WTF????? What now?? Scupper lesson.. - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

eelman · 04-25-2006, 11:06 AM

Oh man....This whole boating thing is like being born again and learning how to %$%$%$%$in walk

Scuppers..........Ok guy says leave the plugs out of them when docked...Got that part. However I notice than the scuppers are only about 1/2 inch above water ( with motor tilted up) Acording to them this is how the rain drains out because there is a natural tendency for the back of the boat to sit lower...ok makes sense. Now when I step in the boat (IN THE BACK)the water comes IN not alot but enough to drive me nuts...HOW DO YOU GET THAT WATER BACK OUT BEFORE PLUGGING THE SCUPPER HOLES AGAIN? I heard this is a problem on some Whalers also... Anyway something else to figure out. They told me when fishing or cruising to leave the plugs in the scupper holes.Whats the method or methods you boat pros use!!Tips appreciated.And does this happen if you leave the motor down? due to less weight?

A %$%$%$%$in boat Rookie I am!

likwid · 04-25-2006, 11:13 AM

Put the plugs back in before you get in the boat.

Also don't leave the outboard down unless you want it to turn green and fuzzy.

Rip Runner · 04-25-2006, 01:18 PM

Get the ping pong ball scuppers, I think you can get them at West Marine. Water goes out, but doesn't come in. I put them on a straight inboard Seacraft that used to get my feet wet when I would stand in the back corner.

They work great and best of all you don't have to worry about wondering if you left the plugs in after you left the boat.

zacs · 04-25-2006, 01:21 PM

what you might have to do is put the plugs in at the dock, then pull them when you are underway in order to drain that last water out, then obviously put them back in. or you can get the flaps or pingpong style of scupper that are supposed to stop this from happening.

Ball Scupper
http://www.thmarine.com/product.cfm?PRID=55

Flap Scupper
http://www.thmarine.com/product.cfm?PRID=57

this is a comon problem on a lot of boats. my old mako sat so low in the water that the scupper (there was only one) was glassed over. I had a hole going to the bilge and all water was pumped out. you want to talk about sleepless rainy nights....

JeffH · 04-25-2006, 02:16 PM

Assuming you have no feedback steering so you don't go around in circles. As your idling out with no other boats around plug your scuppers. When the boat is moving forward the water inside gets sucked out. I have rubber flapper type scuppers BTW.....

fishaholic18 · 04-25-2006, 03:06 PM

Leave them out..when you accelerate the water will drain out. You'll be glad they're out when you take a wave over the bow. Almost sank my boat in the surf at Brenton Reef on a school of good bass one year,took a good wave over the stern, full boat to my ankles, scuppers saved my a$$.

eelman · 04-25-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffH

Assuming you have no feedback steering so you don't go around in circles. As your idling out with no other boats around plug your scuppers. When the boat is moving forward the water inside gets sucked out. I have rubber flapper type scuppers BTW.....

Jeff, I have the rubber type also and yes the boat is no feedback steering...Thanks guys

Pete_G · 04-25-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishaholic18

Leave them out..when you accelerate the water will drain out. You'll be glad they're out when you take a wave over the bow. Almost sank my boat in the surf at Brenton Reef on a school of good bass one year,took a good wave over the stern, full boat to my ankles, scuppers saved my a$$.

I'll second this. Scuppers on some boats are DEFINITELY meant to be open while the boat in use. Parkers for example.

I've had the same experience, water to my ankles in a Parker. Put it in gear and moved away slowly after it happened and the water quickly drained away.

InTheHole · 04-25-2006, 04:05 PM

I agree, no plugs. I had a 22' whaler for 15 years and never put a plug in it. Never a problem, and when you do take a wave... out goes the water without scrambling to remove the plug.

Pete_G · 04-25-2006, 08:10 PM

Thinking about this a little more I'm fairly surprised there is much discussion at all about putting the plugs back in while underway, fishing, or just while simply being in the boat for that matter. If the boat has a self bailing cockpit, putting the plugs in completely negates that exact feature. I guess if the boat sits really weird or is a smaller boat that easily tilts and you're constantly dealing with water washing around the cockpit you could make a slight case for using plugs. Personally I would just wear boots considering the places we usually fish for stripers from a boat. Waves happen fast.

When you're docked, you definitely want the plugs out. If the scuppers are plugged (be it with plugs or leaves) water can accumulate in the boat and unless your deck plates are water tight (that's rare) it will find it's way into the bilge. Then you are at the mercy of your bilge pump and batteries.

I guess there's a reason they are telling you to put the plugs in while fishing or cruising but in all the self bailing cockpit boats I've been on I can't see why you would.

zacs · 04-25-2006, 09:21 PM

there is no need when underway to keep the plugs in. as said if you take a good one over the bow it will clear the water from the cockpit.
it really has to do with how close they are to the water line. if they are at the waterline, and at drift you are getting a good amount of water sloshing around, then you should plug them before you come off plane if you want to keep your feet and everything in the boat dry. in a 17 ft. you are not going to be doing much drifting in breaking sea conditions at brenton, watch hill, etc... well, maybe you are, but i'm not.

Clammer · 04-25-2006, 11:51 PM

Keep the f #$^&* boat on the trailer .,.

BUT if not ///after you drain the water out // by running in forward til she empties out // your problem is that there is not enough height from your drain holes to the water line // & because you have a light boat // weight becomes a issue .// the Flap will help alot / the best way to solve you latest issue is to rise the floor in the stern & move your drains higher #########################:

eelman · 04-26-2006, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clammer

Keep the f #$^&* boat on the trailer .,.

BUT if not ///after you drain the water out // by running in forward til she empties out // your problem is that there is not enough height from your drain holes to the water line // & because you have a light boat // weight becomes a issue .// the Flap will help alot / the best way to solve you latest issue is to rise the floor in the stern & move your drains higher #########################:

Your up toooooooooo Late!!

