Boating is an extremely enjoyable activity, whether you fish, tow, surf or just hang out at the sandbar. However, things can and will go awry. A recent incident reminded me that being prepared is more than having a life vest and first aid kit.

A Cautionary Tale

On a crisp Sunday morning, I got a call from the dockmaster at our marina. Our 23-foot center console was taking on water. I had just broken my wrist (a cautionary story for another time), so I asked him if he would go into the center console, retrieve our manual bilge pump and start pumping. I called a good friend and highly experienced boater; he went out to assist. They tried to use a sump pump from the marina, but it would not fit into the bilge access port. Before quitting from exhaustion, they had stabilized the situation.

I went to the marina to see the situation for myself. Getting onboard was a problem. It was low tide, and the boat was sitting three feet below the fixed finger dock. With one good arm, I was able to get into the boat. Of course, my weight destabilized the situation, and water began to flow into the boat through the scuppers in the transom at the very rear. I retrieved the hand pump and tried to operate it with one hand. Not possible. I called my son, who is a middle school math teacher (bless his heart), and he said he would leave school early and come right away.

We found that if I shifted my weight up to the bow rail, the scuppers would lift high enough to stop the inflow, and Brandt could pump without water coming into the bilge. We tried to contact other friends to assist, since hand pumping can be exhausting. Brandt called his principal, who is a longtime boater, and he agreed to help. Arriving with a trusty shop vac, Chad, his son Dillion and RJ, one of Brandt’s students, joined in. They were able to drain the estimated 250 gallons of water in about 20 minutes. There seemed to be no further intrusion, so on that note we decided to lick our wounds at the marina tiki bar.

Further investigation revealed that the bilge pump was fine; however, the float switch failed. Rain accumulated in the bilge, lowering the boat to the point that water could come in from the transom scuppers.

Lesson Learned

Frequently check the bilge pump and float switch for proper operation.

Resolution

The marina and I each bought a battery-operated telescoping pole pump that easily stores onboard and fits any bilge access port. It can transfer 15 gallons per minute without breaking a sweat. Home Depot carries a Ryobi cordless model for $169. Money well spent.

Further Thoughts

With 60 years of boating experience, here are a few recommendations to be better prepared when sh!t happens.

Have a handheld, waterproof, floating VHF onboard. Amazon has models ranging from the Retevis RM01 handheld marine radio for under $60.

Carry two sets of ground tackle (anchor, chain and rode). West Marine can help size the appropriate ground tackle for your needs.

Take a marine waterproof first-aid kit. Capability and price vary. Walmart carries an Orion Boat Mate First Aid Kit for under $18. MyMedic offers the MyFAK Mini Pro Waterproof Boat First Aid Kit for $250.

Always have bottled water and sunscreen onboard.

And, of course, a Ryobi battery-operated telescoping pole pump.

Ponce Inlet March 2026 Tide Report