Scupper Update

[Brendanpd28]

Hey All,


     I installed the TH Marine ping pong scupper valves on the 2 scupper drains that aren't blocked by the outboard.  That one stays plugged.  So far the boat has been on the mooring for a few days and they are working very well. There is always a small amount of water in the trough but I assume that is normal. I also have an auto bilge installed below deck and but I sealed the deck to the best of my ability during the rebuild.  My only remaining concern is that we have only gotten a small rainstorm since then and I still have worries about heavy rain.  Is it possible for the the rain to be SO HEAVY that the deck fills up faster than the scuppers can displace the water? While the boat is unoccupied the scuppers teeter on the edge of the waterline but they dont let very much in....and when the stern lifts higher the water drains back out like it should.  We are expecting maybe 2" of rain tomorrow so ur advice is extremely appreciated as always!!

Thanks!!!

[fitz73222]

Honestly it would take a huge amount of rain to overwhelm the scuppers, your floor is still above the waterline, your scuppers are slightly lower. I don't know what model you have or its condition but water will seek its own level and pressure and as long as the scuppers stay at or above the waterline the deck will drain. When the accumulated water pressure on the deck exceeds the water pressure at the waterline the ping pongs will open the water will drain out, when the outside water pressure at the waterline exceeds the buoyancy of the ping pongs they will push forward at the internal angle in the plastic housing the ball will roll up and shut the hole up. One critical thing to remember about ball scuppers is that you must keep your drainwell and deck clean and free of things that can lodge between the ball and silicone seat and not let the ball seal and will allow water to come into the boat.

[Brendanpd28]

Thanks Fitz, you've given me a little piece of mind. I've owned several boats but never have stored one in the water so I'm a little over cautious. My buddy is the assistant harbormaster in the town it is moored so he has been checking in on her for me hahahaha.

Thanks again!

[wingtime]

As Farley said water will seek it's own level and drain out the scuppers. I don't keep mu boat on the water but I also agree a leaf can prevent it from sealing... not much.. just enough to be annoying.  The biggest thins with a self bailing cockpit is that the deck is water tight and not water gets into the bilge.  If it is than no bilge pump is required.  That is why the early Aquasports didn't come with them.  Having had kept a boat in the water.... they key is keeping an eye on it.  Tides and storms are your biggest threat.  The majority of boats that sink at the dock are from getting under the dock on a low tide and getting caught under it.. or a failed pieced of hardware such as a thru hull fitting or a hose clamp...  not a hole in the hull!