Did you know that over 80,000 boats were sold in the United States in 2020? Although boats can be a great way to spend a weekend afternoon or used to help run a business, it’s essential that you understand how to recognize a leaking boat.
You should also fully understand what to do about a leaking boat if you encounter one. We’ve put together a brief guide to help you stay on the right track. Let’s explore how to handle the situation if there’s a leak in the boat you’re on.
What Are the Signs of Leaking Boats?
The most obvious sign there’s a leak in your boat is the presence of water. If you notice pooled water on the floor or leaking from the ceiling, it’s time to take action.
Another telltale sign of a leak is if the boat starts to tilt to one side. This means that the water level inside the boat is uneven, and one side is lower than the other. This sign is especially serious, so don’t neglect it.
How Should I Handle a Leak?
The first thing you should do is find the source of the leak. Once you’ve located it, try to patch it up as best as you can. If you don’t have a repair kit on hand, use whatever you can find to stop the water from coming in.
This might mean using a piece of cloth or even your bare hands. Once you’ve stopped the water from entering the boat, it’s time to start removing the water that’s already inside the boat. You can do this with a bucket or a sponge.
If the leak was small and you were able to patch it up quickly, you should be able to stay afloat long enough to make it to shore.
For larger leaks, you’ll need to use a more powerful substance to seal the hole. Marine grade caulk is the ideal choice in this scenario.
What Else Should I Know?
It’s also essential to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. This means having a life jacket for everyone on board and knowing how to use them.
You should also have a way to call for help, such as a radio or a phone. If you encounter a leaking boat, stay calm and follow the steps outlined in this guide. With quick thinking, you shouldn’t have issues making it to shore safely.
Know What to Do if There’s a Leak in the Boat
Leaking boats can be a major disaster, but you can stay safe by knowing the signs of one and how to handle the situation. The above guide has everything you need to know about recognizing and fixing a leak if there’s a leak in the boat you’re on. So, be sure to keep this info in mind!
Looking for other information that can help you out in the future? Our blog has plenty of useful articles like this one.
