Drain plugs

[Ironfoot]

What is the current rule on drain plugs? If I trailer my boat, do I have to have the drain plug out while on the highway? How about a rowboat that doesn't have a livewell, false floor or bilge pump? Thanks for any advice!

[harvey lee]

While your boat is in transport, all drian plugs that may hold water in the boat must be removed.

That includes the livewell. One cannot transport any water from the lake down any road.

In regards to a rowboat, if it has a boat plug, it must be removed from the back of the boat so any water on the bottom can drain out.

If you use a cooler for a livewell and have lake water in it for the fish, the cooler must also be drained.

I use ice to transport my fish home.

As far as a bilge pump, I do not empty that as it should be drained.