Best Boat Drain Plugs

‍The best boat drain plugs should prevent water from getting into your boat when plugged in and allow it to drain when removed.

The best boat drain plugs are Attwood 7524A7 1-inch Diameter Snap-Handle Drain Plug, SeaSense Twist-Type Boat Drain Plug, and Attwood 7526A7 Rubber T-Handle Drain Plug. They are easy to install, resistant to corrosion and durable.

We conducted extensive research, gone over hundreds of reviews and customer feedback from different ecommerce and third-party sites to compile a list of the best plugs. We did this to ensure that the products we outlined to our readers were the best available options the market had to offer. You will also find factors that will guide you when choosing the best boat plug.

‍Best Boat Drain Plugs - Top 8 Plugs for Your Boat

You should ensure you pick a drain plug that will adequately fit your boat’s transom, is durable, and is the best of the available options.

Let us look at the top 8 boat drain plugs for your boat, their features, pros, and cons.

1. Attwood 7524A7 1-inch Diameter Snap-Handle Drain Plug

The Attwood drain plug ranks first among the best boat drain plugs and falls in Amazon’s Choice category for boat plugs. If this is not reason enough, let’s get into the features below.

First off, the Snap Handle drain plug by Attwood is composed of brass. This snap handle drain plug is far superior as far as corrosion protection is concerned. This is the case because the plug has a copper base (which is less susceptible to corrosion). The rest of the drain plug is brass.

Additionally, the snapping design allows for a tighter fit. Thus, compared to the others, this boat plug has superior sealing properties.

However, the price one has to pay is to ensure they follow the installation instructions.  You must follow several guidelines when installing the drain plug from the outside. Nevertheless, properly installing the plug will ensure that it works for a more extended time.

Also, the plug is incredibly adaptable. It can also be utilized to plug other appliances and equipment. In this sense, you are receiving the best value for your money; it is practically universal.

Furthermore, it is manufactured by a reputable brand in the boat plumbing industry. Attwood has been one of the top companies for designing, producing, and testing high-quality maritime supplies for over a century.

Pros

• Excellent protection against corrosion
• Easy installation
• It fits tightly into the boat’s drain hole
• Durable

Cons

• For it to seal the drain properly, it has to be installed properly

2. SeaSense Twist-Type Boat Drain Plug

SeaSense is a notable name when it comes to marine devices and parts. The manufacturer’s twist drain plug has a T-handle which makes tightening it by hand easy.

Stainless steel is the primary material used to manufacture the SeaSense drain plug. This makes the plug much more durable than even the Attwood brass drain plugs because steel is stronger and more resilient than brass. Also, unlike the plug above, the base material of the SeaSense is iron, making it more robust than copper base drain plugs.

It is well designed and offers good resistance against corrosion. Even though the SeaSense is made to fit 1-inch diameter drain holes, it also works for 7/8-inch-diameter drains.

Pros

• Decent resistance against corrosion
• Very durable
• Easy removal

Cons

• Challenging to screw in place
• It does not offer the same level of corrosion protection as brass boat drain plugs

3. Attwood 7526A7 Rubber T-Handle Drain Plug

This is another boat drain plug from Attwood. It is designed to fit in 1-inch diameter drain holes on your boat. It can also fit into holes with slightly smaller diameters than 1 inch.

It is made from solid brass, much like the first drain plug on the list, which is from the same manufacturer.  The brass structure guarantees protection from corrosion and rust.

The 7526A7 rubber drain plug comes with rubber bungs designed to expand so that they can fill the drain hole of the boat. This helps to prevent water from leaking into the bilge.

Pros

• Durable
• Expanding rubber bungs to ensure significant tightness
• It is straightforward to insert

Cons

• Unplugging is difficult once it is installed

4. Amarine Oval Garboard Drain Plug

The fourth plug on the list is the Amarine Oval Garboard. It was difficult for us to rank this at number four. Generally speaking, the Amarine Made and SeaSense drain plugs are comparable.

However, the SeaSense came out on top in the end. Nevertheless, the Amarine drain plug ultimately made it onto our list for several reasons.

The Amarine Oval boat drain plug is the most aesthetically beautiful boat plug available.  The stainless steel used in its construction has been polished to produce a mirror-like surface.

Additionally, Amarine Made features a unique function, the retention system, that might attract a significant number of individuals. This is specifically important for those who consistently misplace their watercraft plugs. The plug adheres to the body of the boat thanks to the retention mechanism.

The Amarine drain plug can also fit drain holes that are 1-3/16ths of an inch in diameter. This applies to a variety of bilge holes.

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing design
• Durable
• Not easy to misplace
• It can be used for different-sized boat drain holes

Cons

• Not as durable as other plugs
• It does not fit as tight as others

5. HAO Boporeae Drain Plug

The HAO is constructed from top-notch plastic. Specifically, superior nylon. This means the HAO will endure the longest boat drain plugs on the list. This is because it won't corrode or rust over time. There's a strong probability the HAO will outlive you.

The HAO also has a bilge cup. It is made to fit a hole with a one-inch diameter. The HAO Boporeae plug is also made to withstand situations with a lot of vibration.

