Traveling Along the ICW and the Chesapeake Bay? Beware of Flood Debris From Hurricane Sandy

Be on the lookout for floating debris from Hurricane Sandy. Debris like this that
could seriously damage the hull of your boat. 

Normally this time of year, boaters have to be concerned about cooler water  temperatures, rapid temperature swings, and being more self-reliant as fewer  boaters are on the water to help in a potential emergency. With the recent  storms, however, you can add one more to  the list: a dramatic increase in the number of submerged objects lurking on or  just below the surface of rain swollen rivers, lakes and bays.


The fact is that small boats moving at high speeds can be sunk easily by striking a submerged object, whether it's a tree, parts of buildings, fences, landscape timbers or other debris washed down in recent storms.

What's the best precaution? Slow down after significant rain events and post extra lookouts  - the more eyes the better. It's really a problem for any boat as running gear and out drives can be damaged and lead to water coming in.

MILE MARKER "0" AICW BLOG  HAS THESE FOUR TIPS:

Before you go: Have all of the safety and communications gear aboard  and ensure the bilge pumps are working and there is no debris in the bilge.  It's always a good idea to have an extra bailer or two aboard, such as a  bucket, emergency hand pump or even a cut-off detergent bottle. Also understand  that navigational aids may have shifted.

Stop for any "thud": If you hear a thud, always stop the boat immediately  and inspect the bilge or storage compartments for damage - then check again a  short while later. A crack can  open up after a boat has bounced around a while. Another sign of damage is the  boat may feel "funny" or less responsive, a sign that water is coming aboard.

Put on life jackets: If you find water coming aboard - even if it's just  a trickle - immediately put on your life jacket and notify the Coast Guard as  you could lose the power and the ability to send a distress call on your VHF.  It takes only seconds for a trickle to get worse.

Be prepared to improvise: If you do find a hole in the hull, bilge pumps alone  may not stem the tide. Use anything you may have aboard such as towels, wooden  bungs (keep them handy for plugging round holes such as prop shaft logs), or other gear to wedge into holes or cracks.

This blog is brought to you by the staff at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery located in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com  Be safe!