Why Do So Many Boats Sink in the Spring?

We recently published a pre-season check list to assist in dewinterizing our boat for the upcoming boating season. According to BoatUS insurance division there are five things that are often overlooked that can result in you boats first trip being one that isn’t on the water but under the water.

The Top Five Reasons Why Boats Sink in the Springtime:

1. Missing or damaged hose clamps: These clamps are often removed in the fall to winterize the engine, and then forgotten about in the spring when the boat is launched. Tight spaces in engine compartments make it difficult to see some unsecured or deteriorated clamps.
2. Unsecured engine hoses: Over the winter, freezing water can lift hoses off seacocks (valves).
3. Spring rains: Combine heavy rains with leaking ports, deck hatches, cracked or improperly caulked fittings, chain plates and even scuppers clogged by leaves and your boat could be on the bottom soon. 
4. Broken sea strainer: Glass, plastic and even bronze strainer bowls can be cracked or bent over in the winter if not properly winterized, allowing to water trickle in when the seawater intake seacock is in the open position.
5. Leaking stuffing box: If equipped, a steady drip from an improperly adjusted stuffing box (the “packing” around the prop shaft) has been known to swamp a boat.   

Spring is here, Coast Guard urges Safe Boating

BOSTON — In light of spring temperatures, the Coast Guard emphasizes safety for recreational boaters and paddlers planning to venture out on the inland and coastal waters of the Northeast this spring.

The rescues of two kayakers on Sunday by Coast Guard crews and additional first responders serve as reminders that boating season in the Northeast is just around the corner and all boaters should practice maritime safety measures while out on the water.

“The warmer weather can create a false sense of security,” said Walt Taylor, Recreational Boating Safety Manager for the 1st Coast Guard District. “Though the air is warm, the water is still very cold, and in the event of a capsize hypothermia can quickly set in.”

Some safe boating tips to remember are:

• Dress for the water temperature. Though the air may be warm, the water is still cold. Wet suits and dry suits offer protection against hyperthermia in the event of a capsize or immersion in the water.
• Check all required safety equipment to be sure it is in good working order. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free vessel safety exams. Contact your nearest flotilla for more information.
• File a float plan before getting underway.
• Be sure to have U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets aboard. All boaters and paddlers are encouraged to wear their lifejackets while underway.

More information can be found at the Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center.

Semi-Annual Safety Checklist

Twice a year we recommend going through our checklist to insure you boat is in great shape. It is a good idea to do this when you bring it out and get it ready for the season and prior to winterizing your boat for the winter again .

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• Check for wear or abrasion, weak or torn seams, secure straps and buckles. For the PFDs onboard for children, try to assess whether they will still fit in the spring. Perhaps a new PFD would be a great Christmas gift. Some types of PFDs are equipped with inflation devices; check to be sure cartridges are secure and charged.

Fire Extinguishers

• Do you have all required quantities and types of fire extinguishers?
• Have they been checked within the past year?
• Are serviceable units tagged by a licensed facility?
• Are units accessible?
• Is at least one accessible from the helm or cockpit?
• Are you and your crew familiar with their operation?

Fuel System

• Is the system properly grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, etc.?
• Is the fuel tank free from rust or contamination?
• No leaks from tank, hose or fittings.
• Hoses U.S.C.G. approved and free of cracking or stiffness with adequate slack to account for vibration.
• Is tank secured?
• Fuel shut-off valve on tank and at engine.
• Engine compartment and engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials.
• Blower switch at remote location.
• Is your fuel system protected from siphoning?

Safety Equipment

• Lifelines or rails in good condition.
• Stanchions or pulpit securely mounted.
• Hardware tight and sealed at deck.
• Grab rails secure and free of corrosion or snags that may catch your hands.
• Non-skid surfaces free from accumulated dirt or excess wear.

Ground Tackle

• At least two anchors on board.
• Anchor and rode adequate for your boat and bottom conditions.
• Tackle properly secured.
• Length of chain at anchor.
• Thimble on rode and safety wired shackles.
• Chafing gear at chocks for extended stays or storm conditions.
• Anchor stowed for quick accessibility.

