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How to Protect Your Boat from Sinking

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Boat owners can take several measures to prevent situations that can cause their vessels to sink while at sea or at a marina. This article discusses some of the preventive measures that are associated with the bilge pump system.

Install an Extra Pump

Many boats sink because the bilge pump failed at a time when the boat was taking in lots of water, such as during heavy rain. The boat can end up sinking due to the excessive weight exerted by that water. Having an extra bilge pump can avert such an accident. The extra pump will kick in once the sensor detects that the water level has reached the preset point. In this way, the water will be evacuated and your boat will be saved.

Install Marine Chargers

Another reason some boats sink is that the batteries powering the bilge pump get depleted and the pump stops working. One way to prevent such pump failures is by installing a battery charging system on your boat so that the batteries will have sufficient power to run the bilge pumps. Install bigger or extra batteries so that it takes longer for the stored power to be depleted.

Inspect the Switch

Bilge pump switches also deserve adequate attention if you are to keep your boat from sinking. Several things need to be checked during a switch inspection. First, is the bilge free of debris? Debris can interfere with the movement of the switch. This can prevent the bilge pump from starting up when the boat takes on water. Secondly, make sure that the switch is adequately protected from the surge of any water that gets into the bilge. Water can damage the electrical system and cause the switch to fail. You should also read the boat manual and confirm that the switch was wired correctly.

Install a Riser Loop

A riser loop helps to prevent water from flowing back into the boat and causing it to sink. The riser loop raises the discharge line so that it is higher above the water line. Different riser loop heights are suitable for different kinds of boats. For example, a riser loop height of about 18-inches above the water line may be ideal for speedboats. The discharge line can also be enlarged so that it can handle more water.

Ask a boat mechanic to inspect your boat and identify the most likely factors that can cause it to sink. They will then recommend the most cost-effective measures to reduce the likelihood that your boat will sink.


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