Underwater Scuppers

[DTrain]

Thanks to all who responded to my last query about thru-hulls, and to previous posters on similar subjects - lots of good info.

This the new engine investment along with the fact that I now keep the boat in a slip has me really focusing on making sure it doesn't sink at dock Spent some time going over the boat this week and have ordered parts to replace all my pumps and thru-hulls, but I'm most concerned with the deck drain scuppers. Sorry for the crappy pic, but as you can see they have been at or below the waterline, depending on fuel load. With the new motor they are never going to see air, I fear. Looking at this design carefully it seems a huge vulerability - basically a straight-through fitting through the transom connected to the deck drain with a hose.

They aren't leaking now, but all it would take is for the hose or its connection to the scupper to fail and the boat would sink. Looking for ideas about how to address this? I don't think ball scuppers would really solve the problem (?). I was hoping there might be room for a 90-deg. fitting pointing mostly up to effectively bring it above waterline, but I don't think there's room.

 

[DTrain]

Anybody used something like this?

http://www.thmarine.com/products/Aerati ... ll-Scupper

 

[miky2884]

This is a project im planning on tackling this winter / spring, I want to remove my scuppers and reseal them. Its been on my mind for a while and after finding out that my through hull fittings were just about shot I want to make sure these are in good shape.

 

[Megabyte]

Anybody used something like this?
http://www.thmarine.com/products/Aerati ... ll-Scupper

I had the TH Marine ball scuppers on my Dusky. They were OEM.

http://www.thmarine.com/products/Aerati ... ll-Scupper

 

[DTrain]

Quote from another site: "A scupper that is under water is not called a scupper, it is called a leak!".

This is a project im planning on tackling this winter / spring, I want to remove my scuppers and reseal them. Its been on my mind for a while and after finding out that my through hull fittings were just about shot I want to make sure these are in good shape.

Are those scuppers underwater?

I had the TH Marine ball scuppers on my Dusky. They were OEM.

The ball scuppers are great at keeping surging water out when you're backing down, etc., but aren't designed to be watertight, nor constantly submerged, I don't believe. Was that one below the waterline?

Did a bunch of reading at some other sites and it looks like this is a common "problem". I'm thinking I have 2 options:

1. Replace the scupper with new, chrome-over-bronze thru-hull, double-clamped to new, very high quality hose, and plan to inspect/replace regularly. This is basically minimizing the risk, probably to an acceptable level.
2. Plug the holes, either permanently or with plugs while at dock, and let the water run off the deck through the scuppers under the engine cutout. I'd have to drill some drain holes in the divider that isolates the engine cutout from the cockpit (see pic), and this won't quite drain 100% of the water, but it would eliminate this particular sinking risk.

I think I like option 1. Nothing's perfect, but this seems very unlikely to fail, and I don't like the idea of standing water on the deck.

 

[miky2884]

My suppers sit basically at water level when at the dock.

I would not glass over them permanently.Almost every boat has scuppers just pay attention to them do the proper maintenance and you will be fine. Just my .02

 

[Megabyte]

The ball scuppers are great at keeping surging water out when you're backing down, etc., but aren't designed to be watertight, nor constantly submerged, I don't believe. Was that one below the waterline?

Nope.

 

[Phil]

Here's the inside bilge pic of said scupper. The hose is good quality and is double clamped. The scupper being plastic could be an issue. I trailer so I'm not as concerned. The bilge pumps can handle a leak or failure of the scupper because it is near the water line so water pressure is low. Just be viligent of the bilge pumps and batteries. If you are on a slip you should install an onboard charger just in case there is a leak. I have the same boat an access to the scupper is tough. You will need to remove the splashwell to work on it.

 

[gw204]

Go with option 1, but skip the chrome over bronze. Use straight bronze. The chrome won't survive underwater.

 

[DTrain]

Here's the inside bilge pic of said scupper. The hose is good quality and is double clamped. The scupper being plastic could be an issue. I trailer so I'm not as concerned. The bilge pumps can handle a leak or failure of the scupper because it is near the water line so water pressure is low. Just be viligent of the bilge pumps and batteries. If you are on a slip you should install an onboard charger just in case there is a leak. I have the same boat an access to the scupper is tough. You will need to remove the splashwell to work on it.

Thanks.

You are right - access is ugly. I wish I had thought to do this while the engine was off recently. I might have been able to get in there through the access ports with engine off. I also think I was underestimating how hard it's going to be to replace the rear pump.

I think "shore power" might be my next search...