What are the best scupper plugs for my kayak?
So you are asking yourself “what are the best scupper plugs for your kayak?”. You are not first one and it is something we get contacted about frequently. Even within our own product line, there are significant differences in plug types and applications. Today we will highlight some options available.
Standard Pull Loop Scupper Plugs
If you simply want to plug and unplug the scupper holes as needed, our standard pull-loop plugs are probably the best option. We sell them individually in 16 standard sizes as well as custom kits specific to most kayak makes and models.
Our plugs feature a very gradual taper which allows for a tighter fit and seal. We decided early on to not to try to offer one plug to fit everything. Those one-size-fits-all solutions have never been successful and it continues to be true today.
Foam Scupper Plugs
The problem solvers of the group, our foam scupper plugs come in handy when you just cannot find a plug to fit correctly. Most kayaks will have round scupper holes but that is not always the case. We have seen oval holes, half-round holes and everything between. When a scupper hole is just “different” we recommend the foam plugs because they can compress and shape to fit just about any scupper hole design. We sell them in three sizes and in packs of three or six. The pull loop design makes them easy to remove when not needed.
Standard Self-Draining Scupper Plugs
In 2021 we launched our first self-draining or self-bailing scupper plugs based on a lot of research and customer demand. This design allows water to freely drain through the scupper plugs to remove nuisance water such as splashed water from paddling or small breaking waves while still blocking water from rising up from below. We developed a simple valve that uses the upward pressure of the water rising to close the valve. When that pressure is not present, the valve opens and lets the water drain out.
We then combined this innovative feature into our individual plugs and custom kayak scupper plug kits allowing customer the ease of shopping either way they preferred.
The Advanced G2 Self-Draining or Self-Bailing Scupper Plugs
In the Spring of 2022 we added some additional features to our self-draining or self-bailing scupper plugs. The Advanced G2 scupper plugs feature a larger drain valve for faster water evacuation as well as drain channels to remove as much water as possible. They work in the same manor as the standard self-draining plugs so water is able to be removed automatically from above while still blocking water from rising up from below. As with our standard loop-pull and self-draining plugs, we offer the G2 plugs individually or in custom sets.
Compression Kayak Scupper Plugs
Our compression plugs arose from customer demand to provide a scupper plug that would hold tighter than anything available on the market. Today kayaks are being used in ways that were unheard of in the past. Standing in a kayak from much more than 10-15 years ago is pretty much not possible but today’s designs are meant to do just that. That constant walking around and movement can dislodge scupper plugs. In additional, some scupper holes are just very hard to seal completely. Our compression plugs will expand in the center to hold tighter than anything else you will find. We sell them in pairs since they are not normally needed in every location or kayak application.