RIROCKHOUND · 04-26-2006, 05:54 AM

Billy;
If you keep your batts charged and have a pump with auto/on off you'll sleep OK, at least i do... then again Whalers float no matter what..

And yeah I have come into 6" of water in the bottom of the boat with a dead batt

yup my %$%$%$%$ stinks too

Clammer is right (feels funny saying that

) I have no flap on mine, just a plug and yeah normally I just gun it, pull the plug and drain her... and I usually wear deck boots anyways

stiff tip · 04-26-2006, 06:15 AM

ping pong ball style scuppers r ok ,i have a pair on my 21 alcar ..i rebuilt the hole boat everthing all the wood,stringers deck and transom.boat sits a little lower.1/4 to 1/2 "...when i hold the sturn into the tide fishing,"stemin the tide" i would take water through my scuppers .w/pong style much less...if i was u i,d try it ......capt,cupcake

fishaholic18 · 04-26-2006, 06:38 AM

Bill, if you're worried about standing in water in the boat, wear your waders..

Or do like Clammer said and raise the floor and scuppers..

Or take me out and I'll show ya how it works..

Clammer · 04-26-2006, 08:02 AM

F-18

Did you just ask WACKo for a date

WTF you both better start workin //

SOOOO you must like the idea he SSS before fishing //// I>M staying the F $%^&* away from both on you

SMF,ers

TheSpecialist · 04-26-2006, 08:48 AM

Bill the ball style scuppers are an easy install. You could have them on in like 20 minutes. Just get some 5200 put a bead around the back plate, and a light coating on each screw. You will be happy you did it. They are about 15 -25 each depending on where you get them.

Raven · 04-26-2006, 08:48 AM

you sound a bit.... grumpy....

you should be fishin with me....
then all you'd be doin is laughin....

cheer up ...........my friend!

pff ......of course i'm werkin like 3 jobs now...

yesterday. i worked from 2:30 am to midnight...

and actually got to sleep in til 6:30am
thats sleepin in.... for me....

fishaholic18 · 04-26-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clammer

F-18

Did you just ask WACKo for a date

SMF,ers

At least he won't have any X rated sites with me...

fishaholic18 · 04-26-2006, 09:28 AM

Bill, here's your solution. Go get 'em.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/356975243.htm

Clammer · 04-26-2006, 09:33 AM

Raven WTF ya workin ?????????????..

I,m not grumpy /not even F #$%^&* close ><>><>,

KMI

Raven · 04-26-2006, 09:51 AM

the farm is keepin me real busy....

i finished my physical therapy for my NECK

and i'm happy to say i'm all better. eehaaaa!!!!

i've never felt stronger in fact....imagine that...?

Saturday i'm gonna help rip off a roof
at my buddy's house and then were gonna frame it
for a huge second story with a big ole game room
for the majorly sweet pool table and beer lounge
with beautiful black granite counter tops everywhere
it's lookin like a james bond bachelor pad now lol

i'm doing a bunch of printing and art work and answering
messages and emails and phone calls as i work on the PC...

RavenLocke Industries is HAPPENING.....what a RUSH !
i'm having more fun than i thought was possible.
like tose two kids on TV goin to disneyland
and they say: I'm to excited to sleep !

heh heh heh

fishaholic18 · 04-26-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven

the farm is keepin me real busy....

i finished my physical therapy for my NECK

and i'm happy to say i'm all better. eehaaaa!!!!

i've never felt stronger in fact....imagine that...?

Saturday i'm gonna help rip off a roof
at my buddy's house and then were gonna frame it
for a huge second story with a big ole game room
for the majorly sweet pool table and beer lounge
with beautiful black granite counter tops everywhere
it's lookin like a james bond bachelor pad now lol

i'm doing a bunch of printing and art work and answering
messages and emails and phone calls as i work on the PC...

RavenLocke Industries is HAPPENING.....what a RUSH !
i'm having more fun than i thought was possible.
like tose two kids on TV goin to disneyland
and they say: I'm to excited to sleep !

heh heh heh

Good for you Raven.

Raven · 04-26-2006, 11:12 AM

and the best of all thing now....although its still a bit brisk
but i don't friggan care....

is i can let my freakin wont ever shut up goffin parrot
fly loose outside, so he doesnt drive me absolutely crazy
trying to work in the office here....

of course i have to keep an eye peeled for red tail hawks
but generally he'll shreak so loud ! you'll know about it....
and i have the 20 guage loaded ..ready and waiting in case
i have to blast the sky with a git outta here warning shot

go eat a friggan squirrel ya cheap bastage... lol...

and "NO" i would never ever shoot one....
but i will protect my space and my pets

Van · 04-26-2006, 01:50 PM

The issue is not where the scuppers are on the outside of the boat, but how high the floor is above the water level. If the deck is above water level, the sea wont come in even if the scuppers are below the water line. (Comon guys water seeks its own level right !!). So what happens is when you step into the boat that side of the deck goes below water level and water comes in through that scupper. I would not leave the plugs in at dock, rain water will either find its way into the bildge then the pump will run like crazy until your batteries are dead, or if the rain does not go into the bildge, and you'll have a deck with standing water in it anyway.
So,, what to do, what to do????
You could leave the plug in only on the side you step in so that seawater does not come in when you board. Then standing water will still drain out the other side and not into the bildge when she's sitting all week. But still when you walk towards that scupper, you will take in water. Blame it on gravity !!!
Or try the one way (ball type) , but personally I like a wide open scupper in the event water is coming in from the sea or your baitwell is overflowing alot ,,the ball ones might slow down drainage.