Do we really need our scuppers?

[GeniusGio]

So here's my situation,

I found a leak in my bilge area, and tracked it down the the scupper. As I'm looking for a new scupper online, I started to ask myself, Do I really need the scupper?

Here is what I'm thinking. I can just take out the scupper and plug up that hole somehow and eliminate it for good.

When it rains or when water goes into the ski locker, it will head towards the bilge / scupper area. Since I'm thinking of removing the scupper, water will follow its usual path and instead of going out ( through the normal path ).. the water will just flow into my bilge area where I have 2 automatic bilge pumps waiting for it.

Anyone care to chime in on if its a good idea to delete it? Before purchasing a new scupper or deleting my current setup, I wanted to hear from you guys first. Thanks

 

[Bruce]

Yes you need it.

Primarily because it allows your boat to be self bailing. If you fill the boat with water it will still float and water will run out through the scupper allowing the boat to rise regardless of the status of your bilge pumps.

Beyond that if you get water in the boat while under way it will run out of the large diameter scupper faster than the small bilge pumps can pump it out and the scupper handles most rain water without drawing from your battery(s).

 

[GeniusGio]

So I guess the best solution would be to go ahead and change it. Makes sense what you're saying.

 

[Julian]

So I guess the best solution would be to go ahead and change it. Makes sense what you're saying.

It is also a coast guard requirement to have a self bailing deck....so if you ever sold the boat, you'd also have to disclose that you removed the self bailing deck drain.....likley lowering your resale value. Replacing the scupper isn't too hard, and you've got lots of us here to help walk you through any questions you may have.

 

[GeniusGio]

It is also a coast guard requirement to have a self bailing deck....so if you ever sold the boat, you'd also have to disclose that you removed the self bailing deck drain.....likley lowering your resale value. Replacing the scupper isn't too hard, and you've got lots of us here to help walk you through any questions you may have.

Wow, didn't know that .. glad I came here to ask

I have a 2003 LX210 and I'm wondering which Attwood part number would fit mine.

 

[bronze_10]

Make sure to order a fresh bag of swear words too.... u will need them.... maybe two bags!

 

[Bruce]

Wow, didn't know that .. glad I came here to ask

I have a 2003 LX210 and I'm wondering which Attwood part number would fit mine.

Atwood 66553-3 seems pretty perfect to me. Walmart has it for $63. https://www.walmart.com/ip/30652711

 

[GeniusGio]

Make sure to order a fresh bag of swear words too.... u will need them.... maybe two bags!

Lmaooooo I have plenty of those in stock

 

[GeniusGio]

Atwood 66553-3 seems pretty perfect to me. Walmart has it for $63. https://www.walmart.com/ip/30652711

Looks good to me. Thanks again Bruce, You have been extremely helpful these last 2 days

 

[Bruce]

Other than becoming a pretzel changing the scupper is not bad. It is easier with a helper.

 

[subysti]

When did the coast guard require the scupper? Neither of my 2 other boats had scuppers they just drained to the bilge.

 

[robert843]

I still do not uderstand why the put the scupper where they do wouldn't it make more sense on the side of the boat above the water line like on most boats.

 

[Bruce]

I still do not uderstand why the put the scupper where they do wouldn't it make more sense on the side of the boat above the water line like on most boats.

I assume for asthetics. I prefer it above the water line as on the newer boats. Having it hidden in the stern is fine with me.

 

[Matt Phillips]

Changing the scupper isn't too bad. I had a friend help... Which was great while tightening the new one down...

 

[Hannibal]

Do you all go with plastic again or upgrade to stainless? Plastic seems to have a short life in my experience. Especially if the original installer over tightens the collar.

 

[Julian]

When did the coast guard require the scupper? Neither of my 2 other boats had scuppers they just drained to the bilge.

Not sure what year it was they they required manufacturers to build boats with self draining decks. To be clear, its a manufacturer's requirement and not something that would cause a failure at a safety inspection. But it is something I'd not want to bypass. Especially if the boat is ever going on the ocean or large body of water where you could take a wave over the bow (of if you do a sub move - either intentionally or by accident).

 

[4x15mph]

Go with Stainless. The only people are replacing these is because the plastic cracks over time.

@GeniusGio , i used the replacement that @Bruce sent a link for above (walmart). It worked great and you have good access in the LX210 although your swim platform may add some element of difficulty. While you are in there, clean the screen on your bilge pump and think about adding a second with an automatic float. You will have the 3m 4200 or lifeseal out for the scupper so 2 birds with 1 stone. If you order the extra attwood pump, order the bilge hose and hull thru fitting kit that goes with it.

 

[Julian]

Not sure what year it was they they required manufacturers to build boats with self draining decks. To be clear, its a manufacturer's requirement and not something that would cause a failure at a safety inspection. But it is something I'd not want to bypass. Especially if the boat is ever going on the ocean or large body of water where you could take a wave over the bow (of if you do a sub move - either intentionally or by accident).

And for further clarity, I cannot find anything online to support that this is a manufacturers requirement. Boats with decks below the water line obviously cannot self drain (like a Tidewater). I'm fairly sure I heard this while chatting with Yamaha, but that doesn't mean it is directly a CG requirement, it might also play into the requirements for how long a boat must float etc. I searched for a while and reading Federal code is no fun! LOL I'd still want it on my boat.....

 

[tdonoughue]

It applies to boats with a cockpit. Check out:
46 CFR 171.145

 

[GeniusGio]

Go with Stainless. The only people are replacing these is because the plastic cracks over time.

@GeniusGio , i used the replacement that @Bruce sent a link for above (walmart). It worked great and you have good access in the LX210 although your swim platform may add some element of difficulty. While you are in there, clean the screen on your bilge pump and think about adding a second with an automatic float. You will have the 3m 4200 or lifeseal out for the scupper so 2 birds with 1 stone. If you order the extra attwood pump, order the bilge hose and hull thru fitting kit that goes with it.

Awesome feedback buddy thanks. I currently have 2 bilge pump. One rule 1100 Automatic and a bigger pump ( can't remember the specs right now on this one ) more to the rear with a float switch and a bit higher than the first one as a backup.

Im going to order the stainless tonight