What "lack of" maintenance items can sink my boat?

[thompsdw]

I assume the obvious maintenance items would be the drive bellows and seacocks (valve and hoses). I just want to make sure I address those items in short order. Also, bilge pumps in good condition. Others?

[Four Suns]

The $3 hose clamp.

[rcon]

Check *all* those hose clamps on your sea cocks, not just the obvious rusted - trying to work (with rubber mallet) one of mine (it is corroded open), a slight knock on an adjacent hose clamp broke it off.

Good thing they're all double clamped :)

[thompsdw]

I'm wondering if it's just a good idea to replace the hoses and clamps. That's cheap insurance.

[Bob & Sue]

Check for any cracked or loose through hole drains and hoses. I check all hose clamps, hoses and wire connectors at least once every 2 weeks when I'm checking fluid levels. Open engine hatch everytime I'm going out and coming in always check bilge before leaving for home a boat sunk at our marina last weekend from a hole in the shift cable bellows it's a total loss.

[thompsdw]

What wire connectors do you check? Are there some in the engine room versus at the transom?

[Bob & Sue]

What wire connectors do you check? Are there some in the engine room versus at the transom?

I check all plug in types like fuse holders from battery to bilge pump, all the ground connector terminal blocks for tightness and corrosion, wire harness connector and battery terminals they can come loose from vibration basicly anything you can see or reach with a wrench or screwdriver. Also grease the coupler every month while I'm down there we put about 400 hours on it this year already.

[thompsdw]

Has anyone found a true all 316 stainless steel hose clamp?

[thompsdw]

Btw - will a seacock at rest flood a boat, or only at running speed due to water pressure?

[MonacoMike]

Btw - will a seacock at rest flood a boat, or only at running speed due to water pressure?

The same as any other hole in the hull of a boat, it will sink you... MM