Stoves

• Labeled and designated for marine use.
• Properly ventilated to remove carbon-monoxide from cabin.
• Retainers or rails for pots and pans while underway.
• If built-in, properly insulated and free from combustible materials, CNG and LPG (propane).
• Stored in separate compartment from boat’s interior and engine room.
• Tightly secured shut-off valve at tank.
• Proper labeling and cautions in place at tank location.
• Hoses, lines and fittings of approved and inspected type.
• Compartment is ventilated overboard and below level of tank base.

Electrical System

• Wiring approved for marine applications.
• System is neatly bundled and secured.
• Protected against chafing and strain.
• Adequate flex between bulkhead and engine connections.
• Clear of exhaust system and bilge.
• System is protected by circuit breakers or fuses.
• Grounds to Zincs if required.
• Wire terminals and connections sealed to prevent corrosion.

Bilge Pumps

• Will pump(s) adequately remove water in emergency? Do you have a manual backup? Are bilges clean and free to circulate (clear limber holes)? Do you check bilges frequently and not rely on automatic pumps?

Corrosion Prevention

• Through-hulls, props, shafts, bearings, rudder fittings, and exposed fastenings free of non-destructive corrosion.
• Zincs are adequate to provide protection.
• Through-hulls are properly bonded.
• Inspect the steering cables, engine control linkage and cables, engine mounts and gear case for corrosion.
• These items are properly lubricated or painted to prevent undue corrosion.

Through-hulls

• Strainers, intakes and exhaust or discharge fittings are free from restrictions such as barnacles, marine growth or debris.
• Inspect sea valves for smooth operation.
• Handles are attached to valves for quick closure.
• Hoses are in good condition and free from cracking.
• Double hose-clamps below the waterline.
• Anti-siphon valve fitted to marine toilet.
• Through-hull plugs are near fittings or attached to hose in case of emergency.

Batteries

• Stored in non-corrosive, liquid tight, ventilated containers.
• Non-conductive covers are fitted over posts.
• Batteries are well secured.

General Ice Thickness Guidelines

Many outdoor sportsmen and women enjoy the winter months but there are certain things that you should be concerned about when recreating on ice. The following information is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR.

For New, Clear Ice Only

• 2″ or less – STAY OFF
• 4″ – Ice fishing or other activities on foot
• 5″ – Snowmobile or ATV
• 8″ – 12″ – Car or small pickup
• 12″ – 15″ – Medium truck

Remember that these thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.

Checking ice thickness

No matter what you are going to do once you get on the ice – like fishing, snowmobiling, skating or even ice boating, it’s a good idea to contact a local bait shop or resort on the lake about ice conditions. It’s also important to do some checking yourself once you get there. Several factors affect the relative safety of ice, such as temperature, snow cover and currents. But a very important factor is the actual ice thickness.

Ice Chisel

The ice chisel or “spud bar” is one of the oldest methods of making a hole in the ice. In its simplest form, it consists of a metal rod with a sharp, flat blade welded onto one end that is driven into the ice in a stabbing motion. Depending on the sharpness of the blade, the thickness of the ice and the strength of the user, it can make a hole in the ice fairly quickly, especially when the ice is less than a foot thick.

 
Ice Auger

There are several varieties of ice auger. Some people like the hand auger for its low cost, light weight and low noise factor. The disadvantage of a hand-powered auger is that after a few holes, operator exhaustion becomes an issue. Some folks like an electric auger, with its low noise level rivaling a hand auger, with the advantage of a lot less work for the user. An electric auger does, however, need an external 12-volt battery, which can be something of a nuisance to lug around. Gas augers boast the fastest speed in drilling through the ice, but are heavier, noisier and generally more costly than hand or electric models.

 

Cordless Drill

There is one tool, that many households have hanging on the pegboard in the basement or on a shelf in the garage that can make checking ice thickness a quick and easy task – a cordless rechargeable electric drill.

With a cordless drill and a long, five-eighths inch wood auger bit, you can drill through eight inches of ice in less than 30 seconds. Most cordless drills that are at least 7.2 volts will work, but the type of bit is critical. You need a wood auger bit since they have a spiral called a “flute” around the shaft that metal drilling bits don’t. The flutes pull the ice chips out of the hole and help keep it from getting stuck, much in the way a full-sized ice auger works. It is important to dry the bit and give it a quick spray of silicone lubricant after each use. Otherwise, the next time you open your toolkit, you’ll find your once shiny drill bit looking like a rusty nail!

