IMPELLER ACCESS

Q: I own a 2007 Yamaha 210 jet boat used in fresh water. There are two impeller access points on the back deck with large 6-inch-diameter rubber-locking plugs. But these seize in place every year. They just cannot be removed by hand at the end of the season. Is there a tool or technique I could use to remove the plugs?

Mark Dieterle Groton, Connecticut

A: I asked Yamaha, and here is the company’s prompt reply:

Depending on the environment where the boat is stored and operated, it is possible that, over time, the seal on Yamaha’s proprietary pump clean-out ports can swell and delaminate. This can make the clean-out plug difficult to be adjusted. For these cases, Yamaha offers a rebuild kit for the clean-out plug.

During routine service, owners are advised to clean the aluminum tube where the clean-out plug locks into. A wire brush on a handle (think barbecue grill) is a great tool for cleaning any corrosion or growth that may accumulate. Afterward, we recommend applying Yamalube multipurpose grease to the seal via a paintbrush to keep the seal lubricated. It is also advised to leave out the clean-out plugs until the boat is used.