Scuppers below waterline in stern 73 240

[centrop67]

73 240 with Yamaha 250 Four Stroke

The new four-stroke added some weight to the back, and during fishing the aft section always seems to have some water in it. I didn't have that problem with the original (when I bought it) two stroke, and I ended up having to install a better bilge system. The boat has no leaks, but the drains end up beneath water line when there's more than one one person at the stern. Any ideas on balancing the weight issue?

[Capt. Bob]

Michael,
This is a common occurrence on Aquasports, especially the smaller (think 170,19-6) hulls but does occur on the larger, Hialeah built hulls (like yours) too.

Most common weight relocation is moving the battery(s) forward under the console/deck. The heavier motor and the live well is a lot to offset so the link below is some thoughts on a band-aid solution. The ping pong scuppers over the drain holes is very popular and for the most part, low maintenance. The beauty of them is they are install and forget (occasional cleaning aside).

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=6169.0

Scrolling down to the 23dr reply in the thread is the "expansion plug" type I used on my 84 CCP. I would install them in the scuppers before launch (inside hull) and basically leave them in all day. I used the boat for diving and water was brought into the hull so when I'd relocate to another spot, I'd pull them while underway. If it rained, same thing. Water drains quickly on a plane and then I'd just stick them back in.

Both ideas work, keep your feet dry, are relatively inexpensive especially compared to the battery relocate, easy to find and can be initiated quickly.

Good luck 

[Blue Agave]

As CB mentioned, move weight forward.

These work very well;

http://thmarine.com/flow-max-ball-scupper.html

[wingtime]

That's the problem with heavy four strokes. The TH Marine ball scuppers work good. But moving some weight forward is a good idea.

[centrop67]

Thanks Capt. Bob!

These are some great suggestions.

So, the ball scupper might be a good solution, but my deck drains are on the sides. Does anyone know if they'll be problematic while on a plane? On a straight line plane, they're probably fine, but on a turn they're going to dig the water and either affect performance or become damaged.

Balancing the boat is tough as well. All the fishing activity occurs in the back of the boat, and 60lbs of batteries aren't going to counteract 600lbs of humans (2 or three guys). Too much weight in the front will have me digging into waves while trolling.

When I purchased the boat last year with the two-stroke, there was never any water in the bilge unless I was running my live well - the overflow drain doesn't quite keep up with the pump, and spills into the bilge.

Shortly after installing the four-stroke, I had a little emergency with the bilge pump quitting. Whoever installed it, decided electrical tape would be fine on bilge wire connections. I installed two pumps - one on the float switch direct connected to the battery, and one on a switch on my dashboard. The old pump is ready as a hot backup if either fail. I also still have my manual pump, which helped me out of my emergency.

So far, my issue is around wet feet, and I can live with that. But, I remain hopeful for a solution.

[Blue Agave]

Unfortunately with the scuppers exiting the sides, the ball scuppers are not an option.  So it appears you will have to use plugs and remove them when on plane to drain any water.  With the 2-stroke did you not have three guys fishing in the rear?  If so then the weight difference is only the weight difference between the two motors. Moving the the batteries not only takes 60 lbs off the rear but it adds 60 lbs up front. Believe it or not, it should help.

[wingtime]

Not sure how they will work on the sides of the boat.  Are your drains straight thru or do they go thru a hose?  If a hose there are check valves you can get for them.

[centrop67]

With the 2-stroke did you not have three guys fishing in the rear?  If so then the weight difference is only the weight difference between the two motors. Moving the the batteries not only takes 60 lbs off the rear but it adds 60 lbs up front. Believe it or not, it should help.

  I am a software engineer by trade. If you use logic on me, you're just going to confuse me.

Are your drains straight thru or do they go thru a hose?  If a hose there are check valves you can get for them.

They're hosed. I actually have a couple of check valves laying around. Now all I need is 6 foot long arms, 2 inches in diameter with fingers that can bend steel to install them.

This really sounds like it might work. Before I do, anyone know any problems I might have after installing them?

[centrop67]

Just a quick follow-up - I already have the batteries in the console, but moving them up under the front deck is still an option.

I am new to this forum, and I know how miscommunication and tone can be lost in a discussion (I run a dog breed forum).

So, Blue Agave, just so you know, I was making fun of myself with that logic comment.

[CLM65]

What size are your thru hulls?  Gemlux makes a 1.5" duckbill insert that has good reviews.  I have some for my project boat, but haven't installed them yet.  You may need new thru hull fittings to go with them, as well as the hose adapters, but they should work with the side mount installation.  If you call Jerry Gutze at gemlux, he can confirm your application and make sure you get what you need.

[Capt. Bob]

Again, I know I reside in a tiny minority of one but...

My CCP had the same displacement drains and the plugs worked fine. Yes, they are more labor intensive (relatively speaking) and they don't prevent water from entering the bilge if the hose/thru hull connection fails but we haven't seen a lot (if any that I can recall) of this type failure. They are readily available and arm length/girth does not enter into their use. Black side down/brass side up and you're good to go.

A temp fix until you can install another system.

Good luck.

[centrop67]

Yes, definitely plugs for the short term fix. I can evaluate the need for a long-term fix after that.

Thanks Everyone!

[Blue Agave]

No offense taken, good luck with the scuppers and the fish.