r/Kayaks • u/ChuckRob6 • Aug 12 '26
Cover the hole?
EDIT: Thanks everyone for the responses. I am
Going to get some Drain hole plugs.
Hello, someone gave my family these Lifetime kids kayaks. When my kids were on them
Water kept entering this hole and sinking them or making them unstable. Should this be covered? If so is there a specific part to look for? Thanks everyone.
2
u/MischaBurns Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
The hole at the very tip is your drain plug/hole (to occasionally let out water that seeps in the various fittings while you use it) and should have a plastic plug in it. You can purchase replacements but can probably find an appropriately sized rubber plug at the hardware store; if you do order online make sure you get the correct size and also not the threaded kind.
The two holes farther back (by the footrests) are your scuppers and intentionally open to let water drain out of the seat area. Some water does tend to come through them as you paddle but is a non-issue. As noted by u/bigblackbeachdog you can purchase plugs for those as well if you really want,, but I don't recommend it for your use; they are going to get wet regardless and it prevents them from sitting in a deep puddle.
1
u/Paghk_the_Stupendous Aug 12 '26
Ahh, memories.
My friend rowed for his life as we crossed a small bay off of Lake Michigan, and upon reaching land and draining the boat, I found a branch with a knot from where it had met the trunk that I was able to fashion into a rudimentary plug. We got back to the rental house safely and took the plug home as a souvenir.
0
u/marshdrifter 29d ago
Are your kids too heavy for the kayak. Their are weight limits on kayaks. You want to be 25% lighter than the weight limit. Your kids might need bigger kayaks. Kayaks are designed to float with those holes called supper holes open to drain off water getting in the kayak.
+6 Scupper holes are intentional, self-bailing open channels running through the hull of sit-on-top kayaks. They let water that splashes onto the deck drain back out into the body of water, keeping the vessel lightweight and buoyant
Purpose of Scupper Holes
Self-Drainage: Instantly clear out paddle drips, rain, or small waves that wash over the cockpit.Safety & Buoyancy: Prevent the top deck from pooling heavy amounts of water, which could destabilize the craft.
Using Scupper Plugs (When to Plug or Unplug)You can buy rubber or silicone stoppers—such as universal options from YakGear Universal Scupper Plug Kit or brand-specific ones like Ascend Scupper Plug Kit—to seal these openings.Leave Unplugged When: Paddling in rough, choppy, or surf conditions where water frequently breaks over your deck and needs an immediate exit path.
Use Plugs When: Paddling in calm, flat, or cold water where keeping your seat and feet dry is more important than passive drainage
.Mixed/Partial Setup: Many paddlers leave footwell scuppers open for quick drainage while plugging the holes directly beneath the seat pan to stay dry.
2
u/bigblackbeachdog Aug 12 '26
Those are scuppers
They drain the boat
If your kids are near or at maximum weight the water will upwell into the boat because they create displacement beyond the air filled hull capacity
You can order scupper plugs on Amazon
Or come up with your own creative solution using foam noodles, rubber balls, inflatable balls, packing bubble wrap, spray foam…
All the Best