Can you easily replace the cup holders on a 165?

[Luc Lafreniere]

Hi, I own a 2015 Scarab 165. I, like others, have noticed that all the cup holders keep filling up with water when I don't have the cover on. I read that I could potentially drill holes in some of them, but the ones at the swim deck I can't since they would empty right onto the engine (I checked).

So at first I was looking for cup holder "inserts" that would fit those properly, but I can't seem to find any (note that I am in Canada, Amazon.com is not a possibility due to excess shipping charges/duties/etc.). My hope was to find some without a drain hole so that I could just lift them out and empty the water when required.

But since I can't seem to find any, now I'm debating just buying replacement ones but I'm not at the cottage until this weekend so I can't check how easy it is to remove the original ones. They looked glued to me but I'm hoping I'm wrong.

Another possibility is to drill holes in all the cup holders except the swim deck ones (assuming those other ones can drain into the bilge) and only have this issue for 2 cup holders instead of 8.

Thoughts?

Luc

 

[Bill D]

I just use a microfiber towel to get the water out of mine. Stuff the towel in there, let it soak up the water, wring it out and repeat on the next one. Takes mere seconds.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Hi Bill, yeah, I do something similar with a sponge and agreed, it's a very minor issue that is easily dealt with! But I'm still looking for a permanent solution if one exists at a reasonable cost Still super happy with this boat... man oh man is it a lot of fun to drive! I get a lot of comments from random people when I go by, especially on the lake system I'm on since very few people have very nice boats.

 

[ALAN MANN SR.]

Yes they are removable, they are only held in place with a double sided foam ring. I removed my two front ones for install of docking lights and put electrical tape around them to make them snug so I can remove them when I want to. Mine do drain into the bilge with the exception of the swim deck, but can be fitted with fitting and hose so not to drain on the engine.

 

[Rtimleck]

It shouldn't be that long before they fallout on there own.

 

[a4effort]

There's another thread very recently on this subject and @ScarabMike provided a link to Walmart for replacement stainless cup holders

 

[a4effort]

https://jetboaters.net/threads/cupholders-full-of-water.13121/

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Thanks, I saw that thread. Until now, with the other comment, I now know that they are stuck on there with double sided tape... so my plan this weekend is to remove one and measure the hole before finding a suitable replacement. As I indicated already, I'm in Canada, I can't order from the American Walmart so I have to find an equivalent product with the right dimensions. That link has no dimensions but I believe I found the same product at Amazon Canada here: https://www.amazon.ca/Amarine-made-Stainless-Holder-Marine-Camper/dp/B0097MF4DU/ref=pd_sbs_200_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X53QDPTQ1GY1DGZM16T4

I just have to verify the size of the hole and to have a plan for the draining so that it doesn't drain on the engine for the swim deck ones.

 

[a4effort]

Thanks, I saw that thread. Until now, with the other comment, I now know that they are stuck on there with double sided tape... so my plan this weekend is to remove one and measure the hole before finding a suitable replacement. As I indicated already, I'm in Canada, I can't order from the American Walmart so I have to find an equivalent product with the right dimensions. That link has no dimensions but I believe I found the same product at Amazon Canada here: https://www.amazon.ca/Amarine-made-Stainless-Holder-Marine-Camper/dp/B0097MF4DU/ref=pd_sbs_200_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X53QDPTQ1GY1DGZM16T4

I just have to verify the size of the hole and to have a plan for the draining so that it doesn't drain on the engine for the swim deck ones.

I'm resolved to the fact that whatever I have for cup holders, I will have to either maintain them or replace them over time. I choose to remove mine when cleaning the boat. I broke all the two sided foam tape and cleaned them up with a scotchbrite pad. I stack them and throw them in the glovebox. Alan has a good idea putting electrical tape at top to make them snug. In my opinion, Drilling holes and modifying will not cure the inevitable. Weather water pools or forms as condensation it will eventually deteriorate the stainless. It's easier for me to scoop them up when cleaning and throw them in a dry place. I will admit it can be annoying when you grab your drink and the cup holder comes with it, but that's minor.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Yeah, I do really like the idea of using the ones that came with the boat, not drill holes, but to make them easy to remove and just empty them when needed. Also easier to clean by rinsing them in the lake. When I remove one, I'll see if that can work... and maybe add the electrical tape around the perimeter as suggested. If for some reason this doesn't work, then consider buying some new cup holders made out of plastic with a drain hole. Ah, the humanity! lol

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

So I decided to simply drill small holes in each except the swim deck ones. Instead of drilling, I melted a hole using a finishing nail by heating it up. Worked wonderfully. So now I only have the swim deck ones to deal with when it rains. Minor issue.