Boat Engine Dead? Here's What You Need To Do

If your boat engine dies, the first thing to do is to ensure everyone on board is aware of the problem and that they put on a life jacket. Dropping the anchor is also crucial to prevent drifting into unfamiliar waters. If you're unable to drop the anchor, it's important to slow your rate of drift using a sea anchor or any resources on your boat that can create drag in the water. If anyone is in immediate danger, make an emergency call, but if not, a pan-pan call will alert other boaters and rescue services to your situation without causing panic. Once you know help is on the way, you can try some basic troubleshooting to identify common issues with the engine.

Put on life jackets

If your boat engine dies, the first thing you need to do is put on your life jacket. It is also important that everyone else on board does the same. This is because a non-operational outboard engine puts everyone on board at heightened risk. If the water police arrive and find that no one is wearing a life jacket, the skipper could face a fine.

Life jackets are especially important for boats with deeper vee hulls, which tend to be less stable when rocking from side to side compared to more shallow-vee boats. If your boat starts taking on water or becomes swamped, a life jacket could save your life.

If you are the skipper, make sure everyone on board is aware that there is a problem and that you are working on fixing it. If you are a passenger, alert the skipper immediately if you notice the engine has stopped working.

If you are wearing a life jacket and the boat starts to sink, stay with the boat. A boat will float for some time even after it has sunk, and it will be easier for rescuers to spot.

If you are travelling with children, ensure they are also wearing properly fitted life jackets. Do not take children onto a boat without life jackets.

Drop anchor

Dropping anchor is one of the first things you should do if your boat engine dies. Anchoring will prevent your boat from drifting further away from where other boats are likely to pass by, and it will also prevent you from drifting into unfamiliar waters where currents, tides, and underwater hazards could complicate things for you or those coming to your assistance.

However, dropping anchor is not always possible, especially if you are out at sea where the water might be too deep for ground tackle. In such cases, you can use a sea anchor, which is like a heavy-duty parachute that slows the boat's drift and helps it to steer into the oncoming seas. If you don't have a sea anchor, you can use anything that creates drag in the water, such as buckets, coats, seats, or ice boxes.

If you do have ground tackle, make sure it is in good condition and ready to deploy at a moment's notice. Regularly inspect your anchor and rode, and avoid stowing ground tackle in a place that is difficult to access in an emergency.

If you are in shallow water, you can use a pole-style shallow-water anchor. These devices use articulating arms and fibreglass spikes that are stabbed into the lake or seabed and can be effective in depths of up to about 7 to 10 feet. However, they lose their effectiveness in big waves.

When dropping anchor, make sure you have enough anchor line to keep the anchor submerged as the boat pitches in heavy seas.

Slow your rate of drift

If you are unable to drop anchor, it is important to slow your rate of drift as much as possible. This can be done by using a sea anchor, which is like a heavy-duty parachute that forces the boat to drift slowly with the current rather than being pushed along quickly by the wind.

If you don't have a sea anchor, you can use anything that creates drag in the water as an anchor. This includes buckets, coats, seats, ice boxes, and even a bundle of ropes tied together. Just make sure to attach whatever you use to the bow of the boat so that it faces the weather.

It is also important to note your drift speed and direction, as this information will be useful for rescue services if you need assistance. Additionally, monitor your depth to determine if it is better to drop anchor.

Make an emergency call

If anyone on board is in immediate danger, such as the boat drifting towards rocks, make a mayday call immediately. If there is no immediate danger, try some basic troubleshooting, and if that doesn't work, make a pan-pan call to alert other boaters and rescue services to your situation.

A pan-pan call lets other boaters know that you are in need of help but that they don't need to rush to your aid. A boat hearing your pan-pan call should respond and let you know how long it will take to reach you. Once you know help is coming, prepare the boat for a tow. Make the boat as visible as possible.

If you are in US waters, you can call the Coast Guard. If you are in the Caribbean, you can call VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue).

Check for common engine issues

If your boat engine has died, there are several common issues you can check for. Firstly, ensure that all safety features are disengaged. Modern boats are often equipped with a safety lanyard or ignition interrupt switch that must be connected for the boat to start. Check that your boat is in neutral, as most boats need to be in neutral for the engine to start. If your boat is in gear, components like lights and gauges will still work, but the engine will not start.

The next step is to check the battery. If the starter engages but the engine cranks slowly, your battery may be low and require charging. If the engine does not turn over at all, the battery may be dead and need replacing. If your boat has two batteries or a battery switch, ensure that it is set to "on" or "both". Also, check the battery cables and ensure that the connections between the engine and battery are not loose or corroded. Reconnect or replace any damaged cables.

If your engine is not primed, try priming it and then check that fuel is getting to the engine. If your boat has an electric primer, you can do this by removing one of the fuel hoses and asking someone to push the key into the ignition while you check for fuel flow. Place a bucket or cup underneath to prevent spillage. If your boat has a pressurized fuel system, pump the primer bulb several times. After a few squeezes, the bulb should become firm, indicating that the fuel system is pressurized. If this does not happen, check the fuel lines, engine, tank, and filters for leaks.

Check that the fuel lines are not kinked or pinched, as this will block fuel flow to the engine. Ensure that all connectors have a tight seal and that all O-rings in the fuel system are intact. A ripped O-ring or loose connection can cause air to leak into the fuel lines and prevent the boat from starting.

Check that all gas tank air vents are open and unobstructed. Your boat gas tank requires adequate ventilation for ignition to occur. Also, check that the engine exhaust is not blocked. During winter storage, rodents sometimes build nests in boat engine exhaust outlets, which can prevent the engine from starting.

If there is water or dirt in the fuel system, you will need to drain the water and change the fuel filter. Flush the fuel system and refill it with new fuel if you can see dirt accumulation in the fuel tank or filters.

Finally, check the spark plugs. Dirty or damaged spark plugs can make it difficult for the engine to crank. Inspect and replace any spark plugs that are broken or dirty.

Frequently asked questions