Large Multi Engine Center Console Boats Can Sink for Many Reasons
Center console boats ranging from 35 to over 50 feet in length with 3, 4 or even 5 motors have become very popular over the past decade. They are seaworthy, fast, fun and can host a big party and make it look easy! A trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini in one of these boats can be done in an hour or less. Imagine that, authentic Bahamian cracked conch in less than an hour!
With the popularity of these boats and a recent salvage case performed by TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale, it is worth a look to see how to keep these boats afloat while at a dock so the fun never has to stop. This particular salvage was a 36’ Deep Impact with triple 300 HP outboard engines. She took on water and rolled almost 90 degrees away from the dock. The salvage team from TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale deployed divers who rigged lift bags to roll the boat upright and raise her. High volume gas powered pumps were then used to dewater her so she could be hauled out of the water and inspected.
What can you do to help ensure that your big center console boat doesn’t succumb to a similar fate?
- As with any boat, check all bilge pumps and float switches often for proper operation. These boats will likely have several pumps located in different bilge spaces. Inspect their wiring for signs of corrosion and clean or replace the terminal ends as necessary. Replace pumps and switches as needed. These are relatively inexpensive parts that play a critical role in keeping your boat afloat
- Keep scuppers clear of debris. Deck scuppers typically drain overboard. On boats this size, a lot of rain water falls on the deck due to the wide open design. When scuppers get clogged the water sits on deck or finds a way into the bilge. As long as batteries are charged and bilge pumps are healthy, tragedy will be averted. But torrential rains and any combination of equipment failure can allow the boat to flood.
- Always leave the boat plugged into shore power and equip the boat with battery charger(s) that are appropriate for the battery type used on board. AGM and Gel batteries require a different charger than flooded lead acid batteries. The wrong charger can do more harm than good to your electrical system and its ability to power your bilge pumps.
- Inspect plumbing below decks often. Saltwater wash down systems, live wells and other equipment that require a through hull fitting are all potential failure points. A bad hose or clamp in a live well system is another common cause of flooding. Replace hoses and clamps when they show signs of age. Exercise sea cocks regularly so they work if/when you may need to secure one due to flooding.
- Be sure to dock your boat properly. A boat that is secured to a dock improperly can sink as the tide rises or falls. Think through how your boat will ride through every portion of the tide cycle. Will it hang from the dock at low tide? Could it possible get stuck under the dock at high tide?
Although these tips do not cover every scenario that may cause your large center console boat to sink, they represent many of the most common reasons why the phone rings at TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale. A bit of preventative maintenance will help to keep your pride and joy on the water instead of under it. These are several photos that depict each step of the process involved to refloat a boat like this. For more information on our salvage services (or more tips on how to prevent having to use them) call 954-783-7821.
