Scupper plugs are used to plug in those scupper holes at the side of your kayak. These holes are meant to allow water to flow out of your kayak but it is also a common entry point for water to get in. In order to effectively keep the water out, this list of the best scupper plugs should help you out. If you’re not sure how to use and pick the right plug to use, a guide on scupper plugs is at the end.
Quick Navigation
- Quick Summary: Top 7 - Best Scupper Plugs of 2020
- 1. Universal Scupper Plugs
- 2. H2O Quality Kayak Scupper Plugs
- 3. Ocean Kayak Scupper Plugs
- 4. Seattle Sports Kayak Scuppers
- 5. Harmony Gear Scupper Hole Plugs
- 6. Pelican Scupper Plugs
- 7. Gimiton Marine Scupper Plugs
- Things To Consider Before Buying Scupper Plugs
Quick Summary: Top 7 - Best Scupper Plugs of 2020
These universal scupper plugs are made of a simple rubber cone and handy rope. The size and design allows the plugs to fit into most scupper holes.
The moulded nylon material and tiered design are efficient in sealing off a kayak. The plug tightly fits scupper holes less than an inch in diameter.
The ribbed design on this Ocean Kayak Scupper plug allows it to fit tightly into most scupper holes. The 2 plug pack is available in multiple colors, sizes and at an affordable cost.
Made from a solid silicone material, the Seattle Sports Kayak Scuppers feature a multi-tiered design that is sturdy, flexible, and efficient at keeping your kayak dry.
The Harmony Gear Scupper Hole Plugs come in a pack of 4 hard rubber scupper hole plugs. Inserting, removing, and storing these plugs is quite easy because of its form.
The compressible EVA material that makes up these Pelican Scupper Plugs are what allow it to fit well into scupper holes with less than 1.25 inch diameter.
Available in a 4-pack, 6-pack, and 8-pack, these Gimiton Scupper Plugs are made of a hard rubber material with a standard multi-tiered design.
Product | Photo | Material | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Rubber and Rope | ||
Best Design | Moulded Nylon | ||
Best Value | Rubber and Rope |
Our Reviews
There are actually different color options to choose from. A royal blue, bright green and red are the three colors available. The knotted rope on all these eptions, however, is only black. This kayak accessory is relatively cheap but can last you for quite a while. One of the downsides, however, is that the rope tends to wear out faster than the rubber cone. However, the rope can actually be replaced easily by replacing it with a new piece that you simply need to tie through the cone.
The design is quite efficient in keeping water out. The screw-like top allows it to fit in perfectly into a scupper hole while a blue washer acts as a stopper that keeps the water out. The top portion of the plug is a convenient handle that is easy to twist. Overall, the design of this scupper plug helps it seal a kayak quite successfully.
These plugs are made to fit round scupper holes. Unfortunately, these cannot efficiently seal kayaks with oval-shaped holes. On a round hole, however, the stoppers are very efficient in keeping water out. With the varied size options available, it is quite easy to find a good fit for your specific kayak. The rubber material feels soft but is actually very stiff so you might need a light hammer to really fit the plugs in tightly.
The material is very soft and flexible but is sturdy enough to seal off water from the kayak. The tiered design makes it easy to push the plugs in. Pulling them out requires a good amount of pull. While these scuppers are a universal fit for round scupper holes, oval-shaped scupper holes cannot be sealed in with these plugs.
The top portion has an extended portion which is used to pull the plug out of the hole. While this lid-like extension is a bit difficult to pull at times, especially when the plug is burrowed deep into the hole, there is also another small hole where kayakers can insert an extra thread or rope to help when pulling the plug out.
This scupper plug has a very simple design. The empty interior makes it easy to store the scupper plugs because you can simply fit one on top of the other, keeping everything in place.
When the plugs are in the scupper holes, pulling them out is also simple since the plugs have a thin cord tied around it. The cord is knotted at one end to give kayakers some leverage as they pull the plug out. These scupper plugs come in packs of four.
The plugs have tiered design, with 3 different levels, all with the same diameter. The top of the plug has an upright rubber handle where an opening is available to allow a rope or cord to go through.
Things To Consider Before Buying Scupper Plugs
What is a Scupper Plug
Moreover, when you’re on a sit on top kayak, there’s less protection from the elements on the upper portion of the kayak. Compared to Sit-inside kayaks that have a protective upper portion that stops splashes and waves from getting inside your boat, sit on top kayaks don’t have that luxury which makes sense on why SOT kayaks have to scupper holes. However, not all bodies of water in North America will be rough; most of the time, you’ll be deep and open water and you won’t have to deal with rough waves and splashes.
