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:

1. A failed underwater fitting or hose will easily overwhelm bilge pumps and sink your boat
2. Use real seacocks—never gate valves below-the-waterline
3. 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
4. Make sure required wood plugs are handy—they are a proven way to stop a flood when a fitting or hose fails
5. Use only high quality 316 stainless or titanium hose clamps
6. 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.