Thru Hull Flappers

pascal1972

That's probably not the technical term for them but I have three thru hull fittings for my deck drains and I think the flapper is there to prevent water from flowing into the boat but they seem be just as good at keeping water in. This weekend I had a boatload of kids swimming from the boat, jumping off the front, climbing up on the swim platform travel through the boat, etc, lots of water and it didn't want to drain. Has anyone had a similar experience, can I just remove the flapper? Any other suggestions? 

Thanks,

Chris

rdcastle

My 2001 GS 201 has no "flappers" but drains very poorly as well. The problem comes from the goofy way the deck drain plumbing is routed. The drain at the helm seat flows back to a "T" fitting where the drain below the rear entry step area and then to the overboard fitting. The problem is that the tubing from the helm seat drain has a dip in it which doesn't allow the water to flow out until it is too full. I am going to open whatever accesses I can and remedy the situation very soon. Those flappers are basically check valves to prevent water from flowing into the cockpit when submerged such as when backing or in a swell situation.

nquirk

@pascal1972.  Check to see if you have any blockage in the hose (light compressed air would work if available)

I wouldn't remove it as its purpose is as you've stated to allow water out but not back in so you should look to see if anything is blocking/preventing the water from leaving.

The technical term for this is a scupper.