SCUPPERS SCUPPERS SCUPPERS!!!!!I need your help!

Rondo · #1 08-16-2012, 12:07 PM

Have you contacted Sea Hunt about this issue? They might be able to give you some suggestions. The vertical placement seems to be contributing to your problem, and I wonder what size your drain hoses are? I have two boats with floor drains and they drain freely. Do you have access to your drain lines? I would write to Sea Hunt @ 2348 Shop Road, Columbia, S.C. 29201 or call them @803.755.6539 and get their input on the problem. If they can't help, then I'd start thinking about alternate solutions. Additionally, Is it possible that you have some debris clogging the drain hoses? I would flush each line out with a garden hose held right up against the drain and see if you clear any debris out. I do it a couple of times a season because of leaves or other small debris that find their way past the scuppers.

Bushwacker · #2 08-16-2012, 09:26 PM

The key to the good performance of the vertical SeaCraft scuppers is a wedge thats about 1/4" tall right in front of the scupper outlet, shown in picture below. It creates a significant amount of suction that really pulls the water out when you're up on plane. I suspect the aeration created by the adjacent vertical step between the center and outer panel of the variable deadrise hull also helps.

Second shot shows the aeration that reduces drag and makes these hulls so soft riding!

littletunny · #3 08-17-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

The key to the good performance of the vertical SeaCraft scuppers is a wedge thats about 1/4" tall right in front of the scupper outlet, shown in picture below. It creates a significant amount of suction that really pulls the water out when you're up on plane. I suspect the aeration created by the adjacent vertical step between the center and outer panel of the variable deadrise hull also helps.

Second shot shows the aeration that reduces drag and makes these hulls so soft riding!

Thank you. Do you have a picture from your cockpit? Did you create the pad just for your scupper drain?

Bushwacker · #4 08-17-2012, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littletunny

. . . Did you create the pad just for your scupper drain?

If you're talking about that wedge on the bottom, no, SeaCraft's came from the factory like that.

There was a wood block installed between the hull and inner liner where the scuppers are. The brass tubes eventually corrode and start to leak, causing the wood to rot. Here's a couple of shots from the top I took when I repaired mine. I installed a pvc/wood dowel from the bottom to create a plug, filled the hole with thickened epoxy, redrilled the hole and then replaced the brass tube. There is a well about 3" across and 1" deep (2-3" deep in later models with raised decks) in each corner of the cockpit where the scupper tubes are located. You could probably create a more durable version of the same thing using a bronze or Marelon thru-hull fitting. But the wedge on the bottom in front of the outlet is the key to creating a lot of suction!

littletunny · #5 08-18-2012, 08:41 AM

Bushwack. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

So I am kicking a few ideas around. I still need to determine if I should close off the old scuppers or leave them be. Of course if I close them off it will be a little more work fiberglassing.

I like your idea going straight down with drain pipe and not using hose.

I just have to find a spot in the cockpit run it thru. I have box stringers whch are about 6" wide so I dont want to drill thru those.

McGillicuddy · #6 08-24-2012, 01:41 PM

Littletunny,
I don't think Bushwhacker was actually recommending vertical scuppers.

Vertical scuppers are only good underway.

I would suggest you take a closer look at your problem. First determine why they drain slow. Diameter of drain tubing? Is tubing flange elevated causing water to exit uphill? What is height of floor in relation to waterline? Where do transom scuppers drain in relation to floor and waterline, etc...

Assuming the angle of egress is favorable, I would consider changing the size of the tubing and fittings and putting ping pong ball scuppers on the transom to keep water from coming in from the aft end. If the drains prove to be running uphill, change that angle. A factory error in that regard is very possible...

Bushwacker · #7 08-24-2012, 03:29 PM

If you're concerned about self-bailing at rest, Gillie's right, the scuppers out the back with the ping-pong ball check valves work well, although debris can keep the balls from sealing.

However, if you're worried about quickly removing a large volume of water from taking a wave over the bow in what may be a boat with low freeboard (maybe a flats boat?!), I think the suction in the vertical SeaCraft type scuppers with the wedge forward of the exit will beat gravity every time! The SeaCraft scuppers are about 1" ID; going larger would also help. And if you go with vertical scuppers, make sure you can get rubber plugs for them, because you need the plugs unless your deck is several inches above the waterline!