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How can I stop my boat from sinking?

7K views 35 replies 21 participants last post by  Exiles 
#1 ·
Hi all,

We are planning a voyage where the possibility of hull punctures are very real! I wanted to ask everyones opinion on techniques and equipment we should have on board to respond to a small to large hull puncture. I have heard of people using wet cure epoxy, cushions, sails any suggestions???

Please check out our rare and remote voyage we would like your feed back a

Northwest passage on a shoestring

Thanks !!!
 
#2 ·
Most folks who venture into ice use steel hulls.

You seem to have identified some temporary fixes. More permanent ones will be hard to hard in the Arctic.
 
#3 ·
carry a complete damage control kit. This is a small duffel filled with assorted sizes of plugs & weges. Also you will fiber-glass repair kits, pipe repair kits along with juliet patchs for the pipes. Spare hull fittings, if possible. Also sheet rubber, canvas, lots of assorted pipe clamps. Several tubes of caulking compounds & adheives appropriate for your vessel.
Assorted gasket material, spare parts, for engine, commodes, fresh water, salt water and bilge pumps.
And practice with said items so you can fix anything when you are far far away from any support facilities. This includes replacing fuel pumps, injecters, filters, and so forth. Climbing the mast and making repair high in the air. This includes the shroud and stay fittings, antenna fittings, lights and so on.
In fact you will become very knowledgable about every little detail on your vessel.
And if you have a steel hull? a small welding machine and learn to weld.
 
#4 ·
Avoid the ice. If you hit a large piece of ice, the damage is likely going to cost you the boat.
 
#5 ·
You will need two focuses. The first and most important is the temporary/emergency response. These include wooden or newer tapered rubber plugs of many different sizes. I just ordered a product called Stay Afloat, that looks like a wax that will stop a reasonably sized leak. stayafloatmarine.com Then you have the outer hull mating that you tied under your boat. I've always struggled to imagine that working, but others might know better.

Once you are assured to remain afloat, you then need a limitless supply of materials and tools to make a durable repair, based upon your vessel.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I think the approach you take in the colder northern waters Exiles will be dealing with are going to have to be very different from those taken in more temperate waters. Hypothermia is a huge problem when working in extremely northern waters, like he will encounter in a NW passage attempt. That changes the tactics you can use. If the water is 70˚, you can fish around in the hull and try to stop/reduce the inflow without much risk. When the water temp is 40˚, that is no longer a really smart option.

Also, with water temps in the 40s, the chances of making permanent repairs basically goes away on a fiberglass boat, unless you can find a waterproof epoxy that can set underwater in temperatures that low. I know COLDCURE epoxy works in temps down to about 30˚F, but I don't believe it will set underwater. None of the underwater setting emergency epoxy putties that I can think of will work in water that cold... so a permanent repair is very unlikely.

You will need two focuses. The first and most important is the temporary/emergency response. These include wooden or newer tapered rubber plugs of many different sizes. I just ordered a product called Stay Afloat, that looks like a wax that will stop a reasonably sized leak. stayafloatmarine.com Then you have the outer hull mating that you tied under your boat. I've always struggled to imagine that working, but others might know better.

Once you are assured to remain afloat, you then need a limitless supply of materials and tools to make a durable repair, based upon your vessel.
 
#13 ·
Solar Power

Maybe solar panels would work as this in the far north in the summer and a generator not such a good idea, and maybe starting an outboard diesel will not be that hard if it is warm enough. Check on the reliability of these outboard diesels. Some Chinese diesel engines are very good and some not at all. Maybe one problem could be mosquitoes
 
#14 ·
Just remember, if the steel boat is made with a poor choice of steel, it will be more vulnerable than a GRP boat, as the steel will be brittle and prone to shearing, kind of like what happened to that "unsinkable" Cunard ship almost 100 years ago... ;)
 
#15 ·
Buoyancy bags

Have you thought of buoyancy bags?

One option might be to have bouyancy bags already inflated in unused portions inside the boat, and have enough ready to inflate to completely keep your boat from totally sinking.

Another option would be to have a set of bouyancy bags that would go on outside of the hull and be able to completely "float" the boat. You'd also need an air source (compressor), and dry diving suit (and gear). The type I'm referring to (for the outside) are the same ones used to raise a boat post-sinking, but could easily be attached before the boat goes down.