Tape Measure

Some people claim they can judge thickness by where the chisel or drill suddenly breaks through, but that happens so quickly, it’s easy to overestimate the thickness. It’s smarter to use a tape measure or something like an ice fisherman’s ice skimmer handle with inch markings to put down the hole and hook the bottom edge of the hole to determine the ice’s true thickness.

Other things to keep in mind when checking ice.
Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water. It can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away due to currents, springs, rotting vegetation or school of rough fish. You need to check the ice at least every 150 feet, especially early in the season or any situation where the thickness varies widely.

Recommended minimum thicknesses for new clear ice.

4″ Ice fishing and small group activities
5″ Snowmobiles and ATVs
8″ – 10″ Small to medium cars, and pickups.

White ice, sometimes called “snow ice,” is only about one-half as strong as new clear ice so the above thicknesses should be doubled.

Vehicles weighing about one ton such as cars, pickups or SUVs should be parked at least 50 feet apart and moved every two hours to prevent sinking. It’s not a bad idea to make a hole next to the car. If water starts to overflow the top of the hole, the ice is sinking and it’s time to move the vehicle!

Coast Guard Stresses the Importance of Life Jackets and Proper Sleep

The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of well-rested crews and vessel operators and continues to stress the value of wearing a lifejacket while working on deck in light of one death and two close calls this crab season here in the Pacific Northwest.

Failure to wear a lifejacket, despite doing everything else right, caused a man to lose his life while crabbing off the Washington Coast early last week.

The crabbing vessel Senja departed the Westport, Wash., marina at approximately 6 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2013, with four people aboard, for a week-long crabbing excursion. On Jan. 15, at approximately 6 p.m., the crew began hauling and resetting crab pots, working for several hours. The captain of the vessel commented that the weather was very mild. Though it was dark, there were 2-3 foot swells, no wind, and excellent visibility.

A crewmember fell overboard, suddenly and unexpectedly, entering the water headfirst off the port stern. An experienced deckhand, who had attended a cold water survival course the previous October, took immediate action by shouting, “Man Overboard!” He then grabbed the life buoy and gave it to another crewmember to throw to the person in the water. Immediately donning his immersion suit, he stood by the starboard side of the vessel and kept his eyes on the man in the water.

The captain, upon hearing the loud directions from the crew, immediately turned to starboard so that he could locate the person in the water and maneuver to a position where he could bring him back onboard. Within two minutes, the vessel had made a complete turnaround and was drifting down to the man on his windward side. The life buoy was thrown to the man in the water.

Unfortunately, the frigid water had already taken its toll and he was unable to reach or grab the life ring. The Senja’s crewmembers saw their fellow crabber had gone rigid vertically in the water, with his arms moving slowly out to his sides, his head back, and no ability to shout for help.

A crewmember jumped into the frigid waters in a brave attempt to rescue the struggling man overboard. His immersion suit made quick swimming virtually impossible but he was able to reach the victim just as he slipped under the water. He was unable to get a firm grip on the victim because he was wearing a bulky immersion suit.

Despite the heroic efforts of the crew aboard Senja, the victim succumbed to the effects of the frigid water within three minutes of falling overboard. His body has not yet been recovered. Had he been wearing a life jacket, there is no doubt in the mind of Senja’s fast-acting crew that he would still be alive today.

Two additional near catastrophes within the Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab fleet in recent weeks have demonstrated the importance of well rested vessel operators and crew members and the dangers of neglecting proper sleep at sea.

“Twice in just over three weeks Coast Guard helicopter and motor lifeboat crews in Oregon and Washington have risked their lives undertaking rescue operations at night and in poor weather responding to easily preventable commercial fishing vessel groundings. Indications are that acute fatigue played a leading role in the incidents, both of which threatened sensitive environmental areas in Oregon and Washington. The crews of the Robert Henry and Genesis A are fortunate to have been rescued by Coast Guard crews. Because of how acutely it affects the judgment of even experienced mariners, fatigue is one of the leading causes of commercial fishing vessel casualties. The consequences of even small errors can be devastating, particularly while engaging in a dangerous, winter fishery along the rugged Pacific Northwest coast. The Coast Guard urges all operators to take reasonable precautions to ensure adequate rest for their crews. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River will continue its aggressive outreach program providing safety training to commercial fishing crews,” said Capt. Bruce Jones, Sector Columbia River Commander and Captain of the Port.

