Drain holes or Salt water ingress holes?

**Pete A.** · #1 04-17-2012, 05:36 PM

OK I want to discuss a pet peeve of mine with Shimano and other reel makers.

IMHO the "drain" holes let in more water than they ever drain out. I have done simple splash test with my reels where reel is not "dunked' but only splashed like when we wade (please check the accuracy of my test yourself). Low and behold there is water in the reel in about the worst area, behind the main gear and on/against the drive shaft bearing. This is the most in accessible place on/in the reel for maintenance yet closest to an opening for water to enter? Does this make sense?

Examine used reels all the 'boat rash" is on top which means most reels spend alot of time with the holes pointing upward waiting for splashs to get in. Not many have much "boat rash" by the drain holes.

Can't they consider for an upgraded reel one that has a much better sealed main frame enclosure to keep water out? How about just some small plastic/rubber plugs that can be removed to drain water out if/when the reel actually get dunked/filled?

Pete A.

**Dipsay** · #2 04-17-2012, 06:18 PM

LOVE the Boca Sticker Dude! Got some myself!

**Bantam1** · #3 04-18-2012, 10:56 AM

Most people are not storing their rods in the manner you have shown in the pic. They stand them up in a rod holder, or lay them down with the trigger facing down.

As far as water is easier to get in than out...the hole is the same size. I'm not sure how it can fill up faster through the drain than it can exit. Unless the water molecule has changed from H2O where you fish. If that is the case you might want to contact a chemist because you have found some new elements.

**BustinTops** · #4 04-18-2012, 11:39 AM

I've worked on reels that people have plugged the drain holes with grease and they were corroded bad. They had salt build up like no other. How the water got in......not sure.....but it did and had no place to evaporate/drain. I'm a fan of drain holes myself. As Bantam said....lay your reels so the holes face down.

**cpthook** · #5 04-18-2012, 02:01 PM

I agree with Pete A. I do not like the holes on the bottom, they seem to let more water in then anything else.

**cpthook** · #6 04-18-2012, 02:03 PM

I'm constantly having to clean my reels, replace bearings etc., because they are corroded, the water can only get in from one area, the hole on the bottom.

**Dipsay** · #7 04-18-2012, 02:32 PM

You are forgetting about the spool shaft. Water enters there during retrieve and goes into that side plate. Drain holes aren't the issue, sorry to say. I agree with Bantam and BT.....Dip

**Bantam1** · #8 04-18-2012, 02:37 PM

The drain holes are not the problem. Water can get in from many areas while fishing. This is why maintenance is important on reels used in saltwater.

**Pete A.** · #9 04-18-2012, 03:10 PM

I did not explain well.

Simple splashes against the holes allow salt spray in. Like when in the boat in rod holders standing straight up.

Sure most drains out and however regardless still a thin film stays, this evaporates, salt doesn't evaporate and thus corrosion in the toughest to get to spot in the reel.

How about a single hole at the back away from the gears. Then stand it up, water drains out for those complete dunkings. Reduces salt spray ingress. Obviously will not remove the issue just reduce it.

Pete A.

**fishsmart** · #10 04-19-2012, 08:33 AM

I protect all my Core 50mg7 reels in the vertical rod holders on my scooter with the Shimano neoprene reel covers while not using each reel. These reel covers protect the reels from splashes, etc... while not in use.

I also rinse the reels under the faucet as Shimano suggests for 30sec at days end before drying the reels with a towel.

The reels get inspected, cleaned, and lubed at the end of 3 day fishing trips.

Charles