There's not a lot of height difference, it helps if the bow is raised. Clean out the drain with a garden hose though, there could be leaves or other debris slowing/clogging the drain. I thought mine might be plugged as well but it wasn't. Also, don't let your boat sink out of water, remove the bilge drain plug to avoid rainwater filling the bilge and ruining the engine, absolutely don't forget to reinstall the plug while checking the boat pre-launch!!!