One way drain plugs

[Kuzma823]

I was looking around for drain plugs and came across these http://www.blowsion.com/products/1018-blowsion-vacate-valve-seadoo.aspx. Has anyone had an experience with them?

They seem a bit pricey but could be a cool idea if they work. I leave my skis moored for only up to about an hour at a time so hopefully water would not leak in while it sits(hopefully there is some type of return spring). I dont have a bilge pump...yet..and the seadoo bailers are questionable at best on my ski so this would be a nice bit of extra insurance if they work.

 

[LouDoo]

It looks O.K., but for the price of two of these you could buy a Rule PWC bilge pump.

Lou

 

[Rosie2514]

Hmmm interesting .. I wonder why Seadoo and the other manufacturers didn't think of this long ago ? It seems that this would be such a more simple and effective way to get out hull water then the stock siphon's.

 

[kicker]

I would be worried the some grit, or dirt would get stuck in there and leak.

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[racerxxx]

Perhaps finding the cause of the water would be the best bet. I never had any problems with the OEM siphons or drain plug.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I've always been happy with the stockers, always worked fine for me.

if everything is correct, you really shouldn't have an issue unless your really riding hard hard

 

[Dr Honda]

Hmmm interesting .. I wonder why Seadoo and the other manufacturers didn't think of this long ago ? It seems that this would be such a more simple and effective way to get out hull water then the stock siphon's.

Because... when a stick, or hunk of mud gets stuck in it... your ski will sink.


Seadoo does use them... on the boats, to drain the passenger compartment. They are known as Scupper valves. But... the passenger compartment isn't critical, since it's above the water line. (or very close) But, look in the boat section, and you will see guys yelling about their feet getting wet. Well... the valve gets old, and stops sealing... and water comes in, when sitting around. If that was under the water line... by the time you figured out it was leaking... it would be too late.

Secondly... If you have a ski like an early XP... and the drain is sideways (not out the back)... then it won't work either.

Lastly... there are cheap rubber "Duck bill" valves that do the same thing.



As other said... put in a bilge pump to remove water from the bilge.

 

[mashenden]

I would be worried the some grit, or dirt would get stuck in there and leak.

Because... when a stick, or hunk of mud gets stuck in it... your ski will sink.

That would be my concern too. The siphons have an airlock (lines routed above the waterline) so that there is minimal chance that they will serve to fill rather than drain the jet-ski. I suspect that such a plug would be below the waterline, so if it does not close properly, then when at a standstill it could be: Going... going... gone.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

i have a duckbill for sale on ebay for like $20 if interested. but honestly besides my post above, the fact that i'm selling it instead of using it should speak for itself. I prefer stock drain plugs (I almost never ever open them btw) and the stock siphons.

 

[LouDoo]

I agree with everything you guys are saying, I do have bilge pumps in two of my skis, the reason being I will sometimes leave my skis in the water for extended periods, one or two weeks. So I have the bilge pumps just for extra insurance, I will either leave a battery maintainer or solar charger connected as well.

Lou

 

[Kuzma823]

I agree that the bilge pump would be the best way to go and I plan on getting there eventually. I like a clean look and I just havent taken the time to figure out how to mount the unit, wire it, drill the hole for the outlet and mount the switch. Honestly, my biggest concern is the outlet hole because I have no experience with fiberglass and I wouldnt want to mess it up

 

[mashenden]

Honestly, my biggest concern is the outlet hole because I have no experience with fiberglass and I wouldnt want to mess it up

Drilling into fiberglass is not rocket science (particularly since rockets are not built out of fiberglass ) The main thing is choosing the location and making sure nothing is in the way on the inside. Most hardware stores sell a bit that is shaped like a cone that allows you to drill until the hole is the right size. Works great for this type of hole.

 

[donkey]

zip tyes get stuck in them too,ive seen it twice at havasu.not on my stuff,thank god!

 

[Krispy]

Since we are on the topic of hull evacuation...

My siphons seem to be held in place very poorly by the metal straps attached to the hull. I assume it is quite important that they fit snug against the hull to function properly.

Are y'all just bending your metal straps to add more retention force?

 

[Dr Honda]

They don't need to be tight. As long as they stay face down, and aren't flopping around... they are fine.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

They don't need to be tight. As long as they stay face down, and aren't flopping around... they are fine.

correct. your not trying to get the last drop of water out, just 90% of it.

 

[chucked]

They have something similar with rc boats, called "auto-bailers". But their nickname is "auto-sinker"

 

[LouDoo]

Another tip about the siphon bailers, they get dirty easily, I generally check them when I clean the hull. Clean them with super clean or purple power, or top rack of the dishwasher, just don't let your wife catch you.

Lou