How to Avoid Water Problems on Boats - During Boating Season & Winter Storage
Quick Answer
Water problems on boats come down to consistent monitoring and preparation. During boating season, inspect bilge pumps regularly, check through hulls and seacocks for leaks, and keep a small floating bilge pump on board as a backup. Clear cockpit drains and watch for pooling water after rain. Before winter storage, drain all water systems, blow out freshwater lines, and remove drain plugs so standing water cannot accumulate. Winterize the engine cooling system with antifreeze rated for your climate. Catching small leaks early prevents major damage later.
For this job, Small Floating Bilge Pump works well, a marine grade utility pumps option made for the job.
Boats need to be in water, but water INSIDE your boat causes big problems, like making it smell, creating mold or mildew that ruins your boat's interior and cockpit seats and more. So in some ways boats and water don't mix. Ironic, huh? You want to stop water leaks or moisture building up inside your boat during boating season and winter storage. My Boat Life walks you through some of his tips for keeping the cockpit and cabin dry and avoid water problems inside your boat using Boat Dehumidifiers.
