JCTownsley.com

So I was supposed to take my boat out Sunday afternoon. I decided to
replace the filters, change the oil, etc. the night before. I’m
tearing apart the cover over the engine, replacing filters and such,
when I notice my raw water intake hose. The piece of wood that holds
the hose away from the alternator belt has failed, the belt has not
only rubbed a huge hole into my hose, but the hose is twisted upon
itself several times. In effect, it failed to leak because of being
twisted, but this also constricted the amount of water that was getting
to the motor.
So last night I decide to tear out the hose, and go first thing in the
morning to get another 4 feet to replace it. (Plus another 4 feet for
spare.) I closed the valve off of course, and I closed the thru hull
which is shared by the head. Everything should be ok right??
Not so, I woke up 7 hours later with 4 inches of water above the floor.
I have my float switch installed, just not wired yet of course. I
have gotten in the habit of checking the bilge every day until I get
the switch wired.
Last night would have been a good night for it.
Got the water out, of course the manual bilge does not work for some
reason. Must have an air leak. The electric bilge did great.
Now I’m drying out the floor, running to NAPA to get a hose, and I’m
still going sailing!

So today’s lessons, always check, recheck, and recheck the
effectiveness of valves on thru-hulls, and always have a Float switch
working!!