To scupper or not to scupper, that is the question

I use them regardless.  My Quest is a wet ride so anything that helps keep the cold ass water out is okay by me.  To be truthful, they aren't that effective.  I get wet no mater what.

Ocean kayak makes one way scuppers that let water out and keep it from coming in. I love them, keeps water out and dry even when on the salt.

Are these the ones you are talking about?

http://store.oceankayak.com/products/486125/Scupper_Valves

Scotty, yes they are. I love them. I think I paid like 10-15 for the pair. Not a bad investment.

Freshwater/flatwater = plugs.
Saltwater/rough water = no plugs.
I feel faster with the plugs in. But that's probably because wate is heavy (8.3lbs per gal?). So a gallon of water sloshing around the footwells can slow you down.

from one of my older posts...

The Bay has ripping currents and wind shops that are 2-3 seconds apart. Make sure u get in before a big minus tide (mud crawls are not fun) Also, the wind can just show up when you least expect it. When I used to sturgeon fish during the winter months, I got blown out several times and had paddled back to safety. I had waves hitting me on the shoulder repeatedly and my kayak got swamped several times. Scupperholes don't drain very fast and when your yak gets swamped,  you kayak becomes unmanageable. Just like when you do a surf entry in the Ocean, if you don't commit, you take on the waves, your kayak gets heavy, then you loose control and end up swimming. Just make sure you fall on the ocean side - never put yourself in between the yak and shore line.....even if the waves are small.

With the weight of the water water (and my small 140lb frame) my kayak sank on the launch last trip to Leffingwell. I have a T13 and had self draining scuppers in the foot and seat wells, but they did not drain enough for me to launch. I waded out and when the first wave broke over the nose I sank to the bottom. Happened three times before I wised up and pulled the plugs out. 

I am not going to use plugs on the ocean again.