The open atlantic is not the duck pond

[AlloyToy]

WOW!! Just saw this....lots of great info and something to bring awareness to all of us.

I had a similar situation on a boat I had built with an Armstrong bracket years back. Taking on water at Stellwagon in April cod fishing due to an improperly installed bracket and bilge pump by the manufacturer.....

Boat was acting sluggish, pulled the inspection hatches and there it was WATER!! This prompted us to put on our offshore vests (which would do squat in the 49 degree water) and instantly issue a "mayday" call

Shortly after is when I realized just that......new boat, custom boat, production boat, old boat, big boat, small boat........safety first

Glad this ended with all three men alive

Be Safe

[stripah]

I highly recommend periodic checks of the bilge, and all below deck spaces at a regular interval. On commercial vessels we would every 30 mins take a walk around the engine room, and inspect the lazzarette area for any signs of ingress. I do the same on my 26fter, so should you.

[Happy Ending]

There were multiple contributing factors to this unfortunate event, and every boater would be foolish not to learn something from this. Mariners first fishermen second it’s truly the only way to be.

In regards to notched transoms, I do believe there is an inherent degree of danger associated with them. Upon reading and re-reading the firsthand account it seems to me that the boat rolled and capsized due to the progressive flooding. Whether the water entered though a steering cable orifice that was improperly sealed or through a hull fitting its really immaterial. Their situation turned ugly when they hit the throttle sending the water that was in the hull all the way aft, causing the stern to sink even further. Once the transom was submerged water was able to progressively make its way forward causing the vessel to list and eventually capsize and sink.

By having some sort of transom guard that impedes the seawater ingress these individuals situation may not have become so dire so quickly. I have witnessed several close calls with notched transoms and urge those that do have them to be careful.

One instance that stands out in my mind was during an anchoring evolution on Sow and Pigs Reef. One of the fellers let go of the anchor while the boat was still in gear, resulting in a tangled prop and an anchor that had already found its purchase on the bottom. The boat quickly went stern first to the current and swells and started taking water over the notched transom. Luckily one of the guys jumped over the stern, cut free the line and the boat was able to recover, but not before the cockpit was filled completely up to the cabin with ankle deep water. One more swell and this boat could have been on the bottom...it doesn’t take much

Regards,
Marc

Fair enough that the notched transom does leave some to be desired and kept in mind anytime you are in a boat with one. a closed one would have given them more of a chance, but i still doubt it was the initial cause of water in the bilge, but again, i could be mistaken. i built a gate on mine that will help some, but is not the same as a closed transom with a bracket.

I have a PLB, and vhf that is hooked to my gps with DSC with one button distress. Going to add a handheld vhf though, been thinking i should get one and this is a good reminder

[Double D]

Looks like the video made it to CNN

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/...HDH?&hpt=hp_c2

[Avenger]

if you guys are looking for a nice handheld, the Standard Horizon HX851 has GPS and DSC built in.

Ditto this. I have an HX850 which is an excellent radio, and the newer HX851 version has some nice features such as the strobe light is water activated. Remember to get an MMSI number and program it into the radio.

[On The Edge]

100% independent. Different wire; different float switch, different fuse; different battery; different console switch; different LED.

Oh - we all do have 2 or more batteries; right?

And from a buddies experience - when you mount your high water alarm(s) make sure it will alarm when the boat is both underway/bow high/stern squatting and at troll( flat).

I just installed a hi water alarm in my 22' proline this spring when i dd some upgrading to other things and mounted it so i know when there is a potential problem not when i have an oh **** problem.

[SteveK]

Good thread that everyone should ready and then apply within their own set up. I for one will reposition my secondary/backup main bilge pump. The present position is too close to the level of the batteries. I'd prefer it closer to the V in the bilge (downeast hull). I also want to second Larry's comment about location of the highwater alarms. I came off the cruise position a few weeks ago after making the 1.5 hour run back from Cuttyhunk after a great family day out there. Since it was dark by the time I came off cruise position, the only thing I noticed was that the primary pump kicked in immmediately upon entering the anchorage area and kept pumping for 45 seconds telling me that I had a leak somewhere. Turns out, I had blown the seal on the raw water pump and salt water was pouring into the bilge on the way home. You can never be safe enough, especially when you are responsible for family and friends on board as captain. They assume that you are running a safe boat and unknowingly put their welfare in our hands whenever they step on baord. What if one of those three did not know how to swim so well? The story would be quite different I'm sure. Good thread to remind us all.