What can I use for scupper plugs?

Some folks even opt for a DIY solution for scupper plugs. The goal for any DIY scupper plug is to seal the cockpit of your kayak so that you don't sit in water while you're paddling. Foam practice golf balls are one of the most popular choices for DIY scupper plugs.

Should you plug scupper holes?

We do not recommend sealing your scupper holes completely. In fact it could cause your kayak to actually flood and become too heavy to paddle. A better option is a good fitting scupper plug that is easy to install and remove as needed and as conditions change.

Will you sink without scupper plugs?

Scupper plugs aren't used to keep your kayak from sinking. It will not sink if the holes are left open. Kayakers use scupper plugs to bypass the self-bailing feature.

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.

Should kayaks have holes?

These holes are self-bailing, so you won't have to worry about them flooding your boat. They actually release water that could into your craft via waves or sloppy paddling, so they are helping to keep you afloat. Don't worry, these holes at the bottom of your boat won't leave you sunk.

A Guide to Scupper Plugs

Are kayak drain 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.

How many scupper plugs kayak?

How Many Scupper Holes to Plug or UnPlug? The average kayak has 6-8 scupper holes in various sections of the boat. Gene likes to keep the rear holes plugged because that's where most of the weight is carried. Plugging them helps give the boat a bit of lift out of the water.

How do self bailing kayaks work?

Self-bailing kayaks have holes in the bottom and are used predominantly for white water situations. As you travel through rapids, the water that spills inside will pass out through the holes. Conversely, if you are in calm channels, water will come back in.

Can you kayak without scupper plugs?

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.

Why do you need scupper plugs?

Scupper plugs are designed to fit into the scupper holes in your sit-on-top yak. 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.

What size is a kayak plug?

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

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 you plug holes in plastic?

A makeshift cement from super glue and baking soda can fill small holes in a pinch. Larger holes in plastic can be filled with melted plastic or epoxy. No matter which method you use, you'll be able to plug the hole and pretend it never even existed.

Why is there holes in the bottom of my kayak?

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. Some kayaks can self-bail within 60 seconds of sitting static.

What are self bailing scupper holes?

Kayak scupper holes are often found at the foot wells, in the cockpit or at the tank well. They are designed to be self-bailing, meaning they automatically drain any water coming in or flowing over the deck.

Which piece of equipment helps to keep the kayak tracking through crosswinds?

Which piece of equipment helps keep the kayak tracking through crosswinds? A skeg. A skeg looks like a rudder, but is fixed in position to help the kayak stay on track through windy conditions. A skeg is usually not found on the smaller, less expensive kayaks.

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.

Can u fill a kayak with foam?

You might think that adding it to an area that has an open end would safeguard you from this possibility. But, unfortunately, it does not. The foam can still expand with enough force to damage the kayak.