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How much water?

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jduck00
Captain

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USA
313 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/22/2013 : 06:20:33

How much water does it take to sink a Catalina 25?

I'm nerding up the electronics on my boat and plan on adding a water sensor tied to a fire alarm horn. I figure I can at least annoy the guys at the club if the boat starts taking on water. Hopefully someone will take a look at it.

I'm sure I can get close enough with buoyancy calcs and a few beers, but would like to know if you guys have any thoughts on the matter.

I know a guy that almost lost his boat at the club when one of the thru hulls failed and started leaking. That got me to thinking.

Jeremy Duck
The Lucky Duck
1980 SKSR Hull # 1850

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2013 : 07:43:49

I had an unfortunate situation once where through hull let water in and it was discovered when water was level with the bench seats. Managed to dewater it okay first bailing and then finished up with big rule bilge pump. So, it takes quite a bit to sink her.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2013 : 09:11:12

I'd put the sensor near the top of the bilge. That much water wouldn't be anywhere near enough to sink the boat, but if the water level gets that high in the bilge, I'd want to know about it. If it spills out of the bilge, it can begin doing damage. Ordinarily, the water level should never get that high. You don't want to set an alarm based on the point when the boat loses buoyancy and sinks. You want it to alert you long before it sinks, so you have time to do something about it.

I have a sensor like that in my boat, called a "Water Witch," but instead of setting off an alarm, it is connected to my electric bilge pump, and, if more than a splash of water is in the bilge, it turns on the pump automatically. You might consider installing an electric bilge pump as an alternative to an alarm.

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jduck00
Captain

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USA
313 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2013 : 13:33:43

That's good to know Paul. I figured that much water would put one under. I was curious how high the water could go after the bilge is full. At least I know that putting the sensor at the top of the bilge is safe. I have an electric bilge pump that has a float switch. I'm just a firm believer in Murphy's law.

Thanks Fellows

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.