What are Kayak drain plugs?
If you go kayaking regularly on your own kayak, you need kayak plugs. These plugs ensure that your kayak remains sealed so water doesn’t seep inside. Most offer a universal fit that can be used on many different kayak models. The best part is that they are easy to use, versatile, and durable. Most sit-on-top kayaks have a drain plug in the bow or stern. Many sit-inside kayaks have them too. A sit-in kayak is an open boat design capable of allowing water to enter inside. Just like a boat, any water that accumulates during a day on the water needs to be removed after use. A drain plug will typically be located on the bottom of the kayak at its lowest point to allow water out. A sit-on-top or SOT kayak design allows water to self drain out of the boat. This is a thoughtful design as it keeps the water from over accumulating but most users of kayaks do not want the water coming up from below either. A scupper plug is the way to prevent this while still allowing for drainage with a simple pull of the scupper plugs.
A lost drain plug must be replaced in order for the kayak to safe again. Replacement screw-in drain plugs come in two basic types, those with coarse squared threads, and those with fine pointed threads. If you can match the thread type, the drain plug will screw right into the boat, regardless of brand. If you are looking to replace a plug that screwed into an oval base, be sure to get a plug with a base to be 100% sure of fit. Some kayaks, particularly older Ocean Kayaks may have had a rubber stopper. Any kayak can have a drain new plug installed to help you drain out the bilge water, on the bow and/or stern.
Are Kayak Plugs necessary? Wil you sink without them?
No, you won’t sink without kayak drain plugs. If these plugs are not there, the water that enters the kayak will drain out. These self bailing holes are designed to let water out of your kayak, so the kayak doesn’t end up getting filled with water.
What is difference between kayak drain plugs and kayak scupper plugs?
Well, there is not much of a difference. The difference depends upon whether you have a sit in or sit on top kayak. If you have a sit-in kayak, you probably have a drain plug and if you have a sit-on-top kayak, you probably have scupper plugs. A drain plug and scupper plug perform the same basic tasks but on two very different kayak designs. A scupper plug will not work well in a sit-in kayak and a drain plug will not work well in a sit-on-top kayak. It is about the right tool for the job. The basic function of both of these plugs is to avoid excessive inflow of water into the kayak as you don’t want to be sitting in water all the time.