Whatever you do, do carry a liferaft and survival suits for everyone onboard. The lot on this sight would say an EPIRB is optional.:eek:

Please stay safe and think carefully about what you're about to attempt.

Skipper
J/36 "Zero Tolerance":)
 
#16 ·
Exiles question re techniques and equipement...
Just a few thoughts in no order
This is steel boat territory and for good reason
should have many watertight compartments
protect rudder and prop from ice
carry and have means to steer/move under
power if damaged
Ability to track ice by satellite, long before radar picks up,
so you will be able to avoid/hide in protected shallow
water (deep enough for you but not for wind driven
ice flow which can not only puncture you but crush a hull
Keep distance from Polar bears don't feed, they can destroy anything on deck...be able to defend against
Be equiped/rationed to live/travel on ice/land and know
were you should be headed
Very short season, experience in last few mild years
does not mean this season will enjoy same conditions
Consider this very serious, as there is very little in
way of support and safe harbor in this very unforgiving
part of the world. Be safe, Hugo
 
#17 ·
Polar bears are one of the few predators that see HUMANS as PREY. Keep your distance is right...
 
#19 · (Edited)
That would be an interesting adventure for sure but I'm not sure I've ever heard of a glass boat doing this but I could guess it has been done a hand full of times. At the risk of being repetitive, the Northwest Passage is heavy steel boat territory. My thoughts are, if a route stays open long enough, any kind of unexpected weather could possibly trap the vessel in a bay and crush it. In any case, I would say you'll need quite a supply of survival gear should you end up on the ice, it could be some time before help arrives.

From what I know, much of the arctic is not charted very well so he careful with that.
I'm not saying you need an ice navigator aboard but I thought the information below could be useful reading.
From Transport Canada
It is always recommended that experienced persons in ice navigation be on board all vessels operating in Arctic ice-covered waters.
Source: Ice Navigators - Transport Canada
 
#20 ·
It has been done in a Corsair 31 trimaran, which is a GRP boat.

That would be an interesting adventure for sure but I'm not sure I've ever heard of a glass boat doing this but I could guess it has been done a hand full of times. At the risk of being repetitive, the Northwest Passage is heavy steel boat territory. My thoughts are, if a route stays open long enough, any kind of unexpected weather could possibly trap the vessel in a bay and crush it. In any case, I would say you'll need quite a supply of survival gear should you end up on the ice, it could be some time before help arrives.

From what I know, much of the arctic is not charted very well so he careful with that.
I'm not saying you need an ice navigator aboard but I thought the information below could be useful reading.
From Transport Canada
Source: Ice Navigators - Transport Canada
 
#23 ·
If it was me doing this trip I would think very hard about spending a season sailing Greenland and as far north on northeastern coast of Canada I could get before trying the NWP. I would use that trip to first gain some experience in that part of the world and second as an opportunity to test my boat and equipment, my sailing, navigation, repair, provision, and coping strategies. But mostly to test myself and to see how my ideas about the nature of such a trip actually comport with the reality of such a trip. I would take copious notes during the voyage. Then I would return home and set about making any changes I need to in light of that trip.

Anyways, that my 2 cents.
 
#24 ·
Wise advice, but I think that goes against the idea of doing this on a shoe-string budget. :D

Love your signature btw...big fan of Robert.
 
#25 ·
Don't launch.



I'm serious. Having been on a sinking boat with a sudden and good sized opening in the hull, there's really nothing you can do but get off fast, or run it onto an island(like we did). You won't have that option around icebergs.

Whatever it takes not to get that hole in the bottom is what you want to focus on.
 
#26 ·
Thank you all keep them coming

We are going to seal the compartment under the vberth where collision is most probable. I know a salvager in town here and will ask him about the viability of airbags.

Great thing about 1976 hallberg rassy they still didnt know the strength of fiberglass and it is built like a tank not like the bath tubs built today. Lots of great suggestions!!!
 
#29 ·
Love your signature btw...big fan of Robert.
Yeah Bob was a great writer. :D

Wise advice, but I think that goes against the idea of doing this on a shoe-string budget.
It is possible to be penny wise and pound foolish, as they say.

Of course I said that with no idea of the OP's experience is in high latitude sailing.
 
