It happens to the best of us. You're cruising along, the sun's on your face, the wind's in your hair, the water is glass, and then, nothing. Your engine sputters once, twice, and then goes dead silent.
Every boater knows that a boat breakdown is nothing short of a gut punch. And while we hope you never have to experience it, they're not exactly uncommon. So, here's exactly what to do if your boat breaks down on the water.
Step 1: Don't Panic
Your first instinct is going to be to grab your phone and start frantically calling every boater in your contact list. But don't move so fast. The first thing to do after your boat breaks down on the water is to take a breath and get everyone safe.
- First, ensure that everyone on board is wearing a life jacket and is seated.
- Second, you'll need to stop your boat from drifting into trouble.
Trust us – the last thing you want is to drift toward a crowded channel or into a rocky shore. If you can drop your anchor, do so immediately. If you're in deeper water or a strong current, try your best to slow your drift by pointing the bow of the boat upriver or using a drift sock.
Step 2: Start Troubleshooting
Before you get on the radio, we recommend a few quick checks. More often than not, a boat breakdown has a simple fix that you can do on your own!
- Fuel: The most common reason a boat breaks down on water is a simple lack of fuel. Are your fuel tanks empty? Did you forget to switch from one tank to the other? Are your fuel lines clear and not pinched? This is a quick look that can save you much hassle.
- Battery: An engine that won't turn over is often a battery issue. Ensure your battery connections are secure, and if you have a jump starter on board, now's the time to use it.
- Kill Switch: This is the one that gets a lot of us. Is the kill switch properly attached? If it's not, the engine won't do a thing.
- Overheating: If your engine was running hot before it died, let it cool down. It might have a clogged intake or a bad impeller. While you won't be able to fix that on the spot, it can bring some peace of mind to at least know what happened.
Step 3: How to Signal for Help
None of your checks worked? Then, it's time to call for help.
Your best tool in this situation is your marine radio. Channel 16 is the international distress and calling frequency.
Once you find it, clearly state who you are, your location, the problem you're experiencing (e.g., boat breakdown), and the number of people on board. Try your best to keep it short and sweet – both the Coast Guard and your fellow boaters will be listening.
If you don't get your response right away? That's where your distress signals come in. Flares, a distress flag, or a strobe light at night are meant to catch the eye of anyone passing by. These are a visual way to show you need help, and are required on board for a reason.
Read Next: How to Use a VHF Radio
Step 4: Keep the Crew Calm While You Wait
Unfortunately, step four is to sit back, relax (as best you can), and wait. Keep your crew hydrated and out of the sun (put up your bimini or sunshade). And try to ease their worries by keeping a calm attitude. Reassure them that help is on the way, and make sure everyone stays on board. (Don't let anyone try to go swimming for help.)
Note that you should never abandon your boat unless it's actively sinking. It's your biggest safety asset and much easier for rescuers to spot.
The Best Offense is a Good Defense
This might be blunt, but the best way to handle a boat breakdown is to avoid it in the first place. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent your boat from breaking down on the water.
Make sure to service your engine regularly, check your engine oil before every trip, inspect your battery, inspect your prop shaft a few times a season, and follow the rest of our Boat Maintenance Checklist.
