Sinking Boats - Abandon Ship!

Remember those funny cartoons you'd watch as amore likely it is to sink because smaller boats sink
kid where some cartoon characters are in a boatfaster than larger ones. When it comes down to
when suddenly there's a hole. In an effort topowerboats and why they sink, it is usually because of
counteract the effects of this hole in the boat, peoplethe cockpits being improperly designed. For sailboats,
start using pails to scoop the water out; however, theythe reason is due to improper head installation, sink
can't keep up and eventually the boat sinks as adrains and inadequate bilge pumps. Many people who
consequence. Well, this also happens in real life. Everyown boats do not realize the value of weight
year, thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes sink.distribution.
The most ironic part is that most of them sink whenFor example, if you have a smaller boat, you need to
they're not even in use; they're at the dock!. As apay even more attention to the bilge pump because if
matter of fact, sinking boats is perhaps one of thethat fails, then you are going to really be up a creek.
biggest losses to marinas all over the world.Pascoe goes on later to say that improper design or
Why is this: because marine insurance is toouse of poor quality materials is the cause of the
expensive. Perhaps one of the major reasons thatmajority of boats sinking. Internal system failures, as he
boats sink is because the people who own them arecalls it, fall into three main categories: reverse siphoning
neglectful. Another possible reason may be due to theresulting from errors in plumbing, insufficient bilge
fact that the people manufacturing, building andpumping or batter failure and failed hull fittings and
distributing the boats are inexperienced themselves orhoses. If you are thinking of purchasing a boat, you
have inexperience, inefficient staff members. Now,really need to make sure that you properly inspect the
there's a scary thought. I mean, imagine if the peopleboat for any problems before hand.
who build cars didn't have qualified staff on hand? Ugh-If you are already a boat owner, you need to make it
I don't even want to think about all of the negativeyour duty or responsibility to (every time) always
consequences that could come out of that.check over your boat thoroughly before you take it
According to David Pascoe, boating specialist atout on the water. After all, the last thing you want is to
yachtsurvey.com, the major causes of boats sinkinghave a problem or end up in "hot water" when you're
can be broken down into two categories: hull designmiles away from everything. It is also a good idea to
and internal systems. In terms of the hull design,make sure that you always wear your life vest for this
Pascoe claims that hull design problems usually involvereason as well as have a working radio and/or tell
boats under 40 feet long and more often boats thatsomeone where you are planning on going for that
are under 30 feet long. The smaller your boat is, theday.