Mooring 101 Question

[Smitti]

Hi Guys,

I am sorry to say that I am going to ask a question that everyone probably knows the answer to but me. I leave my boat on a mooring and I do all I can to make sure it stays on the top of the water as opposed to under the water. I am not sure if I should leave the valve from my fish box open or closed. The box is designed so that water will not enter the box unless the cover is open. Obviously when not in use I leave the cover closed and rain water should just flow out the scuppers and not enter the fish box. There is a drain that must work to let water flow out of the fish box when the boat is under way. When I leave the boat on the mooring should I leave the valve open or should I close it? Same question for the wash down valve. Thanks in advance for the answers.

[DaleH]

What matters, unless I am missing something with YOUR specific set-up, is that the seacock, see below, bronze shown [also made of marelon] that (1) feeds water to or from the livewell and/or washdown AND (2) that is underwater and would sink your boat if a line ruptured ... is closed.

http://homepage.mac.com/kevinfarrell/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-09-28%2017.53.01%20-0700/Image-5C4B9C7C4F5411DB.jpg

On some installations, there is a valve, as you mention, by the livewell that would shut off the feed to the livewell when it and the washdown are 'fed' by the same seacock. These are typically used to allow maximum pressure and water delivery to the washdown when it is in use. Seacocks are mated right up against the hull, with the valve or shutoff handle immediately above the flange. Once closed, they effectively seal off the boat against water intrusion, even if the line or device above it fails.

On some livewells, that drain line drains overboard, but underwater. You MUST seal or or close any valve/line below the water. Some boats may not have a proper seacock installed ... if so, I would install them pronto!

For a boat on a mooring, also make sure you have a good auto bilge pump or two. I now use the Johnson Ultima series as there's no moving parts or float switch to fail, as they use a water-sensing device. My brother had a Johnson pump last 14 seasons and they were also the top-rated pump brand by Powerboat Reports until they (PB-R) closed their doors.

Also keep your scuppers clear/clean.

Welcome to Reel-Time Smitti! ... the only 'dumb question' here is the one you don't ask ... ;)

Edit ... NOTE - make sure to use a proper seacock with the FLANGE that mounts up against the hull and DO NOT use a simple ball valve mounted on a stem like this:

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/files/parker_projects_005_small_732.jpg