Some of you must be using traditional kayaks with a closed deck or a spray skirt for fishing, ecotourism, or white-water kayaking. Recently, the Sit-on-the top (SOT) Kayaks are in vogue!
The name says it all…the kayaker sits on the top where the cockpit is open and the deck is not enclosed. These trendy kayaks give you outmost comfort and ease. Open cockpit adds on to your excitement. There are a few reasons why kayakers opt for SOT kayaks.
One reason is that they are trendy and gives a classy look.
The second reason is that you can easily perch over it and no need to scramble just like the old kayaks where the cockpit is deep and legs are awkwardly positioned inside the spray skirt. The SOT kayaks give you wide space for feet and open sitting.
The next reason is that they are very airy. This could be advantageous during summers. The Sit- in- kayak (traditional ones) is beneficial during winters and snow. The SOT kayak might be a bad option during such seasons. Anyways, the SOT kayak still has a fringe benefit. So if you are camping, you can bring those folded tents on the kayak.
The SOT kayaks give most space to carry your stuff than the traditional kayaks that are too small to carry much. Now we have seen what are Sit-on-the top kayaks are. The scupper plugs are mostly used for SOT kayaks.
In this article, we’re going to focus on scupper plugs. We’ll talk about whether or not they’re necessary, what they are, what purpose they serve, and how to use scupper plugs on a kayak.
What are kayak scupper plugs
If you look closely at your kayak, you would find a few scupper holes on the deck. What’s the use of it? Scupper holes work as the inlet and outlet medium for water that throws out the water from the deck and cockpit and lets in as well. The main purpose of scupper holes is to make the kayak float easily on the water.
Now, you are wondering, what are kayak scupper plugs? And do you need scupper plugs on a kayak? Scupper plugs are nothing but small plugs that are placed in those holes. They help prevent the gushing water inside your deck from below.
It keeps you and your kayak dry. So you do need Scupper plugs for kayak and especially for SOT kayaks that are open.
This could be a better option in winters, if you ride your SOT kayaks, you would want yourself to be dry and warm. So if you have brought the kayak and wonder can you plug the holes in a kayak?
Yes you can plug the holes under circumstances like choppy water, too cold water, or when the weight on the kayak is much enough to take the hull deep inside the water that increases the risk of water flowing up from the bottom.
Always remember that water will plunge over the kayak from various ways- could be through large waves, or by paddler splashing. You need to worry only when too much water accumulates on the kayak. To get rid of the excessive water, you can use sponge or bilge pump . You can easily find these in any sports stores.
So now you a fair idea about what are kayak scupper plugs? And why are they needed. Scupper plugs come in variety and some are carefully crafted for distinct SOT kayaks. Read more to know more.
Kayak scupper plugs That You can use
8 Pieces Universal Kayak Scupper Plug Kit Silicone Scupper Plugs Drain Holes Stopper Bung with Lanyard
What you get : come with a total of 8 pieces of black universal kayak scupper plugs, each is equipped with a lanyard, easier to use and operate, sufficient quantity can meet your daily needs and replacement Durable to use : the scupper plugs are made of reliable silicone material, which is sturdy and durable enough for your applying, no worry about getting rotted when soaking in water.
Amazon provides a variety of range of scupper plugs. These plugs range from various sizes and material. There are universal kayak scupper plugs and usually come in a pack of 4 pieces. The price ranges from $ 8 to $17.
There are various shapes e.g. U shape plugs. Choose wisely depending upon the size of the hole on your kayak and the shape of it.
Always check on the material and the durability of the plugs. Along with Amazon you can find these on various other online stores as well as in sports stores near you.
Awesome, you have got the information about what are kayak scupper plugs and where to find them?
Now you might find various SOT kayaks in the market. There are different scupper plugs for each variety of SOT kayaks. Let’s check them out.
Sit on the top Kayaks and scupper plugs
Let’s discuss the most popular sit-on-the top Kayaks and the scupper plugs. Just in case if I have missed on some other, do let me know in the comments. Here is the list of popular SOT Kayaks brands and their scupper plugs. Check out!
Scupper plugs for Sun Dolphin Kayak
Usually the sun dolphin kayak is 10ft long and weighs around 44 pounds . It has much storage space and can carry up to 250 pounds easily. Sun dolphin kayak scupper plugs can be found on Amazon or Walmart websites.
These plugs are mostly made up of neoprene material and the dimensions fit 1/2″ Opening, Length: 1.25″, and Diameter: 1/2″.
These dimensions differ according to which Sun dolphin kayak you buy. There are varieties of these kayaks for example Journey 10 ss, Journey 12 ss, Boss 12 ss, etc.
You should always opt for those plugs which provide security and fits tightly in the hole. Go for more durable and high quality plugs even if they cost you a few more pennies.