Proposed fishing vessel safety training schedules can be found by visiting www.amsea.org.

Coast Guard Warns Boat Owners of Danger From Excess Snow and Ice

The Coast Guard is advising boat owners about the danger posed to their vessels by the recent and continuing snow storms and severe icing.

The Coast Guard has responded to several incidents recently where recreational or small fishing vessels sank at their pier or mooring due to excess weight from snow and ice. With the accumulation from this week’s significant winter storm, more vessels may be at risk.

“Harbormasters, marina owners and operators, and owners of recreational or small fishing boats still in the water should consider examining their boats for excess snow and ice,” said Capt. Verne Gifford, commander Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “If safe to do so, they may want to remove some snow and ice to to prevent sinking from the extra weight. Owners may also want to consider removing their boats from the water altogether.”

Safety on the Ice – Barely and Very Carefully

Provided by Vincent Pica Commodore USCG Auxiliary First District for the DailyBoater.com.

Here’s how the story goes. In the dead of winter, two duck hunters and their trusty hunting dog drive their brand new Range Rover out on to the ice of Lake St. Clair, and, seeing that there were no open leads to entice migratory birds to land, take out a stick of dynamite, light it and throw it as far out on the ice as they can. The plan is simple. The dynamite blows a substantial hole in the ice; they get back in the car and run the heater until the migratory birds arrive. They step out with their shotguns full of bird shot and bag much of the flock. (continues after the photo)

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 

So, as the dynamite stick is flying through the air, the dog takes off after it, thinking that a game of fetch is exactly what will make his day. Grabbing the lit stick of dynamite in his mouth, he turns and starts running back to his master and fellow hunter. This of course alarms the hunters no end. Seeing that waving their arms wildly and shouting, “no! no! no!’ isn’t working, they fire their bird shot at the charging dog – striking fear into a bewildered Fido. Fido turns to his only source of cover – the car. Running under the car to hide, all is fine until he burns his rump on the still-hot exhaust pipe. As he yelps and takes off running again, the dynamite stick, which was left behind with the yelp, explodes. This sends the brand new Range Rover, in many pieces, to the bottom of Lake St. Clair.

Funny – but only apocryphal as every Coast Guard station north of the 40th degree of latitude was telling that story a couple of winters ago, swearing that one of the locals swore to them that they knew somebody that was related to somebody who knew the dog owner.

But some of us do fish and/or hunt on the frozen lakes, creeks and bays when we can’t boat. Please heed the following from the US Coast Guard:

Ice is unpredictable and dangerous. While the Coast Guard understands winter recreation on the ice is a tradition in many places of the country, it is important to take safety measures:

• Always check the weather and ice conditions before any trip out onto the ice. Ice thickness is not consistent, even over the same body of water. 
• Always tell family and friends where you are going and when you are expected to be back, and stick to the plan. 
• Use the buddy system. NEVER go out onto the ice alone. 
• Dress in bright colors. Wear an exposure suit, preferably one that is waterproof, and a personal floatation device. 
• Carry a whistle or noise-making device to alert people that you are in distress; carry a cell phone and/or a VHF-FM radio in order to contact the nearest Coast Guard station in the event you see someone in distress. 
• Carry two screwdrivers or a set of ice awls. If you fall through the ice you can use these items to help get yourself out. They are more effective than using your hands.

Remember, hypothermia is a killer and it sneaks up on you with woolen slippers. Cold water safety presentations by the Auxiliary are available to local organizations and can be arranged by contacting the Coast Guard Auxiliary District Public Affairs Officer via their Web site.

Quick Tips to Ponder Part 2 – Maintenance

Hose Guards

Don’t throw away that old hose. Cut a piece about a foot long, split it and put it around your dock lines and anchor lines where they pass through the chocks to prevent chaffing.

