Urgent scupper question!!

[Brendanpd28]

Hey guys,

   I launched my 170 today!!  I am actually on the boat as we speak and I have a question about scuppers.  Even with no one in the boat the scuppers drop below the waterline and let water in and out.  I didn't anticipate this so I did not install any scupper valves.  Should I leave the plugs out on the mooring or should I keep them in if I'm not expecting rain??  I will be installing valves as soon as I can.

Thanks!!

[RickK]

My  ,
If you can't guarantee the weather and don't wish to lose all your hard work and investment - I'd put her back on the trailer until you solve the problem.

[Brendanpd28]

Took your advice Rick....thank you. Any suggestions on scupper valves? I'm thinking about the ping pong type

[wingtime]

Get a set of TH Marine Flow Max scuppers

[CLM65]

Ping pong balls have limitations.  How far below water are your scuppers?  If they are too low, so that the balls are pegged against the hole all the time, I don't think your deck will drain.  The balls need to be able to roll free a little bit.

[Brendanpd28]

They aren't under all the time. They just dip below the water line as the boat churns around with chop, etc... the pic below is about the highest they get above the waterline. Boat is empty.

[CLM65]

Based on that pic, I think the ball scuppers will work fine.

[RickK]

That pic shows the challenge the older models face with heavier motors.

[Brendanpd28]

Ya I guess I just had high hopes it would be ok lol. Ball scuppers going on today. Thanks guys!

[Blue Agave]

Get a set of TH Marine Flow Max scuppers

Based on the photo these will work well.

[boatnamesue]

That pic shows the challenge the older models face with heavier motors.

Yah, tell me about it.  With my Yam 115hp the scuppers on my '76 170 are always at the waterline so I keep both plugged.  And when I fill up my above deck baitwell they drop below waterline.  Had no idea about the TH Marine flow max scuppers.  I'll check them out.

[RickK]

When I bought my used '71 170 it had a slim, light 115 or 90 Merc 6 cylinder (had 150 stickers on it) and the motor was set on the transom and there were screw type "clamps" that secured it to the transom (like a small kicker today and then).  The scuppers were not under water.  The boat was fast to say the least - would give you a face lift at WOT.
Then the tilt tube froze and after trials to free it the motor was replaced with a '80s model "rude" and the engine mount width had changed and the mount ended up landing right on the scupper holes - oh boy - plus it was a lot heavier - scuppers were now under water and if I needed to drain the water from the deck the engine mount was in the way. I kept the plugs in when I was using the boat. PITA.
As I rebuild my 170 I made sure it is self bailing with a 90 and nothing is in the way.