Finally approaching the end of my restoration project on an old Trac 14 and can't wait to get it in the water! But a question (without all the details as to why): Can you glue in drain plugs w/ 4200 or 5200 alone without using screws, or are the screws absolutely required? (No plug fits the original holes.)

I know that I can fill and redrill new holes, but I was wondering if that's really necessary vs. just putting it on w/ (probably) 4200...

Thanks!

You probably need to attach the new drain plug fitting with screws (I'm assuming you're talking about the metal part and not gluing in the actual plug itself - right?). You can fill in the original screw holes with 5200 and perhaps rotate the fitting to create a fresh new set of holes specifically for that fitting.

I've glued in drain plugs for the internal water tight compartments (air pressure tested). coat the inside of the female sleeve of the plug with wax, masking tape or mold release. mix up a thick batch of west with colloidal silicate in it. figure out some way to clamp it. then then coat the out side of the sleeve. use plenty. now that the sleeve is inserted to it proper place. don't laugh stick your finger in the hole and mold the excess into a flange in the inside. mold/ remove the outside "goop", let dry remove wax/tape. put the plug into the sleeve and go sailing.

Another aproach you might want to consider. The Hobie 20 uses nylon drainplugs that simply thread into threaded holes in the sterns, Once I forgot mine and to sail for the weekend I epoxied the holes shut (I know ... ) after I got the boat home I redrilled the holes and taped them to fit. No fittings necessary.

P.S. you can get the h20 plugs from the catsailor online store.

Good question, there is no load on them but mayde some pressure caused by internal moisture and heat. I woud throw the screws in. (they don't weigh much)

For the record, I ended up filling the old holes that didn't fit and redrilling new ones with the plug housings **** at an angle to create new drilling space. I sealed 'em in with 3M 4200 and all looks great.

I finally am ready to get her on the water but have to find a day that fits my schedule...