I would guess you closed your bilge pump discharge seacock, if your boat has one. I can't imagine why you would close that one, no matter what anybody told you, as it normally discharges above the waterline. As a boat owner, you've got to think things through and take "suggestions" from others with some skepticism, as only you know your boat and it's systems.

 

Thank you. Why did I do that? Because I'm a fool who doesn't understand all the innards of his boat just yet.

Silly of me to close it, for sure. I actually thought water had to be manually pumped out, or done by the automatic one, when there's power. So the bilge will drain naturally, via...gravity?

Tomorrow I will be climbing into the belly of the boat and making diagrams of all plumbing, hoses, etc.

 

A Seacock is attached to a hole in your boat. The boatyard was suggesting that you close ALL the seacocks before you launch. That is a safety factor in the event any of the attached hoses or clamps fail. Typically, or maybe not, the yard will check below after they launch you and check inside to make sure there are no leaks from below, if you're not there when they launch. Most marinas will not start your engine unless they've been paid to commission it. They will just tow you or push you into your slip.

Cockpit Drains can often be difficult to access.

Seacocks should be greased and exercised before you launch and the hoses and clamps checked at the same time. I close my seacocks before I leave the boat unattended. If for no other reason than to make sure they work and don't get stuck in the open position.

I don't know where the water was coming from in your bilge. If you have a Keel Stepped Mast it can find it's way in through the mast. You'll have to determine that.

Scuppers clear/evacuate water from the deck, not an issue at launch, but you want to make sure they're clear when it rains.

Hope that helps?

 

Hi. I think you have been given good advice but maybe not explained well enough. If you are leaving boat in water, then MY way is closing all seacocks below the waterline..... Except..... The cockpit drain (if your boat has one leading down to below the waterline) the cockpit is open to the air and if it rains, the water needs to be drained away, or it will be a swimming pool. You will need to check your boat and see how this is handled on YOUR boat.

By below the waterline, in case you are not aware, is anything below the line on the outside of the hull that the water comes up to.

Closing these seacocks below the waterline is a safety measure, in case there is a failure when the boat is un attended. Before you set off for a sail, open the seacocks vital to your day (like the engine water cooling and maybe the sink, I leave my head (toilet) seacocks closed until use or anchored up)

 

Congratulations on the decision to crawl down there and make a diagram of everything. The best way to get to know your boat is to roll up your sleeves and figure it all out. Don't forget to take plenty of cleaners and towels to clean it up while you are down there!

 

Don't forget to take plenty of cleaners and towels to clean it up while you are down there!

Good idea!

 

Excellent idea to crawl around and get to know your systems. Nigel Calder and others have written really good books on the subject of maintenance. Do you have an inboard engine? Be sure to check the packing gland. Get help with that one if you are not sure what to do. It may not be rainwater. Congratulations on joining all of your fellow sailors.