Article: Why Do Boats Sink?
It is difficult to estimate the number of boats that sink each year because there is no agency that attempts to collect such data comprehensively (sources of limited data include the US Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organization. The number, however, is in the tens of thousands.
See also:
Boating accidents
Cruise ship accidents
Maritime law
Most boats sink while docked, resulting in no injuries or deaths. And this may lead one to conclude that boats sink primarily due to neglect. But the main reasons boats sink are poor design and the use of inferior materials. According to a survey of the US boat building industry, 64 percent of boat builders do not have a trained designer on staff. And a preference for style over function further contributes to poor design.
The poor design factors that contribute to boats sinking can basically be broken down into two categories, hull design and internal systems. Poor hull design features that contribute to the sinking of boats include:
- Poor cockpit design in smaller boats, the cockpit deck has to be placed close to the water line in order to achieve an adequate gunwale height to prevent passengers from falling over. A small change in trim of the boat can therefore result in the cockpit deck flooding (more on this later). Drain scuppers in the transom of self-bailing cockpits, on the other hand, can let water in as well as out.
- Cockpit water tightness larger square hatches made from thin Plexiglas distort easily, not allowing gaskets to seal. Dirt and debris falling into the gap can also compromise water tightness. Smaller, screw-on, round Lexan covers tend to be safer.
- Open transoms boats with open or non-existent transoms are becoming more common. These tend to be accidents just waiting to happen.
Internal system problems that contribute to the sinking of boats include:
- Reverse siphoning results from errors in plumbing design. Bilge pump discharge outlets and shower sumps should have adequate riser height. Check valves can help prevent reverse siphoning, but only if they are properly installed.
- Poorly designed plastic fittings and hoses these continue to be sold to date. At least third generation fittings should be used. Fittings and hoses should be checked regularly.
- Insufficient bilge pump capacity or failure
- Inadequate battery power
- Improper wiring test by shutting off main DC breaker and turning battery switches to OFF. The pump should still work when the float switch is lifted.
Outboard boat owners should make sure there are no holes in the motor well and that inspection ports are properly sealed. Control cable and steering openings should also be sealed and located preferably above the level of where the transom is cut down for motor mounting.
Sailboat owners should consider a large backup pump. Sinks should not go below the waterline, even when the boat is heeled over. Die cast zinc alloy fittings on the underside of the galley sink can corrode, fall apart, and allow the hose to detach and fall below the waterline. Improper head installation can also sink a boat.
A large number of boats that sink do so needlessly. And some result in injury or death to the crew and/or passengers. If youve lost a loved one, or if you or a loved one has been injured in a sinking boat, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.
