As we get our Pride and Joy ready for the season I cannot stress enough the need to check all of your Thru-Hulls and their connections.
It is estimated that over 60% of boat sinkings are do to failure in the Thru-Hull or Internal connections.
The plastic Thru-Hulls become brittle over time due to sunlight and the elements, as the internal connection hoses also break down.
Check all of the Thru-Hulls both below and above the waterline, look for tiny cracks and deterioration of the sealants around them.
With the hose look for them to be faded from their original color, small cracks, brittleness and any evidence of leaking. Check the hose clamps or connectors.
I have gotten into the habit on my last three boats of replacing all the thru-hulls with stainless steel ones and sealing them with 5200.
Better taking that little extra time and effort than coming to the dock and seeing your baby as part of the underwater habitat.
Have a safe season
