Boat Repair

Boat repair comes in many forms depending on the type of problem you are having with your boat and the type of material the watercraft is made from. The most common problems to repair on your boat are leaks, engines or motors, electrical wiring, and upholstery. However, some boat repair depends on the type of boat. There are wood boats, aluminum boats, and fiberglass boats, and the method to fixing holes, cracks, and other leaks will depend on the material the boat is made from. Additionally, boat repair is certainly different when you have the boat out of the water and can take it to a boat repair shop for servicing or repair verses when you are out on the lake and experience problems. It is times like this that you may need to perform emergency boat repairs.

Emergency boat repair is any kind of repair needed while you are out on the water. This may be a leak, or simple mechanical or electrical problems. The most common problems that you will encounter while boating are electrical problems, steering problems, or leaks. Most of these common boat repairs can be identified and fixed before getting out on the water, and you can prevent an emergency boat repair by inspecting your boat before launching.

In the event the problem still occurs while you are out, there are some basic things to keep on your boat. While we all know having a life-vest per person is required, we often don't think about keeping other basics on the boat. Things I recommend keeping on your boat are: an inflatable boat, electrical tape, spare fuses, spare light bulbs, batteries and electric lantern, about 20 feet of rope (1/4 in), a spare plug, spare fuel, and a communication device (cell phone or radio). You may also want to keep some pieces of rubber mat and heavy bearing grease. These items will help you fix or resolve most problems that you are likely to encounter.

In the event of a major leak or other serious problem, you may need to abandon the boat. Swimming is not fun in a life vest, but especially if you have small children, you will want an inflatable boat to put them in. This will help them remain calm and not scared by the event. This will make it far easier to get you and them to shore safely. If it is dark or near dark, you will need light on this so boaters can see you. If the problem is not this severe, you may be able to fix your boat or call for assistance using your cell phone or short range radio.

Your engine, bilge pump, trolling motor, and lights all require electricity, and a damaged wire may pop a fuse or light bulb and leave you stranded or without safety lights. Blown fuses or bulbs are a common emergency boat repair. Check for damaged wires and repair them using your electrical tape to protect them from grounding or water. Most of the time it will only require replacing a blown fuse or bulb to repair the issues and restore operation of your boat. If you are unable to fix your lights and it is getting dark, use your lantern to provide light for working and to keep your boat visible to other boats on the water. If they can't see your boat, they are likely to hit you.

Another common emergency boat repair is due to a loss of steering. With many boats, the steering is controlled by a series of ropes and pulleys. Over time the rope deteriorates and breaks. If you have rope available that will fit the pulleys, you should be able to replace the ropes and fix the steering. Without this, your only option is to call for assistance to get your boat out of the water.

Sadly, one of the most common causes of water leaking into your boat and possibly blowing fuses is the plug. You should always inspect and confirm the plug is properly installed before launching your boat into the water. This will prevent many emergency boat repairs. On occasion, the plug may be damaged or missing, and you should keep a spare on the boat.

Aside from missing or leaking plugs, most other leaks come from hitting rocks or trees in the water and punching a hole through or cracking the hull of your boat. Depending on the severity of the damage and where it is located, you may be able to perform an emergency boat repair and temporarily fix the leak.

You are not likely to have any luck plugging the hole from the inside of the boat. The water pressure will push anything you put there away and prevent repairs. However, on the outside of the boat, the water pressure holds a patch on the leak. Keep in mind that it is not safe to go under a boat, this is especially true if there are trees that you can get caught up in and may be unable to get free. With that being said, if you can easily reach the hole or crack in the hull, the you should be able to cover the leak with a piece of thin rubber mat. By itself, this will slow the flow of water, but it will not stay when the boat moves. To ensure the patch stays in place and doesn't leak, cover the side that will face the boat with a generous layer of heavy grease. This is not optimal, but it should beat dumping all of your fuel, oil, batteries, and everything else into the water as the boat sinks. This will patch most small holes and cracks long enough to get the boat out of the water where you can perform the needed boat repair.

This is a temporary patch, and the water will catch on the edges of the patch when moving. To help the patch remain in place, be sure to well grease the patch and press it flat to the boat. Then you can move the boat slowly to shore. The faster you move, the more likely the patch will peel off and leak. Keep it slow, and get the boat out of the water as quickly as possible.

 boat are leaks, engines or motors, electrical wiring, and upholstery. However, some boat repair depends on the type of boat. There are wood boats, aluminum boats, and fiberglass boats, and the method to fixing holes, cracks, and other leaks will depend on the material the boat is made from.

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