Scupper holes, found in sit-on-top kayaks, are designed as a safety feature to drain water out of the kayak , from top to bottom, which keeps you from sitting in a puddle or even worse, making your kayak a bathtub full of water prone to capsizing.
What is the purpose of scupper holes in a kayak?
A sit-on kayak is basically an air-filled plastic float and the scupper holes allow water to pass in and out of the kayak without allowing it to sink . With this design the paddler sits up off the water as well.
Do scupper plugs add buoyancy?
Scupper plugs can also provide some additional buoyancy when installed . By plugging the scupper holes you are forcing the water out from under the kayak and around the sides. This is helpful when the weight of the kayak is heavier than normal such as when extra gear or a heavier paddler is onboard.
How do scuppers work?
How does a scupper valve work? Scupper valves are one-way plugs. They allow water that enters a sit-on-top kayak to drain out the scupper holes while also blocking water from splashing up through the holes .
Do scupper plugs make a kayak more stable?
You will see these self-bailing holes in various places, including the deck, front, cockpit area, and rear of the boat. Scupper holes are purposely placed in these parts as a safety feature to prevent water from pooling in. Scupper holes allow water to pass in and out and the kayak drains efficiently.
Are scupper plugs needed?
Scupper plugs are only applicable for kayaks that have scupper holes. Without scupper holes, there is simply no need for scupper plugs . It’s important to remember that scupper holes are included in sit on top kayaks for a reason. They are an important safety feature and highly recommended for beginner kayakers.
Do scupper plugs affect stability?
If you are especially laden, there might be quite a bit more water in your cockpit. If this is the case, plugging the scupper holes and using a sponge or a bilge pump to bail out might be wise. ... Too much water in your craft puts you at risk of capsizing; it really affects the stability of your boat .
Do Old Town kayaks come with scupper plugs?
Congrats on your purchase! These models do not come with scupper plugs , but it uses the same size short valve for all scupper holes. Scupper holes are self-bailing holes that will drain and bail water while you’re paddling.
How does a self draining hull work?
Definition: Self–bailing boats, or self–bailing hulls, are designed to remove water from the boat deck or cockpit area using gravity not pumps of any kind . The water is discharged overboard through the side or transom, the “back wall” of the boat.
Why does my kayak fill with water?
Why does water get into a kayak? If you find that small amounts of water are getting into your kayak don’t panic. It is totally normal for some water to get into the cockpit of a sit-in kayak and to get onto the deck of a sit-on-top kayak. The top of the boat is practically sitting just above the water line after all.
Do I need a bilge pump for my kayak?
As the water collects, you will notice your kayak becoming unstable as you paddle. ... Eventually, this water will make your kayaking experience unenjoyable. Best to stop paddling and use your bilge pump to remove the water. If you capsize your boat , you will most certainly need to use your bilge pump.
Are sit-on-top kayaks more stable?
If all other dimensions are equal, a sit-inside (open-cockpit) kayak is more stable than a sit-on-top kayak. In an open-cockpit kayak you’re sitting lower in the boat. ... A wider kayak will be slower. And changing the bottom shape will make a larger surface area which makes it less efficient to paddle.
What is scupper drain?
In short, a scupper is a detail that provides drainage to a roof system by allowing the water runoff from the roof to exit the roof through a metal edge, parapet wall or through the deck into a downspout or leader not run through the interior of the building.
