Kayak drain plugs versus kayak scupper plugs?
What is the difference between kayak drain plugs and kayak scupper plugs? Great question and they are different even if it seems they wouldn’t be. The easiest way to clear it up is to ask yourself if you have a sit-in kayak or a 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 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.
So there you have it. 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. Hope it helps and see you on the water