Water, Water!

[leogallant]

So, a few months ago, my son became the proud owner of a 30' Newport30 MkII. Great live aboard while in college! Things were great until rainy season rolled in (Charleston), he awoke one rainy night around 2am and stepped into ankle deep water on the floor! Was pooled in an area that was not reaching the bilge for some reason. So he looks outside, and notices that the cockpit is completely full of water! He sets to bailing the cockpit, and sees that the self bailing drains are clogged. Gets them unclogged, and fortunately, they finish draining themselves. One problem solved. Now, why was there water on the floor in the cabin? It was not coming from the cockpit. He crawls around rear berth and notices that there is water coming in from around the rear cockpit seat up above from where it can open! So they covered the seat, set up a tarp over cockpit. They then swept the water to the bilge and let the pump do its work. Was quite a night for him and his roommate! Must say, I was proud of him and how he remained calm and methodically assessed and remedied the problems. He's only 19. His boat is a work in progress. So far, we've upgraded electrical, added AC Shore Power, AirConditioning. It's been a great time being able to share some of this adventure with my son. He always says that when he's old, he wants some awesome stories to share with his grand kids. I think he's well on his way. Sailing will do that!

[chef2sail]

Good story. Teach them young. I would have much rather have lived in a sailboat when I went to college than roomed with a crazy man my first year in the dorms

Keep up the adventure through your posts, maybe you can get your son to join in

Dave

[Faster]

Nice story... I guess checking the scuppers just moved a ways up the 'don't forget' list!

[DRFerron]

Originally Posted by leogallant

It's been a great time being able to share some of this adventure with my son. He always says that when he's old, he wants some awesome stories to share with his grand kids. I think he's well on his way. Sailing will do that!

Although I was quite a bit older when I bought my first boat, my father helped me get her looking good and ready to sail. He died of lung cancer four months after we launched.

When I asked dad if he was going to sail with me he said, "[Heck] no! I'm not getting on anything that relies on the wind to get me home!"

It's great that you're sharing this with your son and even better that he wants you to.

[leogallant]

Have to admit, when he had first presented the idea of the boat, I was thinking, "a boat??, you gotta get through college!" But, I'm glad I backed off and didn't press it. It has been a great coming of age experience for him and has given us and adventure to share man to man. Thanks for the replies, guys!