After completing our Level 1 Kayak Certification at Cossatot River State Park, it was painfully obvious that I need to install a drain plug in my Old Town Vapor. My kayak is a good 10 lbs heavier than other kayaks its size due to the oversize cockpit and extra width in both the bow and stern. The oversized cockpit also alows for a lot more water to enter the kayak at a faster rate. This results in a good 160 lbs of water after a slow roll.
While shopping for deck rigging hardware at Academy Sports, I happened to come across a Pelican Universal Drain Plug. This is the exact same plug that Daniel and Crystal’s Pelican Pursuit 100’s use. They are really sturdy and easy to remove and replace. Plus, for $3.95 you can’t beat the price!
So, let’s install it:
Pelican's Universal Drain Plug replacement part. Purchased at Academy Sports for $4, it features a 3/4" plug which expands via a snap handle.
Using a 3/4" spade bit, drill a hole in the desired position. With the Old Town Vapor placement was limited to the lower stern area due to the placement of the handles, the day well and the flotation foam. This placement worked out really well; draining the kayaking fully requires you to lift the boat about 45 degrees (or less) versus the near 90 degree lift of our Pelican Pursuit 100's.
This plug is held in place by a small plastic piece which is inserted vertically and then released into a horizontal position. The result is a quick installation with very little chance of loosing the plug while on a trip.
The completed installation of the drain plug. Works great! If your kayak doesn't have a drain plug, install one. It takes 5 minutes and $10.00 or less.
Twitted by steventrotter
July 19th, 2009
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What others have been saying about pelican
July 19th, 2009
[...] http://www.kayakingarkansas.com/2009/07/19/diy-kayaking-drain-plug-installation/While shopping for deck rigging hardware at Academy Sports, I happened to come across a Pelican Universal Drain Plug. This is the exact same plug that Daniel and Crystal’s Pelican Pursuit 100’s use. They are really sturdy and easy to … [...]
Erin
August 25th, 2009
Thank you! I recently purchased a Vapor 10xt and I was agonizing over where to put the drain plug. I’m glad your placement worked out and I will be copying you at the first opportunity. They are nigh impossible to dump, aren’t they? I ended up bailing mine out with a Gatorade bottle after my first whitewater shenanigans. Thanks again!
Bosko
October 30th, 2009
Does D J have any siblings? Finest looking dawg I’ve ever seen.
DOUG
July 20th, 2010
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