Flapper type hull scuppers - WARNING

[lurking_out_loud]

After searching for 4 months for a hull leak I finally found the culprit. Seems there is a flapper type hull scupper hidden beneath the swim step of my cat that is all of about 1" above the at rest water line. I can't believe my dealer and I spent 4 months checking the engine inspection hatches, the seals around the fuel cells, the water intake hoses, the deck scuppers and never could find where all the water was coming from. What was confusing we would find water in the port side one day then the stbd side the next. At rest the boat stayed high and dry for the most part.

I pulled the boat out Saturday evening to do a quick scrub before trailering to Canada later this week and found this mysterious flapper tucked right up under the deck. I had no idea it was even there. Darn thing had about a 1/4" gap and did little to stop water from entering when not under load.

So, do yourselves a favor and replace these time bombs with a ball type scupper ASAP. I got lucky and didn't sink the boat, but I sure came close last week after loading it with ice for a tuna trip. The guys that moved the ice off of the stern said I had at least 400 gallons of water in the port side when they kicked the bilge pumps on.

Something else to be aware of is that the boat filled from the stern and water never hit the automatic float switch installed at mid ship. This was a very close call that will result in new float switches installed in both the stern and mid ship.

T-H marine makes a direct replacement ball type scupper that is a direct replacement for the flapper installed on my boat,

-lol

[fishkisser]

LOL ; Make sure to check the new scupper valves from time to time ...
I have had eel grass and othe debris keep the balls from sealing also ...
Tight lines ... Barney

[StickFish]

I don't think I'd call that port a scupper cause it doesn't drain a walled open air structure like your deck. Its more of a way for air to get into the sponsons or at least from your description. Basically above the water line but below the deck. If you ask me that is just nuts to put something like that there.

Now I understand why we couldn't find it. At least this time you can't blame it on a fat Stick sitting on the gunnel

[lurking_out_loud]

OK, let's call it a poorly designed, frequently above the water line hull vent.

-lol

[StickFish]

I'd be real curious what the heck they were thinking of on that on