Ever gotten the willies looking at a medical textbook with graphic pictures of diseases? Well, here’s the equivalent for your boat. Actually, there’s some great information here, and a good reminder of the vital importance of maintaining the fittings which keep your vessel afloat.
A few things to remember:
- A failed underwater fitting or hose will easily overwhelm bilge pumps and sink your boat
- Use real seacocks—never gate valves below-the-waterline
-
Close seacocks when you are not aboard
- Regularly used, they are far less likely to jam
- You’ll be able remember where they are!
- Fewer ways your boat can sink when you’re not there
- Make sure required wood plugs are handy—they are a proven way to stop a flood when a fitting or hose fails
- Use only high quality 316 stainless or titanium hose clamps
- Double clamp below-the-waterline hoses
The article is well worth a read, and a good review of good bilge maintenance practices. Thanks to Ferroever for finding the site.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice site!
Thank you for such a fine web site. I have just discovered you while searching for seacocks used by a great many boat manufacturers during the 1960s and 1970s. the old horizontal types with a “T” handle for tensioning and a straight bar for opening and closure. This type was used specifically by Sea Ray and Chris Craft. Old age has krept up on me and I just can not remember the manufacturer. Can you assist and old sailer?
Regards,
Perry Brummett
Great Site