Shades of "Scupper Stu"

[Pat McL]

Last weekend Suzy & I were in rough conditions, and sailing was intense, but fun. Gusts to about 25 or so. Reefed main and 110% jib, and we still got bumped, putting Teddy B's shoulder into the drink. We gathered about 1/3 cockpit well full of lake. Of course we were in no danger, as we righted immediately, pulled the plugs, drained the well and continued on sailing, but I got interested in the rate of drain.

Teddy B is a 16-1, with 3/4" scuppers. Since my son bought Scupper Stu's rig, I noticed that (from a distance) his scuppers were larger. Is this a fact?

Today I filled the well (plugged) about 3/4 full, and timed the drain process, on land - of course. Took about 3 full minutes. My conclusion is that my scuppers are too small, and during the hot season, (it was 95 today), I intend to rebuild and provide better drain. I may move them more forward to eliminate constantly wet feet without plugs.

Anyone have any comparisons, or (gasp) advice???  -- Pat

[roland cobine]

   similar situation but i never have plugs in.

[mrb]

scuppers are almost always to small.  I have a rubber mat type floor made for boats which keeps some what dry if boat not overloaded. My dogs think the scuppers are water dish and look puzzled when they are dry.

How did boat and trailer take the weight of all that water.
Good sailing
Melvin

[multimedia_smith]

I know this might be taken as sacrelige, but I almost always have my scuppers plugged.  I was out last weekend and it was really blowing, but I managed to keep the rail out of the water.  On the few occasions that it has dipped a little into the cockpit, I have been able to pull the plugs quickly with no problem.  I have  a line connecting the two and I made a nice little gasketed short hatch board to keep any water that gets into the seats from entering the cabin as it sloshes into the cockpit floor.  I just like having a dry boat.  I suppose if I were out in really stormy conditions with boarding waves, I'd pull the plugs out, but for most day sails, it's nicer to have it dry inside.
Just my humble opinion
Dale

[Pat McL]

We are with you Dale --- we also keep dry with plugs. I am now thinking of adding a new cockpit drain, perhaps in center, and perhaps low in the lazarette facing, rather than in the deck. A bit higher may eliminate feedback and larger would be better. This way I can keep the originals, equivalent to 1 1/2 inch added together, and the new one could be 1" or 1.5" diameter. Routing tubing will require some thought. Getting hot and very dry here in Eustis, how about the Big Easy?  Want input before I drill -----Pat

[multimedia_smith]

You have to ask yourself, are the "stock" drains adequate for your experience?
Anytime I've gotten water in the cockpit they have performed fine... I'm sure they could keep up with any rain amount... or the occasional rail dip or wave.
If you've followed any of my projects you know that I would do almost anything to avoid drilling a hole in my boat... especially a thru-hull.  Besides, we already have a larger hole in the transom... you know the one that you run the gas line through... or if you have a trawling motor... the wires.  If the cockpit floods to that level, there it is already!  and if that happens where you need that, well I just don't know what to tell ya.
Have a Great rest of the pre-heat of summer doldrums.  We've been getting Great conditions here... sort of a "last hurrah" before the dread.
Enjoy
Dale

[mrb]

Pat
I agree with Dale on putting holes in boat. 

I think before I would go that route I would ask if other members had ever had a problem with their boat shipping enough water where they were concerned with safety. Has manufacture increased size of scuppers in the newer boats. If not I would trust their judgment that they are probably large enough for all but a catastrophic swampping.  Some of the members have talked about having short boards to block water from going past bridge deck. That is an excellent idea for moderate bad weather. Anything beyond that should have the full board in with hatch closed.
Let us know how you go
Melvin

[roland cobine]

 i sail mainly singlehanded so its hatches closed for me. as for my scrubbers---always open. ive never put the rail in the water and havent had but a little water in the cockpit but my grandpa taught me once----if it aint broke---dont fix it-----and making a hole in a boat bigger doesnt seem to make much sense to me.

[John J]

At 95 degrees, try sailing barefoot.

[mrb]

John

At 95deg. don't worry about the shoes, keeping the sail dry is a bigger problem.

Keep a even keel
Melvin

[Craig Weis]

With a three minute drain time, maybe more scuppers, not bigger ought to be considered.

But more important was the designer's decision to size the cockpit  to fit the boat's bouncy abilities, and that would be, fill the cockpit with a swamping sea..and does she still stay afloat?, stay righted, and recover? That is the question skip.