It is, therefore, the ideal drain stopper for older, vibration-prone vessels. For each drain plug, the packaging contains two screws.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Affordable
• It can be used on older vibrating boats

Cons

• It needs to be tightened using screws

6. Seachoice Cast Bronze Drain Plug

This is a garboard drain made from cast bronze and comes with a brass drain plug to allow bilge draining once you remove your boat from the water.

The Seachoice cast bronze drain plug has an outside diameter of 2 inches and fits in a ½-inch pipe. The plug is easy to screw on using the #8 fastener. It also comes in a clear protective package ensuring easy application and visibility.

Pros

• Easy to screw on using a standard fastener
• Seals relatively well
• Moderate corrosion protection

Cons

• One has to screw it with a fastener to fit tightly into the drain hole.

7. Hillman 58258 Drain Plug

The Hillman Group Drain Plug will not come undone. It creates a tight seal to prevent leaking drains. To prevent rust and corrosion, the plug is made using corrosion-resistant brass. It is ideal for machinery maintenance and durable and dependable for outdoor and maritime applications.

Components fit any 1/2-inch diameter boat drain hole. Furthermore, it is made from high-strength nylon and rubber, and brass.

Pros

• Straightforward installation
• Creates an airtight seal
• Made using durable material
• Corrosion resistant

Cons

• Designed explicitly for ½-inch boat drain holes.

8. Ripeng Marine Stainless Steel Boat Drain Plug Kit

These drain plugs are manufactured using high-quality stainless steel that is durable and solid, trustworthy and long-lasting, and resistant to corrosion and rusting, allowing them to serve your boat for a long time.

The Ripeng Marine boat drain plug kit contains a 1-inch aperture and a 3/4-inch thread, allowing for bilge draining when hauled out. The fixed screw mechanism inhibits plug loss.

This garboard boat drain plug is tight, and the screw threading and O ring offer a watertight connection. Furthermore, this detachable plug permits water discharge when the boat is pulled out of water.

Buyers get two sets of stainless steel boat drain plugs and four screws, multipurpose boat discharge components for garboard usage or replacement.

This transom drain plug has a broad range of uses, including use on a ship stern, fishing well, freezer, yacht, and boat; it is a versatile plug.

Pros

• A very versatile boat drain plug
• Made using durable material
• Corrosion resistant
• The package comes with two plugs and their screws
• It has a fixed screw mechanism to prevent loss of plug

Cons

• There have been cases where the O ring does not seal the drain hole completely.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Boat Drain Plugs

With so many boat drain products available on the market, it might be slightly challenging to find the right one for your boat. While searching for a drain plug for your boat might prove challenging for anyone, the products above are the best boat drain plugs the boat plumbing industry has to offer.

You must choose the best option for your watercraft to ensure it performs its task effectively. You need to consider different factors before selecting the best boat drain plug for your boat.

Here are a few factors to help you choose the best option for your boat.

The Cost of the Drain Plug

The price is a factor that needs to be considered, whether you're looking for a good offer or working to ensure the drain plug will match your demands. You may save money by cutting costs.

Finding a pricing range that suits your demands is crucial if you want to purchase a product that will endure for a long time. You may locate the most acceptable bargain on the ideal product by shopping for comparison.

A product's quality is frequently higher when it is costlier. Always consider the price when deciding which of two comparable items is best for your boat.

Occasionally, less pricey products may offer qualities that are equally good as those found in costlier products.

Product Warranty

A warranty should always be in place for any item you purchase. This coverage may safeguard you if your drain plug encounters any functional issues.

You may be forced to take issues into your own hands if there is no warranty policy. This can cause additional harm and potentially increase your financial outlay.

Therefore, make certain you always inquire about the device's warranty and if it encompasses any potential problems before committing to a purchase. The length of a manufacturer's warranty should be considered before purchasing.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

There are numerous things to think about when buying boat drain plugs; customer reviews are one of the most crucial ones. Reading user reviews can determine if a product is reputable and worth your investment.

This knowledge can assist you in making an informed selection about what to purchase and avoiding items that are unpopular with other customers. Do not only read reviews and feedback from the manufacturer's site but also other third-party review sites. This will help you get a more explicit picture of the features, strengths, and weaknesses of the drain plug you intend to buy.

Avoid products with many negative reviews, as this will only disappoint you. Only go for products that have an overwhelming number of positive reviews from users.

Construction Material

A lot of individuals believe that a product's quality is what matters most when making a purchase. It is also crucial to consider the materials used in an item's development before buying it. This is extremely important for items that must withstand frequent utilization and exposure to severe conditions.

Various materials have varying benefits and drawbacks that might impact how long a product lasts and how well it performs. A product may derive unique qualities from multiple materials that are either beneficial or essential.

Choose plugs with durable construction. These items can withstand frequent usage and wear and tear.

Boat drain plugs made using plastic (nylon) are the most durable. Those made from brass are less susceptible to corrosion than those with copper bases. On the other hand, drain plugs made from plastic may not be as robust as those made from metals.

You must evaluate all these things when determining which material you want your drain plug to be made from and what benefits you will get.

Products Packaging

The item must be packaged appropriately. You certainly do not want your plug damaged if you receive your stuff via shipment. Good packaging keeps the product secure by adding extra protection.

Design

The plug’s design must be customer friendly. An excellent product should be developed to be more accessible for people to utilize. Before settling on the design of a product, makers do extensive study. A quality product will never be designed in a convoluted or difficult-to-use manner.