Boat Engine Woes: The Perils Of Poor Grounding

Grounding is a common occurrence for boaters and can be dangerous if not handled properly. It occurs when a boat runs aground, which means there is no longer enough water to float the vessel. This can be due to several factors such as misinformation about water depths, operator error, or changes in the waterway. When a boat gets grounded, it is crucial to stay calm and assess the situation. Checking for injuries, leaks, and damage to the boat is essential. If there is structural damage or anyone is injured, it is important to call for help immediately. If the boat is intact and no one is hurt, you can try various methods to free the boat, such as reversing off, pushing off, or using a kedge anchor. However, it is important to be cautious and patient as hasty reactions can cause further damage to the boat. Additionally, grounding can have electrical implications, and it is important to ensure the boat's electrical systems are properly grounded to prevent shocks and corrosion.

Engine may overheat due to silt and debris

When a boat gets grounded, its cooling water intakes often fill with silt and debris, which can cause the engine to overheat. Even if the intake grates or sea strainers are not visibly compromised, the engine temperature should be monitored once the boat is back underway. If the boat has a pressure gauge, it should be checked for any decrease in cold water flow.

If the engine raw water intake sucks up dirt and debris, it can clog or damage the engine's cooling system. A rapid rise in temperature can indicate that the engine's cooling system is compromised and the engine should be shut down immediately.

After the boat has been grounded, it is a good idea to pull the impeller on the raw-water pump and check it for scoring on the outer, rounded edges of the impeller. The impeller should also be checked for cracks where its blades join the hub. This requires pulling the impeller out of the pump and flexing the blades to the side. In addition, the inside of the pump should be inspected for abrasion of the soft (probably bronze) surfaces and the wear plate.

The silt stirred up by the engine can occasionally clog the heat exchangers or other passages, and these may need to be cleaned. Overall, it is important to be vigilant about monitoring the engine temperature and checking for debris buildup to prevent overheating and potential engine damage when a boat gets grounded.

Risk of gasoline leaks

When a boat runs aground, one of the first things to do is check for gasoline leaks. A quick sniff of the air around the boat should be enough to tell you whether your boat is leaking gasoline. If your boat is leaking fuel, do not smoke or turn your engine back on.

Gasoline is a highly flammable substance, and a leak can pose a serious risk of fire or explosion. In the event of a gasoline leak, it is crucial to take immediate action to prevent a potential disaster. If you are a passenger on a boat that has run aground and suspect a gasoline leak, alert the operator or captain immediately. They may need to shut down the engine to prevent the situation from escalating.

If you are the boat operator, follow standard safety protocols for handling gasoline leaks. This includes shutting down the engine, ventilating the area, and taking steps to contain and clean up the leak. In some cases, it may be necessary to evacuate the boat and call for emergency services.

In addition to the immediate hazards, gasoline leaks can also have long-term environmental consequences. Gasoline is a toxic substance that can contaminate the surrounding water and harm marine life. Even a small leak can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to take any necessary steps to mitigate the environmental impact of a gasoline leak.

To prevent gasoline leaks in the first place, it is crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your boat's fuel system. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage and replacing old or faulty parts. By taking proactive measures, you can help ensure the safety of your passengers, your vessel, and the environment.

Hull damage

When a boat runs aground, hull damage is a serious possibility. The severity of the damage depends on the type of grounding—soft or hard—and the materials used in the boat's construction.

Soft groundings, where the boat can be freed without external help, rarely result in major hull damage or leaks. However, if the boat is backed off a soft bottom, the reverse prop wash may throw sand and mud towards the bow, causing the boat to become more firmly grounded.

Hard groundings, on the other hand, can quickly turn disastrous. Striking objects like rocks or reefs can cause severe hull damage and even lead to injury or death. In such cases, it is best to stay with the boat, put on life jackets, and call for help. If the hull is compromised and the boat is in danger of sinking, the Coast Guard should be contacted immediately.

Boat design and construction materials play a significant role in hull damage during groundings. Modern sailboat designs often use lighter materials, resulting in a higher proportion of damage. Thinner keels that strike objects can have their aft ends pushed up into the hull, while the leading edge is pulled down, causing hull damage.

Additionally, the type of waterbody and the objects beneath the surface can affect the extent of hull damage. Regions like New England, the Great Lakes, and the West Coast have granite ledges and rocks that can be unforgiving to boats that run aground. In contrast, areas like New Jersey, the southeastern states, and Florida typically have sandy, silty bottoms that are more forgiving.

Even if a boat appears to be undamaged after a grounding, there could be hidden structural issues. It is crucial to monitor the bilge and have the boat hauled and inspected by a professional to prevent further complications.

Risk of injury

The greatest risk of serious injury when boating is posed by moving propellers. A typical three-blade propeller can inflict 160 impacts in one second and can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one-tenth of a second. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that individuals do not come into contact with the propellers, which can cause severe harm or even be fatal.

To prevent propeller injuries, boat operators should inform their passengers about unsafe activities around the propeller, the proper use of safety equipment, and the importance of wearing an engine cut-off switch (ECOS). Operators should also establish routines and prevention strategies for safely starting the motor, such as checking for people in the water near the boat, never starting the engine with the engine in gear, and never boarding or disembarking when the engine is on or idling.

In addition, when retrieving a person from the water, operators should turn the bow of the boat toward the person to keep them away from the propeller. To move the boat alongside a person in the water, the engine should be turned off at least a boat length before reaching them. Never reverse the boat to pick someone up out of the water.

Furthermore, whenever a person is entering or exiting the water near a boat, it is crucial to turn off the engine to eliminate the risk of injury. This not only protects individuals from the propeller but also prevents accidental movements of the boat caused by engine thrust or gear engagement.

By following these safety precautions, boat operators can significantly reduce the risk of propeller-related injuries and create a safer environment for both passengers and individuals in the water.

Engine damage

When a boat engine is not grounded, it refers to the electrical systems not being brought to a "zero voltage potential". This is an essential process to prevent electrical shocks, injury, corrosion of metals, and battery drainage.

If a boat engine is not grounded, it can result in serious engine damage. Here are some ways in which engine damage can occur:

Electrolytic Corrosion

This type of corrosion can quickly eat away at and disintegrate the metal components of your engine, causing significant damage. Electrolytic corrosion can occur when there is no grounding system in place to neutralise the voltage potential of the water around the boat.

Electrical Shocks and Electrocution

Without a grounding system, you and your passengers are at risk of electrical shocks or even electrocution when touching metal parts or equipment on the boat.

Battery Drainage

A grounding system helps prevent unintentional battery drainage by ensuring that all electrical currents are contained within the DC wiring.

Engine Overheating

When a boat runs aground, the cooling water intakes can fill with silt and debris, leading to engine overheating. This can cause severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Engine Raw Water Intake Clogging

If you try to back off from a grounding, the engine's raw water intake may suck up dirt and debris, clogging the cooling system and potentially causing engine damage.

Structural Damage

When a boat runs aground, the impact can cause structural damage to the hull and engine. This can include cracks, leaks, and damage to the engine chassis and propeller shaft.

It is important to consult a professional if you are unsure about the grounding status of your boat or if you need assistance with grounding or rewiring.

Frequently asked questions