will last a long time as you only need a little to lube the threads and "O" ring. Someone here on BBC mentioned this awhile back and the fix works great. Makes it easier to get tight and threaded correctly.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/Danco-Grease/1092167

[jc1234]

When I put my plug in I start by turning it slowly to the left until it seats itself. Then I tighten until the tongue is horizontal. I will get some silicon to add to it though. I'm in my sixth season with my boat so probably a good idea.

[GeauxTide]

I replaced mine with a SS Attwood. Don't leak a drop.

[Jraywheat]

ALWAYS keep it lubed and you shouldn't have to put it in that tight, you will end up breaking the tab off trying to get it out.

[hornedfrog21]

Thanks guys... I am going to pick up some silicone grease, and make sure the plug is going in at the appropriate angle from now on. I definitely feel like that is why I was getting water.

[BigDozer66]

I keep mine greased with silicone and turn it until it clicks.

I keep a spare one in the truck in the event that mine disappears between the house and the lake.

Never had any water in the bilge area.

[jrbdad]

When I took delivery of my boat and saw the drain plug.... Called Ranger the following week and ordered another for the tool box.

Mine hits a brace in the bilge when it is being turned in.. Need to pull batteries so I can fix that, just haven't. NEED to install a flow-rite and be done with it.

[Kuhuna]

Remember these manufactures know our pain point. They also know the majority of people don't ask how much, they ask, how much a month.

[Bosh]

I've had my boat since 2015, I wet the "O" ring with spit wipe it with my finger to remove any sand or grit and put it in finger tight.
It's never leaked a drop.

[Wedgestank]

Only thing I hate about my RT188. So hard to thread in, almost like it is cross threaded. I have resorted to threading it with my left hand as it seems to go easier, likely the angle of my hand.

[hornedfrog21]

Not sure how this pertains to the drain plug?

Remember these manufactures know our pain point. They also know the majority of people don't ask how much, they ask, how much a month.

[ncbass]

I keep mine greased with silicone and turn it until it clicks.

I keep a spare one in the truck in the event that mine disappears between the house and the lake.

Never had any water in the bilge area.

Thats the ticket...listen for the click. I was taking on a little water in my Triton, little grease and heard the "click", no more water