What to Do If a Boat & Motor Submerge

Boating is typically one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States. Each year, millions of people use motorboats on lakes, rivers and oceans. As a result, boating accidents, including swamping and submersion, are a frequent occurrence. The steps taken after an accident may ensure the survival of crew members and the possible salvage of the boat and engine.

  1. Pre-departure Preparation

    • If your boat and motor submerge, it's best not to wait until you end up in the water to come up with a plan. The Boat U.S. Foundation recommends filing a boat plan to let people know where you're going, carrying signaling devices such as flares and making sure that every crew member has a personal flotation device, known as a PFD, before leaving the dock. This way if the boat becomes swamped, you can try and get help immediately.

    If the Boat Submerges

    • Boat Alabama, the state's official boating license and boat safety course, advises that if a boat is swamped or submerged, stay with the boat if possible. This is because a swamped boat is easier to see and will signal that you are in trouble. As long as the boat remains afloat, you should also try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible.

    Bailing and Patching the Boat

    • A patch kit and bailing bucket, sometimes called a bail pail, should be carried on a boat every time it leaves the dock. The bucket, either plastic or cloth, should be secured with a line so it doesn't get lost in an emergency. If the boat begins to submerge, use the bucket to bail out the water, scooping as much water as you can comfortably lift or as much as the bucket will hold. Water levels should be reduced enough to try and locate the source of a leak below the waterline, and a fiberglass repair kit used for a quick repair that will hold long enough to get the boat to shore.

    Salvaging the Boat and Motor

    • The Louisiana Sportsman notes that the key to salvaging a storm-submerged boat is to take action as soon as possible. This includes washing out any dirt and contaminated water from the boat and engine, inspecting and preserving internal components and eventually testing ignition. The electrical system on the boat will also likely need a lot of work, but with enough man-hours salvaging the boat is not impossible.