Hi all,
I normally leave my vent plugs in the board and tightened up all the time. But yesterday i pulled the one out of my formula board to let out a few water bubbles and it got me thinking about when is the best time to put it back in again.
Is it best to leave the board in the sun, then put it in? Or should it be put in when the board is cooler?
If you put it in when its cool, then if it sits in the sun, it might expand and cause delamination? But if you put it in when the board is hot, would it contract when you go in the water and suck water in through any cracks?
Does everyone normally take out the vent plug after each session?
Cheers
james
Search for the numerous topics here with the same question.
I always have the vent plug in for sailing (duh 
) and always open all the rest of the time.
I've got a nice slalom board, thanks to it's last owner leaving the vent done up all the time.
It got hot and blew the bottom off, I've completely rebuilt the bottom, and it's turned out OK. But you wouldn't want to have to pay me to do the work!!!
If you aren't sailing it, leave it undone, that way you're safe.
If you are loosening/tightening the screw, make sure the O ring is in good condition, because they twist and abrade.
Hydraulic equipment companies such as Enzed or Bearing Service can supply an equivalent O ring, if you take in a failed one as a sample. Alternatively, buy a new screw/O ring from your windsurf shop.
Depending on board use, suggest the O rings need to be replaced at least once per year.
My concern was heightened by The Board Lady who says that if you open the vent and put the board in the bag, about a kilo of water from the straps could be sucked into the board as the core cools down.
I therefore keep the plug done up all the time and only undo it before the board is going to get hot (eg remove the screw if the board is in the car).
I just put the board in the sun on edge whilst derigging and then leave the end of the bag unzipped whilst in the car. After a couple of years my boards are not any heavier. In winter I leave the plug done up as those straps will not dry too much whilst derigging 
BTW, I always find the right size O ring at Bunnings in the retic section where they have all different sizes loose. Something like a buck for about 10
) and always open all the rest of the time.
Just a note, as I'm sure people are scared about forgetting to screw the vent plug back in prior to sailing:
I take mine out when there's the remotest chance of it getting hot, and then open up on footstrap and place the plug inside nice and snugly - it means that when I come to pick up the board to go sailing, I notice the footstraop isn't right and hence know that the plug isn't in.
Obviously, if you were forgetful you'd then detach your harness bar from your harness to remind you that the footstrap was undone to remind you that the vent plug wasn't in, etc etc etc....
If I part unscrew the plug in my exocet and leave it standing proud you can't then fit the mast base into the track. That way you can't forget to do it up.
I always used to remove the vent screw after a days sailing thinking that any moisture inside would be able to dry out...but upon buying a new board last month was told by the shop owner( who is very knowledgable) that he leaves the screw in all the time ( unless in an airplane obviously..) and that the board will DRAW IN moisture from the air when stored with the screw left out....he also said to not leave it the board in the board bag otherwise it "sweats".....
When I do occasionally undo the vent plug (left in hot car etc) and then do it back up there's always a horrible scratching sound as sand starts gouging the face that the washer seals against.
I always take the whole screw out, clean the washer and the face that it seals against, then put it back in. There's always heaps of sand down there.
Question for those that undo it every time: Are you sure that there isn't a bit of sand underneath your O-ring, letting it suck in water every time you go sailing?
i've never touched mine. I have a starboard carve and i dont really leave it sitting in the sun for too long ever... I go sailing instead! But really in the car, garage and on the beach i have never really opened it. I did a few times when i got it but never heard a rush of air so cant be too much of a volume change... Board is in top condition too...
I think your only considering it because it is there.
Who had problems in the old days before vent plugs? I rode a sputnik 275 for many years (it still hangs in the shed) and whilst it sat in the sun on the beach it is still as good as new. I must admit since owning boards with plugs I do remove them when not sailing.
I always unscrew mine.
Great way to determine the health of your board.. normally you can hear the board breathe. On one occasion mine gurgled like mad.. Uh oh!! Turns out I had put a massive crack through under the foot pads and the only reason I found it was because my board sounded sick.
I never used to touch mine either but one hot day with the board on the roof, and........one rooted board. At least that ment I had no holes!
Ive recently brought a flexlite rusty (epoxy surfboard) and that dosnt have a bung so i spose that means dont let it get hot. Or maybe the small volume means it cant expand that much? Anyone?
My VP is done up all the time.
If its a concern, can't you get Gortex plugs that allow the board to exhale and not inhale?
I sail with a board full of water so it doesn't matter. Sometimes I open the vent to pour a bit of water out just so I can carry it up the beach. I like water. The human body (God bless it) is 95% water and 5% exotic materials, and so is my board, and I luv it in (some would say) an unnatural way. But what is natural if it isn't 95% water I ask you?
Vent Plug??
I thought it was a fuel filler cap...
That's explain why it was difficult to get the fuel nozzle in......
I always fill my board with fresh tank water and attach a hose to the VP hole so I can suk while I sail.......
Bit like a camel I s'pose.............
After doing some deck repairs (found some soft spots), all minor dings, replacing screw washer and looking over it thoroughly, I took it out again...after a half-day sail it was nearly too heavy to pick up!
On the boards I have it states quite clearly........
"Close when sailing, open when not"
I guess they put it on there for a reason.
I open and close mine after each sail and have never had any problems but know lots of guys who leave it closed permanently and have had no problems.
Personal preference??
Ive bought an F2 ride and it has a vent plug in it.
It is stored in a bag in the shade outside and i havent touched the vent plug. it has been opened before by the previous owner and im not sure whether i should leave it in or take it out.
Any opinions?
well it is coming into summer, and even in the shade it can get hot in the board bag.
As other people have said, you may well get away with it, but there again ----------
On Keef's advice I've just had a look at the GoreTech site, (www.gore.com/products/categories/venting?view=protective-vents-for-outdoor-electronics
They have screw in vents, does anybody now if that's the same thread as ordinary bungs???
Would be nice if you can just screw in a goretech plug.
I'll give them a ring tomorrow, and post any results.
Never ever taken a bung out of a board. Had lots boards and never once had a problem. If i leave the boards in the car on a hot day, i leave the windows down on the car just the same as when i leave the kids or the dog in the car. :-) Common sense really cause everyone knows boards die in hot cars.
