EMERGENCY BOAT REPAIR
Often, there are some things you can do to your boat if something suddenly pops up. You can do some patch work in certain situations that can tide you over until you can have your boat properly prepared.
First, you should have a basic tool kit on board. A few, well suited hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, a hammer, vise-grips and pliers should be in your tool kit. Many marine stores sell tool kits in water-proof, floating boxes which are small, compact and convenient. You should also have a selection of basic spare parts. These should include belts, spark plugs, points, assorted hoses, fuel filters, impellers, etc.
When you are making repairs to your boat, do not stand up in your boat. The wake of any passing ships that come along when you are not paying attention can cause you to go overboard. Remember – safety first!
Here are some tips on what to do in an emergency to make repairs:
- If your engine stalls, start from the obvious and work toward the more complicated solution.
- Do you have fuel?
- Have you run aground?
- Has the propeller fouled with line?
- Is the engine overheated due to no water flow?
- Should you have a broken drive belt and not have a spare you can fashion one temporarily from some small line, the draw string from a bathing suit or a pair of ladies hose. Tie the ends together tightly with a square knot.
- If you are losing engine oil, find the leak, catch the oil in a container and continue to pour back into the engine until you can fix the leak.
- You can repair a broken hose or pipe with rags or a tee shirt tied tightly with a line or a belt. Or duct tape may work.
- If you find you are taking on water, first find the source. You should carry on board assorted sizes of tapered wooden plugs or bungs. If the water is coming from a through hull opening or small hole use the appropriate plug to jam into the opening. If the hole is large, use pillows, clothing, or blankets to stuff the damaged area.
You will also have to outfit your boat with the required equipment needed plus, you’ll want to have some fun stuff as well!
BOAT EQUIPMENT
The United States Coast Guard requires that watercraft have a certain amount of necessary equipment for the safety of you and others while on the water. Some states may require additional equipment, so be sure to check on that and be in compliance with your state’s laws.
The first piece of necessary equipment is a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. Most PFDs sold commercially have been approved by the Coast Guard. These are generally designated as Type I, II, or III life vests.
Boats less than 39.4 feet must carry some type of sound producing device. These are generally air horns and can be found in various places quite easily. Boats larger than 39.4 feet must have a whistle that can be heard for ½ nautical mile. These crafts must also carry a bell with the mouth being at least 7.87 inches in diameter.
Watercraft must also carry some type of visual distress signal as well. Most visual distress signals are in the form of self-lighting flares and are easily found in many stores.
Vessels that are 26 feet long or less must have at least one working B-1 type hand operated fire extinguisher. Boats 26 – 40 feet should have two B-1 extinguishers or one B-2. Boats larger than 40 feet long must carry three B-1 or one B-1 and one B-2.
For boats built after 8/1/80, the ventilation system must meet certain requirements as well. At least two ventilation ducts capable of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and/or tank, except those having permanently installed tanks which vent outside of the boat and which contain no unprotected electrical devices. Engine compartments containing a gasoline engine with a cranking motor are additionally required to contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.
Boats built after 8/1/80 must have At least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls (or their equivalent) for the purpose of efficiently and properly ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel tank compartment using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flashpoint of 110 degrees or less. Applies to boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940.
Finally, the engine should have a back fire flame arrestor. One approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors.
This is all required equipment and must be kept in good condition and working order. Of course, you may want to outfit your boat with some other equipment just for your enjoyment.
Many boaters like to have some type of stereo system for times when they are docked or floating on the water. This can be as small or expensive as you want it to be. Many boats are also equipped with two way radios, although in these days of cell phones, they may not be needed. If you are going to be on a large body of water, a radio is always a good idea.
If you are using your boat for water activities, you will want to invest in a pair of skis and a tow rope. Inner tubing is also an immensely popular activity and can be done by most ages. They do make special inner tubes that have handles on them so that riders can hold on easily.
Larger pleasure crafts can be outfitted with amenities like a microwave, a coffee pot, and other small appliances. The choice is up to you about what you want to stock your below deck cabin with.
Making your boat as comfortable as possible is a personal choice. Whatever is important to you should be on your boat. Things like portable coolers, a well-stocked frig, or portable DVD players can all be important to different people. Remember, this is YOUR boat and you should have anything on it that makes it more fun for you and your guests!
Now that everything is ready to go, it must be time to get out on the water, right? Wrong! You still need some information about towing your boat, launching it, and pulling it out of the water. Believe us, this is easier said (or written) than done.