Kitty Litter Below

When you put your boat up for a period of time put a few boxes of kitty litter below. It will absorb moisture, reduce mildew, and eliminate odors.

The Handy Coat Hanger

Always have a metal coat hanger in your tool kit. It can be used to:

• free hose blockages
• hook something in an inaccessible area
• used to replace a cotter pin
• used as a temporary tie down
• free blocked limber holes

Off-Season Maintenance – Paint

The off-season in many parts of the country can be used to maintain, upgrade or plan for the fun of the upcoming spring and summer boating season. A few “Rules of Thumb” that come to mind may help you with your winter activities.

Need a new coat of paint? In order to estimate how much paint to purchase use the following formulas. (Measurements should be in feet and your answers will be in square feet to cover). You then need to refer to the manufacturer’s brochures or the paint can itself to see how much paint is required to cover the square footage area.

Bottom Paint: Use the Load Waterline Length (LWL) times the beam times the draft.
For full keel boats multiple this figure by .75. For lighter boats with less keel multiply this figure by .50.

Example: LWL = 30  Beam = 10  Draft = 5   30 X 10 X 5 = 1500 X .75 = 1125 sq. feet to cover for a full keel boat.

Decks: Overall length of deck times the beam times .75. (subtract area of cockpit and deck structures)

Example: Deck length = 34  Beam = 10  34 X 10 X .75 = 255 square feet

Topsides: Overall length plus beam time 2 times the average freeboard.

Example: Overall length = 36  Beam = 12  Avg. Freeboard = 5  36 + 12 X 10 = 480 sq. feet.

Quick Tips to Ponder Part 1 Operating in Fog

Fall brings another challenge to boating and that is operating in fog. Judging how close and a what speed a vessel is approaching can bring challenges.

Objects may seem larger than they appear…

When operating in fog be aware that visibility can drop drastically. When visibility is between 30 and 150 yards objects, including other boats, may appear twice as large as normal. The illusion also tends to make you think that they are approaching at a much faster rate than they actually are.

Steering a straight line without a compass…

Many a small recreational boat owner will find themselves steering in fog without a compass. With no compass and with no reference points because of limited visibility, even the best helmsman will tend to steer in circles.

To steer a straight course, attach a light line high on the bow or from the mast and drag a drogue, cushion, or anything that can create resistance over the stern. Keep the line centered where it passes over the stern and you will steer a straight line.

Actions to take in fog…

If you see a fog bank approaching or fog starting to form be sure to fix your position by any and all means necessary, including electronically or by bearings. If possible, anchor and wait out the fog in an area which is too shallow for large ships to operate. Don’t forget to ring your bell for 5 seconds every minute while at anchor. Post as many lookouts as you have onboard and listen intently for the sounds of other vessels. If you hear a vessel approaching, sound the optional one short – one prolonged – one short blast to notify them of your presence.

Coast Guard Reminds Boaters of the Dangers of Fog, Weather Conditions

The Coast Guard and partner agencies responded to numerous fog related distress calls in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas this weekend.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received seven distress calls from boaters in need of assistance due to the fog and would like to remind boaters of a few tips to keep safe on the water:

• VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cellular phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery.
• As a reminder, prepaid cellular phones are unable to assist the Coast Guard with a GPS signal to locate a distress boater.
• Make certain to check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly and you should keep a watchful eye on the fore-casted conditions.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Being educated about safe boating could save a life. Most boating fatalities occur on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety education course. Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather.
• The Coast Guard urges boaters to obtain a free vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Vessel safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Always wear a life jacket and be alert and aware while on the water.
• Make sure a friend or relative knows your float plan. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are on board your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.
• Wear your life jacket. More than 90 percent of boaters who drown were not wearing their life jackets. In an emergency there might not be enough time to put one on, so wearing one at all times may save your life.
• Making sure all equipment is in good working order, prior to leaving the dock ensures a safe trip.

“We are entering the time of year where reduced visibility is affecting boaters,” said Lt.j.g. Michael Persun. “It is imperative boaters are aware of weather, have a marine band radio and other safety equipment aboard if they are beset by weather conditions.”

For information on recreational boating safety information, click here.