Having water in the kayak makes it uncomfortable to paddle it. The stress that comes every time about emptying the patches and cockpit removes all the fun of kayaking in the river.
The kayak is made so that few drops of water will fill its holes even in safe paddling. So, to get rid of that, you must know how to get water out of the kayak hull. In this guide, we will provide you a complete process of emptying the kayak hull.
The process follows with two different designs and situations. Both of them have other solutions, but the technique is nearly the same. Let’s check out!
How To Get Water Out Of Kayak Hull – All Process In Details
Estimated Cost: 0 Bucks.
Time Needed: Around 5 minutes.
Kayak hull has two designs. One is a sit-on-top kayak, and another is a sit-in kayak. Both require two different methods to get water out of hull. You will get to both drainage methods.
Tools And Materials
- Stripe Plier
- Paddle tether
- Spray Skirts
- Bilge pump
- Kayak Sponge
Steps On Getting Water Out Of Kayak Hull
If you want to remove water from a kayak, the situation becomes a significant factor.
You can remove moisture in off-shore and on-shore locations, depending on that particular moment. We will also discuss them in detail.
On-shore Sit-on-top
The on-shore sit-on-top process is done while floating on the water. The sit-on-top kayak hull is designed in such a way that it contains scupper holes. Scupper holes are placed for draining the water away from the kayak.
Step 1
Make your kayak stable on the water by avoiding riding from rough waters.
Step 2
Balance your body over the water-filled kayak hull and locate the scupper plugs.
Step 3
As soon as you reach the plugs, pull all of them gently one by one. Thus, the kayak drain plug will make your hull empty of water.
Step 4
For little floating of water in your hull, use kayak sponges to make it completely dry, and enjoy riding it again.
On-shore Sit-in-top
The kayak hull, designed without scupper holes, requires some physical strength in emptying it on the water. For this, you need to swim and work around your kayak.
Step 1
Using a paddle tether, tight your paddles at the bow side of your kayak. Then swim down toward the edge of the bow.
Step 2
Holding the bow properly using two hands, tilt the kayak upward to flow all the waters towards the cockpit.
Step 3
Now, tilt sidewise to remove the water inside hull of kayak. Doing it two to three-time might clear most of the area.
Step 4
Repeat Step 3 for the hatches one by one that was closed by Spray skirts.
Step 5
Use a kayak bilge pump for sucking the remaining tank of water from the back corner of the cockpit’s seat.
Off-shore
If your location is near any land or beach, you can take your kaya to that place to remove water.
Step 1
Swim towards the land zone pulling your kayak gently, and place it over the land or small rocks.
Step 2
Hold the edge of the bow and lift it upwards, keeping it perpendicular to your body.
Step 3
Flip the kaya upside down. It will make the water drop down from the hatches and cockpit.
Step 4
Use a bilge pump to suck the remaining water from the back of the cockpit.
Step 5
Make sure to cover the hatches with spray skirts to keep water out of kayak.
Draining Hands
Draining all the water alone consumes lots of time. This type of draining system is called solo draining. Again, if someone assists you, then it is called Assisted draining.
Solo draining is similar to the off-shore draining procedure. But Assisted draining is different from others and can be done on the water.
Assisted Draining Process
In performing this procedure, you will need the situation where another kayak is coming for assisting the victim’s kayak. If you are the one helping the other one, then follow the steps below.
Step 1
Make your kayak perpendicular to the bow of the victim’s kayak.
Step 2
Place the victim’s kayak over your one in such a higher position that it will allow all the water to drain away from the cockpit.
Step 3
After that, flip it away from your kayak gently. Most of the reserved water will drain away quickly. At last, you can use a sponge and bilge pump to make your kayak dry.
So, we have discussed all the possible situations in which you can quickly get water out of your kayak hull.
Till now, your confusion about “How to get water out of kayak” would become more manageable now after going through all the steps.
Preventing Water From Entering The Hatches
Even after drying the kayak hull, it’s evident that it will refill again with drops of water. In rough water, the situation becomes worse.
It becomes worst when rain occurs. So, to prevent the filling of water repeatedly, you should cover all the hatches with spray skirts.
Tackling The Rough Water
You can get water out of sit-on-top kayak by keeping the scupper holes open. In rough water, the more forcefully the water enters more the drainage occurs. So, keeping the holes open in rough water gives enormous benefits.
Ensure The Cleanliness Of The Holes
It is a crucial duty of the kayak’s owner to keep the holes clean. If the holes are blocked with rocks or dust, then the drainage of water might get slower.
In heavy rain, your kayak might get flooded due to the inner blockage of the scupper holes. So, keep this in mind while starting kayaking during heavy rain or in rough water.
FAQs
1. Are Kayaks Supposed To Have Water In Them?
It’s a common phenomenon of entering the water in kayaks. It may fill up with drops of water after a long paddling. Besides, Rainwater might flood your kayak on excess weight.
2. How Heavy Is A Kayak Full Of Water?
If you look for an average kayak, then it will weigh around 16 kg. The other fishing kayak is also known as the Hobie kayak.
It weighs approximately 54 kgs. So, to get water out of hobie kayak, you can follow the off-shore and assisted draining steps.
3. How Do You Increase The Weight Of A Kayak?
The standard and effective way of increasing the weight on the kayak is updating the hull design. A better hull design will improve the volume of your kayak, which leads to proper floating on water.
4. Why Is My Kayak So Unstable?
Purchasing all equipment from the Hobie brand might keep the kayak in good condition. In competition, you will get all the materials, including design, from the pelican brand.
To get water out of the pelican kayak, you can use the stripe piler to remove the scupper plugs.
Final Words
Emptying kayak hull is not that tough but can be a risk if not done correctly. Remember to close all the hatches after making the kayak dry. We hope you already had got an idea of how to get water out of the kayak hull.
We have discussed all the processes for all types of situations. You had also got an idea about the Assisting drainage system. If you want to avoid water in your kayak hull, then make sure to read this guide thoroughly.
Don’t go out for a kayak without knowing the emptying process of water. Otherwise, all your kayak fun will go in vain.
