New Member/ Scupper Question

[JKDOBE07]

Hey all. I just found this site and I think it's great....I have read all of the threads regarding ths deck/hull scupper problems...What was the final determination . I have a 1986 V20, and I get the water on the deck when two of us are in back of boat. I plug the deck holes, but don't know if it's good to do..Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Mark

[bradford]

Welcome Mark! Most of the V-20's with self-bailing decks have this problem with the exception of some of the ones produced in the 90's. Some people have tried different things as far as adding check valves, relocating heavy loads such as batteries etc more forward. The idea I like best is relocate the scuppers to drain into the outboard motor well, but I'm waiting for Randleman to do it first to be sure it works! LOL!

[Pipe_Dream]

Originally Posted by bradford

The idea I like best is relocate the scuppers to drain into the outboard motor well, but I'm waiting for Randleman to do it first to be sure it works! LOL!

That's an interesting idea! Sounds like something Wellcraft should have done in the first place. For all the wonders of the V-20 design, those scuppers . . . well, let's just say that they are a weak link.

Welcome Mark, and I've been known to plug those scuppers when I have more than two aboard fishing or floating. I have a couple of cheap plastic quick-release plugs on board for that purpose. But when the hot summer weather hits I'll leave them open -- the cool water feels good!

[willy]

JK some of the V's were worse than others in the eighties versions. It came down to which power plant was hung on the rear end (weight) as far as I could see. Relocating some weight forward may help. In line check ball systems can work also, Hammer installed them, biggest problem with them is they can get clogged faily easy so they have to be watched.
What worked best for me was to use the plugs, the kind that you use to plug your garber drain outsiede the boat. Mine had the fold down little handle than tightened the plug in the hole the last bit after you adjusted them to fit.
A couple of suggestions though. Dont forget them, if you keep your boat in the water you want those plugs out so the cockpit can drain or you can scuttle her in a bad storm or at least cause bad damage especially if your battery/bildge pump finally runs out of juice.
Also if you are moving you should pull at least one ( takes just a second) so that deck splash can drain out.
****And if you are moving thru rough water, like tough inlets, big waves, storm situations make sure those puppies are open for your safety as that is the only way to clear your boat of sea water. ***

[randlemanboater]

Originally Posted by bradford

Welcome Mark! Most of the V-20's with self-bailing decks have this problem with the exception of some of the ones produced in the 90's. Some people have tried different things as far as adding check valves, relocating heavy loads such as batteries etc more forward. The idea I like best is relocate the scuppers to drain into the outboard motor well, but I'm waiting for Randleman to do it first to be sure it works! LOL!

I may do it over Easter Break, I'll let y'all know if I do.

[Skools Out]

that's what i've done to my 78 is run the deck drains into the outboard well.

[bradford]

Originally Posted by Skools Out

that's what i've done to my 78 is run the deck drains into the outboard well.

How'd that work for ya Skools? Is the bottom of the motor well low enough below deck to drain?

[JKDOBE07]

Thanks for the great welcome all...Love the site...The ideas are great. When I plug the drain holes I plug the ones inside the boat on the deck.I never thought of plugging outside the boat. Novel idea though....Will post pics of my beauty in about three weeks when the thaw comes here in the north.

[rb437]

Here's the problem with my '89 I/O. The water comes in the drain, runs through the channel and into the bilge. This allows the deck to stay dry while the bilge slowly fills with water. I definitely get less water in the bilge when the deck drains are plugged. With the boat sitting still, the waterline is about 1" below the top of the deck drain. Just a little more weight in the back and the waters coming in and going straight to the bilge. There's really only 2 good solutions. Raise the deck, or make sure you have a good bilge pump and a strong battery.

[Skools Out]

boat's not finished but it is low enough if you come from the floor to the bottom corners of the motor well.