Drain holes

[NEWF]

Hello Newbe question>
I just put my first boat in the water a 1983 aquasport 17ft do I need to keep the two drain holes off the deck plugged? It seems that when there out I am getting what seems like a lot of water in.It seems that the deck drain hole are sitting below the water line.   

[IrishAyes]

Are you talking about water coming onto the deck of the boat or is it possible that the area in question is a bait well?

If it is a bait well the water will only fill to the water line of the boat and cause no problem.  If it is actually entering the open deck, then, the boat will sink eventually if the plug is not in.

Hope this helps.

Joe

[Capt. Ed]

Hi NEWF,

Are you talking about the thru hulls in the transom? If so, you can add a few different types of scuppers.

I think we all need a little better description or even a picture. From there, I am sure we can figure it out.

Thanks,

Capt. Ed

[Hotrod]

sounds like self bailing scuppers..  Does it seem they are there to release rain water..  I too get a back flow sometimes while in rough water.,, but i have a little troth there to keep it off the deck.  If you get a chance a pic would be great.

Do you think your boat sites too low in the water?  what do you have back there?

[Hotrod]

Dank ed.  you bet me by 21 seconds.  This lap top it killin me

[NEWF]

The drain holes are below the water line when we are in the boat docked or anchored,I guess I am worried about heavy rain or when washing deck down that would be a problem if the plugs are left in at the dock.  

[NEWF]

140 Johnson o/b and there is a troth but if you stand next to the o/b water goes over the troth.

[Capt. Ed]

Hi NEWF,

If I understand what you are describing, you are talking about the thru holes for the self-bailing hull. Most boats have water coming in and out through those hulls under different loads.

I use a rubber scupper over each hole. Some folks use a scupper with a ball in it. Whatever you use, it does not keep all the water out.

What you have to do as a captain is twofold. Have a pump that can pump out the excess water. Second, you have to make way when the water gets to be too much until the water bails.

I always have some wood plugs that can be pushed into the thru hulls to stop water from entering/exiting, but you have to watch carefully.

If it is not the holes in the transom that you are talking about, please further clarify. If water is coming right over the transom or the cutout in the transom where the outboard is mounted, you have a weight load problem - a big one.

Tell us a bit more about the location of the "drain plugs."

Capt. Ed

[Hotrod]

Yea  i have the same set up.. if i stand in the way back, in one corner. I'll get water in.  but not over the troth.. mine is like 2 inches deep...  In my opinion..  since your boat is sitting low in the rear.. there is really no way for the water to rise up any further..  a good test is to flood the boat with the hose.. and you'll see the water level should stay the same..  Do you have any thing you can remove from the back.. Battery?..etc..  140 seems over sized.. and part of your issue i think,,

[IrishAyes]

Newf,
After reading your post again, I have to say the others are right about the "drain holes" being your scuppers and your problem is with too much weight, as Capt Ed and Hotrod have said.
Pics would assist in showing what you are talking about and someone being able to offer a solution.

Joe

[NEWF]

Thanks everyone will get some pics asap, In western Pa until fri,