Auxiliary Scupper Installation

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  This is one of the easiest and cheapest projects you can do to your Catalina 22.  The project consists of adding to PVC couplers to your transom. This aids in water removal from the cockpit and could save your boat if the cockpit floor drain system ever failed. Mine occasionally get clogged and need a good clean out. I recently read about a C22 that sunk because a poor chap let his drains clog. After a good rain the cockpit filled and then spilled over into the cabin. The weight of the water sunk the boat and severely damaged the hull. The auxiliary scuppers will prevent this from ever happening to your boat.

 
Materials
  • 2 1.5 inch PVC couplers
  • 2 part clear epoxy
  • Acetone
  • Masking Tape
  • 1 5/8" hole saw drill bit--is the exact same outside diameter as the PVC couplers.
  • Cordless Drill
  • Flat file
  • 320 grit sandpaper

 

   Instructions

  1. Apply masking tape to the inside of the transom where you think the scuppers will be installed. The tape helps to prevent chipping when you drill the holes.

  2. There is no need to do sophisticated layout on the back of your transom. I just use the coupler as a template on the inside of the transom. I held them about where I wanted them and traced a circle (see image).

  3. After I traced the couplers, I double checked to make sure both couplers would be in the same located on the port and starboard sides of the cockpit.  I also made sure the scuppers were not too close to the cockpit floor since the floor gently curves up to the transom.

  4. Use a center punch to mark the center of each scupper. Then drill a 1/8" pilot hole all the way through the transom.

  5. Apply masking tape to the outside of the transom.

  6. Chuck up the hole saw and drill from the outside inward making sure to follow the pilot hole (see image).

  7. Now, drill from the inside of the cockpit, making sure to follow the pilot hole.

  8. Ok, now you should have 2 holes in your transom!

  9. Each coupler should be marked, either Port or Starboard so you don't mix them up. Dry insert the couplers and trace them with a pencil, inside and out, to match the contours of the transom. Use a flat file to shape to the exact contours of your transom, inside and out. Keep shaping and checking them until they match perfectly. Finish sand with 320 grit.

  10. Rough up the outside of the coupler so the epoxy has something to adhere to.

  11. Now, mix the epoxy, coat the inside of the hole generously, insert the appropriate coupler, twist around so the epoxy is spread thoroughly and evenly. Let the epoxy gel. Once it gels clean the excess off with Acetone.

  12. I think you could leave it just like this. Or you could finish off with some white silicone rubber to seal any voids between the PVC and fiberglass. On my boat, I opened the Port and Starboard lockers and added epoxy around the couplers from the inside and then I sprayed liquid foam around the couplers as added protection. 

  13. Go Sailing!

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