Do all kayaks have a drain plug?

Great question and they are different even if it seems they wouldn't be. The easiest way to clear it up is to ask yourself if you have a sit-in kayak or a sit-on-top kayak. If you have a sit-in kayak, you probably have a drain plug and if you have a sit-on-top kayak, you probably have scupper plugs.

Does my kayak need a drain plug?

A sit-in kayak will have a rear drain plug which allows water to be removed when back on shore. Kayak Scupper Plugs does offer these types of plugs as well.

Do kayaks have drain holes?

For all safe kayaks, the standard number of scuppers is four holes. The holes are designed to ensure that water drains off the deck every time the kayak is at a standstill. Many kayaks are crafted with innovative hulls to ensure that safe-bailing can happen without the need for forward movement.

What are the holes in kayaks for?

Scupper holes are intentional holes in sit-on-top kayaks, like fishing kayaks. It seems counter-intuitive to have holes in a boat, but they serve a couple important design purposes: They help give structural integrity to the kayak… They operate as a drain hole when you get water in your boat.

Why do kayaks have plugs?

While the scupper holes are designed to allow water to drain from the deck, the scupper plugs can be used to prevent water from coming onto the deck from below. With sit-on-top kayaks, you may find that water will come into your vessel either from paddle splashes or waves and possibly from the scupper holes.

Tips and Tricks: Drain Plugs

Is it normal for a kayak to take on water?

Be aware of your storage hatches

The easiest and most common way to cause a sit-on-top kayak to sink is to leave your storage hatches open, allowing them to take on water. While not all sit-on-top kayaks feature storage hatches, the ones that do generally have no way to drain them.

Where are drain plugs on a kayak?

A drain plug will typically be located on the bottom of the kayak at its lowest point to allow water out. A sit-on-top or SOT kayak design allows water to self drain out of the boat.

How do kayak scupper plugs work?

They are a safety feature of sit-on-top kayaks, but their purpose is to plug up the scupper drain hole. Designed only to fit the scupper holes, the plugs fill those openings to keep water from getting into the kayak during those times that your boat takes on extra water.

What is a self-bailing kayak?

Self-bailing means that the boat has holes in the floor so any water which comes over the side flows out again due to the speed of the kayak. Only our white water kayak has this characteristic, though.

Why do kayaks have holes in bottom?

Why does your kayak have holes in the bottom? Well-spaced holes in the bottom of sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing holes called scupper holes. Scupper holes in the kayak's hull are designed to allow water that splashes inside or drips off the paddle to drain out instead of pooling in the floor of the kayak.

Are kayak plugs universal?

The Best Kayak Plugs

Most offer a universal fit that ensures they can be used on many different kayak models. The best part is that they are versatile, easy to use, and durable. They can also be used on small boats and inflatables. They are easy to install, and you can remove them when you need to.

Where is the drain plug on Old Town kayak?

Fitting just behind the cockpit on the right hand side of the boat. Make your mark on the flat spot just down from the ridge that runs to the Stern end. two holes with a 13/64” bit. head of the rivet.

What size is a kayak drain plug?

Standard 1/2" (1.27 cm) black kayak drain plug.

Do paddle boats have drain plugs?

Periodically throughout the summer and before every use, check the drain plugs in the pontoons and footwells to ensure they are tight. To loosen (and remove) plugs: Turn the handlebar to the left. The plugs may need to be wiggled in an up and down and/or sideways direction as you pull them out.

How does boat drain plug work?

This is a drain plug. When removed from the bottom of your boat's transom, water drains out. When inserted in the transom, it prevents water from coming back in.

What is scupper drain?

A roof scupper is a drainage system for flat roofs that can't rely on sloping to naturally move water through a gutter system. Scuppers are essentially small devices that work by giving the water a mechanism through which it can escape the roof without passing through the interior of the building.

Do you have to use scupper plugs on a kayak?

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.

How did water get inside my kayak?

Water can seep through screw or rivet holes, and it is normal to take on a small amount of water while kayaking. Sit-insides can get a bit more water due to splashing water from paddles or waves. We recommend draining the water out of the kayak after each use.

Which is safer sit-in or sit on kayak?

A sit-in kayak is better for cold or rough water and when you don't want to get wet. A sit-on-top kayak is better for beginners, summer and having fun. A sit-in kayak is optimal for touring, surf, and paddling long distance. While a sit-on kayak is better for learning, cooling off and getting in and out of your kayak.

How do you anchor a kayak?