Lifetime kayak scupper plugs
8 Pieces Universal Kayak Scupper Plug Kit Silicone Scupper Plugs Drain Holes Stopper Bung with Lanyard
What you get : come with a total of 8 pieces of black universal kayak scupper plugs, each is equipped with a lanyard, easier to use and operate, sufficient quantity can meet your daily needs and replacement
Durable to use : the scupper plugs are made of reliable silicone material, which is sturdy and durable enough for your applying, no worry about getting rotted when soaking in water
let’s dive in to the water with a lifetime kayak which is peculiar for its comfort and adventurous riding. Here I would specifically talk about Lifetime Tamarack angler 10′ kayak , olive green, 90818 .
This version has a padded seat and comfortable back rest mainly for long hours of kayaking and fishing journeys. You can easily adjust the seat and the back rest for more relaxed kayaking.
If you are about to spend a whole day kayaking, do opt in for this kayak. So, what scupper plugs fit a lifetime tamarack 10′ angler kayak, olive green, 90818?
You can use the universal scupper plugs of the specific dimensions or other lifetime kayak plugs. Do check the fitting of the plugs. You can even add foam Walmart pad and the foam golf ball.
These could also go well with your angler kayak. Do check out my DIY scupper plugs below
Ocean kayak scupper plugs
Ocean Kayak frenzy is one the top rated kayaks in 2020 and is best for recreational purposes. It is easy to carry around and if you are an amateur do opt out for it. The plugs used for these kayaks are also called Ocean Kayak Scupper stoppers .
You might have to put two scupper plugs in the foot wells and two for seat wells in ocean kayak frenzy.
Plug dimensions are as follows Extra Small – 1″- 1.25″, Small – 1.25″ – 1.5″, Medium – 1.5″ – 1.75″, and Large – 1.75″ – 2″ . These plugs come in different colour, material and design like multi-ribbed. The stoppers are also soft in material that give you comfort when plugged in.
If you are using round size plugs then they won’t fit your oval size holes. Before purchasing, find out the dimensions of the holes of your kayak.
6 Reasons Of Why Kayak Plugs Are Essential
1. Whether you need kayak plugs mainly depends mainly on the kind of kayak you are paddling. If you are paddling a sit-on-top kayak , then you need a scupper plug.
2. But if you are using a sit-inside kayak, then you don’t need a cap. This is because there are no scupper holes that will let water inside your kayak from below.
3. The SOT kayaks have scupper holes that allow water to enter the cockpit of your kayak. Although they allow a small amount of water inside, you need plugs to achieve a drier ride, especially during the winter season. The good thing you can opt to remove plugs as the condition changes.
4. It is crucial to know that scupper holes are comprised of SOT kayaks for a particular reason. They serve as safety features and are perfect for novice kayakers.
5. Water does not only enter via supper holes but also over the sides of the kayak when moving over huge waves. So, you will need plugs to avoid a lot of water from accumulating in the cockpit of your kayak.
6. Since there are no self-bailing holes in a sit-inside kayak, you need to find something else that can remove water that enters from the sides. You should buy a spray skit to combat the situation. But bear in mind that it’s quite challenging to remove water from the sit-inside kayak .
FAQ
Why Do Kayaks Have Drain Plugs?
This is to allow bilge water out of the inside of your kayak. Nearly entire SOT kayaks are equipped with a drain plug. It is sporadic to find a sit-inside kayak with a drain plug.
Scuppers holes allow water out of the cockpit of a SOT kayak. You won’t find scuppers in sit-inside kayaks.
Always ensure that the drain plug is corked before you take your kayak to any water body. Failure to do that, there are high chances that you will experience flooding in your kayak.
All kayaks are prone to leak. That is the reason why there is a drain in your kayak to let water out. A drain plug ought to be opened once you return to the shore.
If you find out that your SOT kayak contains about a gallon of water inside, then know there is a problem somewhere that needs to be fixed. As for the recreational kayak, more than a quart of water inside indicates a problem.
How Do You Use A Kayak Plug?
The universal ones can be fixed while you are positioned in your kayak cockpit. Also, they can be fitted, whereas your kayak is on the land.
Some are installed by only pushing down into the scupper holes of your SOT kayak. The plugs contain cords that let you effortlessly remove them out if you don’t want to drain water out.
Most scupper holes are a bit larger on one side when compared to the other side. That is why the ordinary kayak plug design isn’t an ideal cylinder.
Note- It is very easier to install the plug on the land than on the water.
Can You Plug The Hole In A Kayak?
Yes. Scupper holes found in SOT kayaks act as a safety measure to drain water out of the cockpit of your kayak. The water can make your kayak capsize and cause discomfort while you are paddling.
The purpose of the plugs is to fit those scupper holes and prevent water from coming inside your kayak. So, it is advisable to plug the hole in a kayak.
Some water can still come in via the scupper hole. But don’t be upset, the incoming water does not necessarily make your vessel capsize. Irrespective of your plug usage and kayak’s volume, water will still enter the boat in other ways, such as paddle splash, spray, and waves.
Not unless it is excess will not cause any harm to your ship. If you don’t want to remove your plugs to drain excess water out, you opt for a bilge pump or a sponge. It is very recommendable that you always carry these products along with you for safety purposes.
Many people don’t like to get wet while paddling.