#30 ·
As others have suggested, avoid putting a hole in the boat to begin with…

One thing I'd suggest, not just for ice, but for anyone venturing offshore, is to configure a custom fitted collision mat from a very tough fabric such as Stamoid, that will cover the entire bow/forward third of your hull to 18" or so above the waterline, pre-rigged so that it could be put in place in a matter or minutes… that MIGHT give you a bit of breathing room, to begin effecting a repair…

A great amount of luck will likely determine the outcome of your intended voyage… The greatest risk you will face, by far, is getting caught by moving pack ice… If you were in a steel boat, you could have a prayer in such a situation… A fiberglass boat, however, you're likely to be crushed like an eggshell, there's good reason why most people would not consider attempting the NW Passage in a boat such as yours…

Frankly, I don't see how you will be able to carry the amount of fuel required, not to mention the stores should you not make it through and be required to winter over… One of the main problems with going with a small boat so heavily-laden, she will be unlikely to "pop up" above the surrounding ice in a crushing scenario, unless you start tossing your supplies onto the ice… Not good…

Someone suggested an extensive shakedown of a season in Greenland, that's excellent advice… Given your location, a summer in Svalbard could afford some hints as to what you might be up against, but I doubt you want to hear that…

Frankly, I think attempting such a voyage in a fiberglass boat, with an engine about which you "are becoming increasingly concerned", is incredibly foolhardy… Probably just me, when I think of voyaging "on a shoestring", I think of places like the Bahamas, Mexico, and so forth… The Northwest Passage? Well, not so much…

But, since you are budget conscious, I'd suggest you go the route of two of the most exemplary sailors I have ever had the pleasure to meet, and go without an EPIRB… Show the commitment of Tim and Pauline Carr, when they decided to venture into the Antarctic Convergence and South Georgia aboard CURLEW, they fully realized the magnitude of their choice to sail there, and the inherent unfairness of expecting any sort of rescue, the severity of the jeopardy they might be placing upon any potential rescuers… Why not demonstrate a similar appreciation of the magnitude of the risk you are taking, and prepare yourselves - to use Blondie Hasler's famous words regarding voyaging without a radio - "to drown like a gentleman"…

Frankly, I think your plan betrays a profound ignorance of the sort of things you might encounter on such a trip… Not to say it can't be done, of course - with the right amount of luck, no doubt it could be… I haven't been that far north, but I have made it pretty far south, and it's not the sort of place you want to have to depend on LUCK in order to survive…

 
#32 · (Edited)
JonE...+1000.

Exiles, I'll tell you straight up...I've kept my distance from this and the "How many tools" (or whatever) thread. I've seen them here and on SA - and I've taken a quick look at the blog that you're pimping (it's okay but not that great).

I obviously have no problem with a big freakin' sail. And there's no doubt that the NWP is big. HUGE. But this whole thing feels like a "stunt" in search of an audience/sponsors. It's a tad ridiculous.

The problem is that with questions and aspirations like the ones you're setting forth in these forums, it's all far more deserving of a facepalm than a sponsor.

Like JonE says, commit to the thing. Go old school. Keep it quiet, leave the EPIRB at home, get it done, then write your book. I'll buy it. I swear.

Otherwise, take your Chinese diesel outboard down south, go cheap and write a blog about how to patch dinghy holes in St. Thomas. Your chances of survival and reality are much, much higher.
 
#33 ·
JonE...+1000.

Exiles, I'll tell you straight up...I've kept my distance from this and the "How many tools" (or whatever) thread. I've seen them here and on SA - and I've taken a quick look at the blog that you're pimping (it's okay but not that great).

I obviously have no problem with a big freakin' sail. And there's no doubt that the NWP is big. HUGE. But this whole thing feels like a "stunt" in search of an audience/sponsors. It's a tad ridiculous.

The problem is that with questions and aspirations like the ones you're setting forth in these forums, it's all far more deserving of a facepalm than a sponsor.

Like JonE says, commit to the thing. Go old school. Keep it quiet, leave the EPIRB at home, get it done, then write your book. I'll buy it. I swear.

Otherwise, take your Chinese diesel outboard down south, go cheap and write a blog about how to patch dinghy holes in St. Thomas. Your chances of survival and reality are much, much higher.
At last, someone with a bit of cop-on.
 
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