When the water is calm and you won’t be facing strong waves any time soon, then having a scupper plug is highly recommended. When water doesn’t get inside your kayak’s cockpit, having scupper plugs will help increase the speed and performance of your kayak.
However, people who kayak need to be aware that when you’re mounting scupper plugs on your boat’s holes, you are also trapping them inside your kayak. It’s best to keep this in mind when choosing you should be using your plugs.
Do All Kayaks need Scuppers
Sit on top kayaks have at least one or two parts of the vessel that are sealed off from water which makes only the cockpit vulnerable to water.
Although marketed as something that’s waterproof, scupper plugs will still let in a bit of water. You won’t have to worry about your kayak sinking since kayaks are made out of buoyant and extremely durable materials. Although a small amount of water pooling on your kayak might not be a problem, it can still accumulate. When a good amount of water gets trapped inside your kayak, this can slow down your kayak and make it heavier.
But just like any vigorous activity that you’re partaking in, it’s always recommended that you check your kayak if the plugs and the holes are in the right condition; this will mitigate any future damages to your kayak.
How To Use Scupper Plugs
Before mounting your scupper plugs, it’s best to look at the exterior of your kayak if there are any superficial damage and punctures to the hull.
Testing It Out
Getting Rid Of Water
First, you can simply use a pail to scoop up water and then remove it out of your kayak. Although this isn’t the most effective way of removing water from your cockpit, it will help lighten a load of your boat long enough for you to get to dry land.
Secondly, another way of removing water from your kayak is through a heavy-duty sponge. Sponges are one of the best ways of soaking water from your kayak since it’s cheap, can help clean hard-to-reach places, and easily replaceable. The only drawback to sponges is that it can mold if you’re not drying them up.
Thirdly, you can use a bilge pump to remove water. This simple device will let you pump water out of your vessel by pumping it up and down. You can easily buy this from a store that sells tools or equipment for kayaks for around 30 dollars. The price of the bilge pump will depend on the quality of the product.
Finally, a drain plug can also be used to drain water off your kayak. This is especially important on sit-in kayaks since these won’t have any scupper holes to naturally drain the water. Some sit on top kayaks will have drain plugs just in case water will get into enclosed compartments of the kayak. If a pail or a bilge pump won’t be able to dispose of the water faster, then a drain plug is the final resort in making sure that your kayak won’t be overburdened by water.
Kayakers have to remember that having water inside your kayak is perfectly normal. Water will always find a way inside your kayak whether you’re in calm or turbulent waters. As long as the amount of water is not large enough and won’t be impeding the performance of you and your kayak, then there’s no need to panic. Having a moist puddle on your kayak can be uncomfortable for your feet or shoes, but this will ultimately be negligible.
Scupper Plug Alternatives
Pool Noodle
If you’re going to be using your kayak for sporting events, it is recommended to use a scupper plug instead of a makeshift plug in the form of a pool noodle. Pool noodles will be able to hold out temporarily, but it won’t guarantee you that water won’t be able to get inside your kayak’s hull.
Rubber Corks
However, it is always a good choice to use equipment that has been designed for their function. These alternatives might be able to do this in the short-term, but it will eventually crack and wear out from the stress.
Scupper Valves
How to Pick the Best Scupper Plugs
Just like every other material in the kayak industry, the quality of the product will also dictate the price of the plugs. The cheapest plugs will cost around $1 - $5, while the higher quality ones will cost around $20.
Here are some features of a scupper plug that you have to take into account:
Durability
Scupper plugs are also made with a variety of different materials, with some being made with plastic, rubber, and stainless steel. Certain materials tend to expand and recede when exposed to fluctuating temperatures. If you have a metal plug, it’s going to recede when exposed to colder temperatures. A plug that’s more vulnerable to changes in temperature makes it more susceptible to leaks. Moreover, you’ll also have to do some research on whether your plugs are resistant to rusting and impacts.
Longevity
Not a lot of people look at the warranty of scupper plugs, but they do give you a good impression of how long the product will last. If a scupper plug will have a warranty that will last the product’s lifespan, then that means that the manufacturers are confident of the durability of the plugs.
Even though these factors will play an important part in keeping you and your kayak’s interiors dry, it will ultimately boil down to how it will fit your kayak. Each scupper plug will have a unique size which means that some will fit while others won’t fit at all.
I’ve actually tried Universal Scupper Plugs, and I loved it! I would love to try other recommended by your site. Thanks!