Weak link causes sinkings

A WEAK link in glass fibre river boats has caused many to sink in the recent freezing conditions.

One boat, even with three electric heaters installed sank overnight in a marina, due to the poor design of a filter on the toilet inlet, that failed due to ice, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Quarter of the strength

It was a Jabsco unit, but it was found the fitting had only the quarter strength and none of the flexibility of the hoses to which it was attached. Another cruiser sank when the toilet pump split due to ice.

It is felt that manufacturers should examine the inherent weakness  of fittings that though will stand normal winters are not up to the severe conditions at present being experienced.

Particularly susceptible

Ireland was particularly susceptible to sinkings, not only through the weakness of fittings, but it is believed due to poor or no winterisation.

The freezing condition on the Shannon and its tributaries have resulted in a high number of boats sinking over the past few weeks, many in safe marinas as well as at public jetties.

Submerged to varying degrees

The worst situation was at Shannon Harbour, where the Grand Canal meets the Shannon. A number of boats there were sunk, while others tied to the canal bank were submerged to various degrees.

The problems with these boats is that the pipes connected to the toilets and those connected to engine cooling inlets freeze, with the pipes expanding and cracking, allowing water into the boats.

If the boats are properly winterised with all sea cocks closed, this cannot happen, but clement winters have given boaters a false sense of security, and they have subsequently been left open.

A boat will sink quite slowly, but if the owner is not known or cannot be contacted, there is little that can be done.