282 seamanship secrets
capacity. (Th e Gusher 10, made by Whale, for example, has a capacity of
17 GPM.) Before installing this fi xed pump, test the handle clearance to
make sure it doesn’t interfere with the helm or sheets. Keep two or three
handles aboard, mounted on deck and below. Before you cast off , point
out their locations to your crew.
Portable pumps. Invest in at least two portable pumps with 6- to 15-gallon-
per-minute capacities. Th e rigid pump body should be 2 to 3 feet long, and
the fl exible hose should be 4 to 6 feet long. Screen the intake to keep the
pump from clogging. Use nylon mesh screening, and attach it to the end
with stainless hose clamps.
Two buckets. Keep two buckets aboard with strong bails (handles) to which
lines are attached. When other dewatering devices fail, these buckets can
save your boat. Have the damage-control crew bail from below. As soon
as they fi ll one bucket, pass it up to the on-deck crew. Th e below-deck
crew keeps bailing with the second bucket. When full, they exchange it
for the one just emptied by the on-deck crew.
Soft wood plugs. Lash a wooden plug with light line to the body of each
seacock. Be sure the line will break with a good tug. Soft er woods swell
up when wet, forming a better seal around the hole.
Cotton rags. For holes with jagged edges, you’ll need fi ller to block the
space around the perimeter of the wooden plug. Stow a bag of cotton
rags in a fi shnet bag in the forward and main cabin areas.
Pounding tool. Mount a hammer or mallet in the forward and main cabin.
Install it in brackets outside a toolbox. Paint the handle a bright or Day-Glo
color. Better still, cut thin strips of refl ective tape and stick it onto the handle.
Lights and batteries. Have waterproof fl ashlights on board. Keep
one lantern available with battery replacements in waterproof bags.
Headband-type lights free up your hands and pinpoint the damage
location. Purchase the Cyalume-type “break-’n-shake” lights from
camping stores. Th ey’re bright and waterproof, and they illuminate a
small area for several hours.
T is for testing preparations and training the crew
Get your crew together and show them your map of the boat’s through-
hulls. Explain actions to take and demonstrate how to use the equipment.
Do they easily understand your drawing and action plan? If not, revise the
plan to make it clear enough for all hands to follow.
E is for execute and evaluate
In an emergency, put your plan into action. Aft erward, determine the
cause of the problem and think of ways to improve things. Do you need
to shorten preventive maintenance intervals? How did your equipment
work out?