3 Ways to Prevent Your Boat from Sinking at the Dock
When your boat is docked, sinking is probably the last thing on your mind. You might be surprised to learn that when recreational boats sink, it usually happens dockside. Even worse, the majority of these sinking incidents are preventable — neglect and lax maintenance are often what send a boat to the bottom. To make sure your boat doesn't become a statistic, take a look at these common culprits. For more information, visit L&M Marine LLC in Stapleton, Alabama, serving Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
1. Examine the Seals
The constant motion of the water can wear down the seals on your boat. If one fails, it can fill the boat with water in no time. Before the boating season starts, take time to inspect all of the ports, plugs, and valves that are below the waterline. Make sure the seals are intact and check for small cracks. Tighten all of the bolts, clamps, and other fittings; if any component looks rusty, replace it right away. Pay close attention to the propeller-shaft opening to make sure it's not letting water in while the boat is docked. In many cases, regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent catastrophic leaks.
2.Fix Leaking Hatches
A leaking hatch is easy to ignore — after all, it's just a small amount of water. Over time, those leaks become bigger. All it takes is one big rainstorm for your boat to start taking on significant amounts of water. If you're not getting out on the water regularly, you might not notice the problem until the boat is partially submerged at the dock. Fortunately, you can avoid this problem entirely by replacing worn hatch gaskets, cleaning them regularly, and closing them securely.
3. Keep an Eye on the Bilge Pump
A bilge pump is a great way to remove water from your boat, but it's not foolproof. Large waves, blocked drains, and leaks can overwhelm the pump, causing it to fail. To reduce the workload on your bilge pump, make sure your cockpit is covered securely. Fix leaks quickly, whether they occur in the hull, hatches, bellows, or fuel fills. Any time you leave your boat, make sure the drains are clear.
Proper maintenance is the easiest way to prevent your boat from sinking. Make it a habit to take care of problems quickly and close up the boat securely; the extra time pays off in a tough, sink-resistant craft. If you have questions, or if you want to invest in a new boat, call us at L&M Marine LLC or drop by to see our inventory in Stapleton, Alabama; we also serve Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.