Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

Chapter 19: Common Emergencies (If There Are Such Things)
Pumps should be hooked to an automatic float switch that turns the pump on any time
several inches of water gathers in the bilge. This way, you don’t have to worry about a leak
getting a big head start on you before you realize it, and just as important, you won’t forget
to turn off the pump, run it dry for hours, and burn it up.
Most leaks aboard fiberglass and aluminum
boats result from malfunctioning through-hull
fittings or hoses for bait wells and wash-down
systems, and are not large enough to overcome
the pumping ability of the bilge pump. However,
for safety’s sake, it’s a good idea to carry
some rubber stoppers that will plug your
ittings in case something goes wrong with the
valve or hose.
If you get a big leak, resulting from striking a submerged
object, you may have to make some emergency
hull repairs. Stuffing anything that will fit
into the hull is the obvious and most practiced
solution—PFDs and cushions do the job best,
particularly when backed up with T-shirts and
towels in the smaller cracks. You’ll still have
water coming in, but it may not flow so fast that
the pump can’t keep up with it. If the pumps can
keep up with it, you can head for the boat ramp
or marina. If they can’t, head for the nearest beach
or sandbar. And if the flow is too fast for that,
break out the VHF and call for assistance, pronto.
Fire Aboard
Fires afloat are rare but scary, because the only solution for a serious fire is to go into the
water and watch the burning boat drift away.
Although you’re required to carry at least one fire extinguisher aboard almost any powerboat,
the discharge time of that extinguisher will be less than 30 seconds. Clearly, if you
have a fire, you have to attack it early and hit the base immediately or you won’t be able
to control it.
Fires in the engine room or anywhere near fuel lines or fuel tanks are particularly dangerous
because a fuel explosion can take place at any time. A fire in proximity to fuel means
everyone should put on PFDs immediately and prepare to jump overboard at a moment’s
notice.
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Boat Bytes
Bilge pumps have to operate
in the dirtiest part of
any boat, the bilge, where
all the sand, shells, busted
screws, and other debris
accumulate. As a consequence
they can jam, and often do so at
the worst possible time. Keep
your bilge clean, and clean out
the pump strainer regularly.
Boat Bytes
Bilge pumps can burn out
over time. If you’re going
on an extended cruise, particularly
to a remote area,
carry a spare or two for
security.