cockpit scuppers 20 SF20

[Robert Fowler]

I am having a 1974 SF20 completely restored including new deck and transom. Prior to the restoration, I was having a problem with water entering the cockpit via the thru hull scuppers when anyone placed his weight aft of the helm. The height of the cockpit deck (sole) is barely above the waterline. I found it necessary to insert plugs into the scuppers when the boat was idle and would remove them when on plane to let the water out. With the restoration I have directed the mechanics to raise the deck 1 inch in an effort to help eliminate the water problem.

I have a question regarding the method I should use in replacing the scuppers. The existing and original design exits the scuppers directly down thru the bottom of the hull. I notice that new models exist through the transom and have a backkflow preventer "flap" on the exist fittings. I also notice that the location of the exiting scuppers is below the water line.

I am leaning toward changing the original design which goes straight down and thru the hull to one that exits through the transom. A question is whether water will exit through this scupper with the backflow flap substantially below the water line. Will the pressure from the water outside exceed the pressure from water trying to exit from inside and thus prevent drainage when the boat is idle?

I will very much appreciate anyone's ideas on this subject for my concern is that after completing this rather massive reconstruction, water still enters the boat through the scuppers.

Thank you

[hermco]

If you run the scuppers out the transom they should be above the water line and I would use the Sea Scuppers by Rabud to prevent water backing in the cockpit. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Mark]

what if you were to raise the floor 2"-2.5" instead of 1" and then have the thru-transom scuppers ABOVE waterline? There are several others on the site that have gone that route [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Robert Fowler]

Thank you Mark. I am concerned about raising the deck too much because of the loss of interior freeboard. Maybe 2" will not be that noticable. It all seems to depend on the ability of the scuppers to drain the cockpit with the exiting fitting being below the water line. I am hoping that the RABUD scuppers with the ball will be the answer. Thanks

[TUGBOAT]

I never knew why some of the OLD Timers calles them SinkCrafts till I saw what You have,Drains thru the Hull ? I had the same problem on My 20' . Sitting, water poured in, always used plugs also.I went with ball scuppers & flaps over brass tubes for the splash well.Well I've only used My Baby twice ince I've finished Her.The ball scuppers still let water in , not as much as before.I hav'nt really put Her thru many test Yet.(Just happy to run to the Keys for a Blackened Fish sandwich!) Backing down,anchored,Fishing etc. just sitting and walking back to the stern water still flows in. Maybe because I have them mounted to close to the trim tabs ? I still prefer these to the SS ones that were on before.They flooded the deck anywhere !
Scream'n Reels'

[Mark]

I'm still a bit baffled by all the comprehensive redo's that I see being done on this site that fail to raise the floor. That lake in the back end of the boat was something that I was never able to get used to. If anyone is going to the trouble and expense to rip the boat apart and put in a new transom, by all means, raise the flloor several inches and finally have a self bailing boat.