Polymer Drain Plugs vs. Nylon and Bronze
Image: Vesconite
Custom and OEM boat builders understand the importance of details, even down to the drain plug. A quality fitting—especially one that is used so often with trailered boats—reflects highly on the brand. Vesconite is a high-performance polymer that makes the ideal material for this important, but often overlooked, component.
Unlike soft, injection molded nylon that absorbs water and will often deform when removing the plug, internally lubricated Vesconite is hydrophobic, so it doesn't swell. And because it can be machined to tolerances of +/-0.001" and has very low friction, it makes removal of the male end easy, no matter how long it has been underwater.
Vesconite has 10 times the wear life of traditional bronze. This is an important feature as it's less likely to abrade or corrode, and ultimately begin to leak. The material is so durable and effective, it's commonly used as rudder and strut tube bearings on commercial workboats operating in dirty, silty water.
The polymer is available in the U.S. as custom precision-machined, ready-to-use parts or raw stock. Easily milled, Vesconite cuts quickly and doesn't dull tools as other plastics do. Hollow bar, solid and plate stock shapes are available in a wide range of dimensions and thicknesses.
