My boat has a slow leak. I think it's the brass drain tube at the very bottom of the transom (I've siliconed the heck out of everything else). Are these difficult to replace? Reason I ask is it is flanged at both ends. I guess I can only cut the old one out?

I've looked around online a little and noticed that I need a flanging tool also. Anyone have one I can borrow for a few days? I don't mind mailing back if your not close to McKinney. Just hate spending $50 on a one time use tool. Rather use mail for $4-$5.

no although i think most now are plastic

Am I better off with plastic? I've seen the plastic ones at Academy for around $5. Just not sure if it can get low enough in the hull to drain properly with the plastic nut. Plastic is definately cheaper though and I have all of the tools for that.

id think so

or you can drill out the whole a bit and install a screw in drain plug and housing

That sounds perfect!! Can you point me to where to find one?

any boat shop has them, wal mart might, theyve got alot of boating accesories

have you put water in boat to see if its leakin there for sure

Not yet, I'm probably going to do it today. I'm still pretty sure it's the brass drain tube though, all the other fittings have been taken off, replaced, and re-siliconed. And when you look up through it it has a large crack that runs from end to end. Looks like a drain plug, when it expands to tighten, would make the crack larger.

I'll take a bucket of water out to the boat storage today and find out for sure.

Usea the brass. You can install one using a pair of ball pene hammers and a helper. Just cut the part 1/8" longer than the hole. Insert the tube with silicone adhesive or 3M 4200 or 3M 5200 from the inside. Have your bud hold a ballpene hammer against it from the inside while you use a second ballpeen hammer on the outside. You can get them in either brass or aluminum, either of which is real soft and easy to work with.

I think the first one is the best. If you forget to put the plug in it has a little plastic ball that acts like a valve and will only let water out!

Also if it doesn't come with them be sure to get some Stainless screws for this!

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...tial/30/0?N=377

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_83252____SearchResults