Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

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SamiGuy
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Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#1 Post by SamiGuy » Sun Jul 16, 2017 6:07 pm

Trying to find replacement access/vent plug for my tubes. Not having much luck. Anyone have an idea of where?
Thanks,
Sami
2013 Sweetwater 2286 Yamaha F115LA

JLester273
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#2 Post by JLester273 » Sun Jul 16, 2017 7:08 pm

I would guess they are just a NPT pipe plug. Figuring out the size is really the trick. McMaster Carr and the like will have something that fits.
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

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FLOUNDERPOUNDER225
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#3 Post by FLOUNDERPOUNDER225 » Mon Jul 17, 2017 7:18 am

I bought brass ones from Lowes, they were 3/8 NPT on a tracker I was working on.
Pensacola FL
2015 Berkshire 231 RFC
Yamaha F-150

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Jake_Daddy
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#4 Post by Jake_Daddy » Tue Jul 18, 2017 3:34 am

I will second on the pipe thread, NPT. I cant remember the size but I was able to pick some up some threaded PVC caps at home depot and drill some very small vent holes in the top. Take one of yours with you to the store to check the threads and size, I want to say they are 3/4" or 1" on my 2001 Sweetwater but don't hold me to it.
2001-20' Godfrey Sweetwater
1991 Mercury 90hp
Merritt Island, FL

JLester273
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#5 Post by JLester273 » Tue Jul 18, 2017 5:17 am

True enough most hardware stores will have stuff in the plumbing section that may fit. I just figured to add McmasterCarr if your in a remote location and don't have a decent store or if it was an odd size.
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

SamiGuy
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Location: Charlotte NC

Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#6 Post by SamiGuy » Sun Jul 30, 2017 9:15 pm

UPDATE: Thanks for all the help! I was able to find at Lowe's Lasco PVC 1/2" threaded plugs. Drilled a 1/16" hole in the center and I now have an exact (and probally stronger) fit. Got several extra as I'm sure I bill "booger" the head while replacing.
Again, thanks for the help. One of the least expensive parts run I have ever made while boating! ($ 0.85 EACH)
Gotta love this site!
Sami
2013 Sweetwater 2286 Yamaha F115LA

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teecro
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#7 Post by teecro » Mon Jul 31, 2017 5:27 am

Are these U shaped tubes? I don't understand why y'all are venting them? Our Sun Tracker had sealed tubes and our Berkshire actually has tubes pressurized to 3 PSI from the factory...
T CRO
2017 Berkshire CTS 24 RFX with Yamaha F150/Simomized 200
2015 Caravelle 16 EBo with Mercury 90

SamiGuy
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#8 Post by SamiGuy » Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:48 pm

Nope....regular round tubes. Factory plugs had vent holes, so I copied the factory. Why vent? Easy solution, pressure plus or minus and destroy welds and structure. Ever seen a beer or soda explode? Not what I want to chance.
Sami
2013 Sweetwater 2286 Yamaha F115LA

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teecro
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#9 Post by teecro » Tue Aug 01, 2017 7:35 am

Well I care to disagree...

Vented plugs will allow free flooding, as the water comes in the air escapes thus the process continues until the pontoon sinks if left unattended...

At least with solid vent plugs if you develop a leak the water egress will be much slower as there is no escape path for the air.

Ever try to stand on an empty soda/beer can? It will crush... Try the same with a sealed soda can, it will support you...

Also a sealed pontoon will not gain enough pressure from the sun's heat to cause any damage..

And while I make no recommendation to do this at all Forest River Marine has been pressurizing their pontoons with 3 PSI for somewhere between the last 10 to near 20 years. They boast increased strength, rigidity and resistance to minor denting as well as less leaking...

To each their own...
Last edited by teecro on Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:19 pm, edited 2 times in total.
T CRO
2017 Berkshire CTS 24 RFX with Yamaha F150/Simomized 200
2015 Caravelle 16 EBo with Mercury 90

JLester273
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#10 Post by JLester273 » Tue Aug 01, 2017 8:34 am

Most pontoons aren't vented as I understand it. The reason is if there is a leak it can only come in so much before the pressure inside keeps the water out. But if there is a vent the air pressure inside never increases as water comes in it will just continue to fill. Like putting a cup under water with the open end down. Then poke a hole in it and see what happens...

Unless your pressurizing the pontoons with a compressor it should not fail from day to day pressure changes.

IMO of course
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http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

SamiGuy
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#11 Post by SamiGuy » Tue Aug 01, 2017 7:03 pm

Excellent points on both previous post. Both make good, common sense. Can't argue with pure logic.
As the pontoons/tubes have a limited lifetime warranty on them, I think it is in my best interest to replace a vented access plug with another vented access plug. Not an argument that I want to have with Godfrey engineers IF I would happen to have an issue.
I do appreciate the opinions and suggestion. I just have to question how this damn post got escalated to the point of disagreement when all I was asking for was some help finding plugs.....and I got exactly the help I ask for, found the plugs I needed, and drilled my own little 1/16" holes in them.....just like the factory plugs.
Thanks....
2013 Sweetwater 2286 Yamaha F115LA

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teecro
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#12 Post by teecro » Tue Aug 01, 2017 7:18 pm

Well I still care to disagree.... lol

I did not see "this damn post got escalated to the point of disagreement" I simply asked a question to the logic of vented plugs, you answered, and I replied...

We are all here to exchange info, learn and/or simply to chew the fat...
T CRO
2017 Berkshire CTS 24 RFX with Yamaha F150/Simomized 200
2015 Caravelle 16 EBo with Mercury 90

SamiGuy
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#13 Post by SamiGuy » Tue Aug 01, 2017 7:58 pm

Like I said, I don't disagree with your thought and logic at all. Some vent, some don't. Like I said, if I modify the design and/or function of a factory part, it gives the mfg. an easy way NOT to honor any warranty. Not worth the chance of a possible costly repair IF that were to happen. Anyway, I stay close to shore anyway. A quick MAYDAY, life jacket on, and Seatow and pull it up and let the insurance and mfg. work out the details IF there is any issue. By replacing with the same "function", I stay within the design of the product even if the mfg. design sucks.
All is good...I appreciate all you do to help all that use this site!!
Have a wonderful evening!!!
PS.... I bought a Chevy Vega once....talk about bad design!!!!!
2013 Sweetwater 2286 Yamaha F115LA

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teecro
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Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#14 Post by teecro » Tue Aug 01, 2017 8:24 pm

[quote="SamiGuy"].... I bought a Chevy Vega once....talk about bad design!!!!![/quote]

Not if it had a 454 Big Block Chevy Motor with a 6-71 Blower sticking out where the hood once went...
T CRO
2017 Berkshire CTS 24 RFX with Yamaha F150/Simomized 200
2015 Caravelle 16 EBo with Mercury 90

SamiGuy
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2016 10:59 pm
Location: Charlotte NC

Re: Godfrey/Sweetwater Access Plugs

#15 Post by SamiGuy » Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:28 pm

LOL...for sure!! Most people don't even know what that is.......but I do! That would be a hand full !!!
2013 Sweetwater 2286 Yamaha F115LA

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