It would be easy to advise calm in this situation except the fact of the matter is that, if the right action is not taken soon, the boat will likely sink. Keeping the crew calm and thinking clearly are top priorities. The pertinent questions then are how long it will take the boat to sink and where is the leak.
After the Leak is Discovered Take Immediate Action
- Inform the crew of the situation
- Make sure the bilge pump is working
- Determine what kind of water is flooding
- Find the source of the water
- Make the temporary repair
- Pump or bail the boat as dry as possible
- Continue to check for leaks
- Return to port
The best places to explore first are the known holes in the boat and the area near the discovery of water. If the boat is sailing in salt water a quick taste of the water around the leak will either provide immediate relief or further anxiety. An interior fresh water leak may make a mess but is unlikely to cause the boat to sink. The discovery of salt water on the wrong side of the hull is reason for concern.
Likely Causes of External Leaks
- Hoses and fittings
- Thru-hull fittings
- Engine water intakes
- Scuppers and attached hoses
- Propeller shaft and stuffing box
- Marine Head (marine toilet)
- Centerboard trunk
- Rudder attach points
- Collision or grounding
These actions sound easy apart from unfavorable weather and sea conditions that magnify the difficulty of each task and the mental state of the crew. Every boat whether a power boat or sailboat should have tools and supplies to overcome this and other disasters that happen at sea, however it is the captains’ responsibility to remain calm and lead the crew to the successful completion of the task at hand
Often during the search for the source of the leak access to confined areas is difficult and time consuming. A small digital camera can take a flash photo of the area to provide a quick survey. A mirror and a strong small flashlight are helpful once the source of the leak has been discovered. Lights on a head band can be very helpful as well.
Handy Leak Tools and Supplies
- Strong flash light
- Mirror
- Screw drivers
- Socket Wrench with the right sized sockets for hose clamps
- Portable manual pump
- Small digital camera
- Tapered wooden plug for each thru-hull
- Towels, clothes or anything else wrapped around a screwdriver to stick in the hole
- Tarp
- VHF radio
- Sharp knife
- Water proof epoxies
In the case above, the drain hose from a sink installed in the head split at the thru-hull allowing sea water to come aboard when the boat was sailing on a port tack. The leak was discovered in the act of cleaning up a spilled tool box and noticing the bulk head was cold. The thru-hull is in a confined space with difficult access made initially visible with a flashlight and a mirror. Later information gathered by taking a digital photo with a camera held under the small access space illustrated what was needed to repair the problem.
Once the leak was isolated, it was determined that changing tacks would slow the leak lifting the offending thru-hull out of the water. In this case immediate anchoring was not an option due to other boat traffic however anchoring later provided a safe platform to affect a temporary repair.
The end of the sink drain hose was cut off at the top of the thru-hull and a tapered wooden plug inserted manually. The tapered wooden plug swells to further seal the thru-hull. If the hole were irregular a combination of rags and screwdriver may slow the leak enough for the bilge pump/manual pump to keep up with the flow.
Every circumstance is as different as every boat. Although these suggestions in no way cover every situation they can serve as reminders to be prepared, be aware and be calm during an emergency at sea.
Matt Maloy - Matt Maloy, writer, artist and photographer has been sailing small boats for nearly thirty years. Based in Largo Florida, he chronicles ...
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