Close your sea cocks

[lapworth]

4 boats have sunk around Annp. this week most likely do to not closeing there sea cocks. I went down to clean my boat of and also cleaned off my neighbors boat and he told me he left his sink **** open.

[smackdaddy]

Okay - stupid question - how does the sinking happen IF the hose/tubing stays in tact?

I accidentally left the seacock to my galley sink open a couple of weekends ago. I drove out the next morning and closed it. But, in the slip, the water pressure from below wasn't enough to force water up through the hose into the boat.

So do the hoses freeze and burst? Or do the clamps get loose and the pressure pops the hose at the seacock?

How does it happen?

[MedSailor]

It doesn't sink the boat as long as the hoses stay intact. This is why two good quality SS hose clamps are highly recommended for below the waterline through hulls. I'm not nearly as anal about maintenance as many folks, but I do replace below the waterline hose clamps when they show signs of rust.

Mine stay open all the time. I live aboard though, so I guess I'd be more likely to notice ankle deep water...

MedSailor

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

....So do the hoses freeze and burst? Or do the clamps get loose and the pressure pops the hose at the seacock?

How does it happen?

Yes , maybe yes, plus as the hose and clamps age, they can deteriate and fail, simply due to age. In most boats sitting on their waterline, the water level will be below th esink, but somewhere above the thruhull - any failure in a hose can sink the boat.

[lapworth]

From what I understand if the snow on top of your boat weighs you down then the water rises in your sink or tube. If you have any leeks I would asssume in a few days you may go under. I wouldn't want water in my pipes when we are below freezing. I could be wrong but I'll just play it safe and keep everthing closed. Why keep it open anyway ? Here is another thought while your at the boat make sure your drains are clear of ice.

[smackdaddy]

Cool. Thanks guys. I'll double check my clamps.

[MC1]

According to "Seaworthy" (the Robert Adriance book that reviews BoatUS insurance claims) . . . "Whenever a boat is stored in the water over the winter, all through-hulls, with the exception of the ones for cockpit drains, must be closed, or the boat could be on the bottom next spring. All through-hulls, especially the ones for cockpit drains, should be double-clamped with stainless steel hose clamps at each end. While not required by ABYC standards, double-clamping is nonetheless critical for cockpit drains in colder climates (and it's a good idea on all other through-hulls, regardless of climate.) The reason being that as water freezes, it expands and consequently will lift a poorly secured hose off a fitting. The hose itself is also important. Lightweight hose and PVC tubing can rupture or crack. Use only a heavily reinforced hose, especially at cockpit drains."

I've also heard of the weight of snow pushing a boat down far enough in the water to push a bilge pump thru-hull below the waterline, and if there is no vented loop installed, a siphon can set up.

[lapworth]

Never thought about the bildge thanks MC1. I believe we could be in for a bad winter.

[BubbleheadMd]

Originally Posted by lapworth

Never thought about the bildge thanks MC1. I believe we could be in for a bad winter.

SShhhhh! Be quiet, you! At least let me live in denial peacefully. :

My cockpit drains are heavy, reinforced hose. The sink draincock is closed but the hose is thick, clear, tygon tubing. Now I'm sitting here wondering if I should replace it. Thick, but not reinforced. Hm..........

[nickmerc]

For peace of mind I do the following as part of my winterizing routine:
1) close my sink drain seacokcs
2) dump anti-freeze down my sink drains
3) open the seacocks
4) reclose the seacocks

In theory this will push enough water out of the drain line to allow at least a mixture of water and anti-freeze to be stored in the lines.
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GLASS WEED PIPE