When the sun is shining, spending the afternoon on your fishing boat or pontoon boat is the perfect recreational activity. As you navigate the waters, it’s important to exercise caution to protect your passengers and boat equipment. In the event you hit a submerged object and damage your vessel, follow these steps to ensure safety and to keep your boat from sinking. 

4 Steps to Follow When Your Fishing Boat Hits Something Underwater

1. Stop & Check the Safety of Individuals

Immediately after hitting a submerged object, whether it be a rock, debris, or another vessel, cut the engine if it’s still on to stop your boat from moving. Before proceeding, take the time to check on the safety of all individuals on-board. If you’ve hit another boat, confirm there are no injuries on their side as well. 

2. Assess the Damage

Once you’ve determined all passengers are fine, visually assess your boat to see if you’re taking on water. In this situation, ensure your life vest is adjusted correctly and focus on stopping the water flow with a towel, rag, or anything you have readily available. Use a bucket to collect and dump water off the sides. 

3. Secure Your Boat

After establishing a temporary fix to patch a hole and prevent taking on water, focus on securing your boat and getting it to shore as quickly as possible. If the damage appears minimal and you are not aground on a submerged object, turn on the engine and shift forward and backward to confirm you haven’t lost propulsion. If you’re able to move your boat safely, head toward the dock or shoreline cautiously. 

4. Contact Authorities & Document Damage

When safely on land, contact the local authorities and report the incident. As with auto accidents, collisions and damage to your boat need to be properly documented and investigated. Once you’ve gone through the proper channels, whether it be local authorities or the U.S. Coast Guard, take photographs of the damage your vessel has endured. You’ll need this documentation for your records and your insurance company.

If you’re looking for a fishing boat, a pontoon boat, or a yacht, Dewey's Cook Inlet is the marine dealer for you. Since opening for business in 1964, this Anchorage-based company has become Alaska’s largest one-stop-shop for new and used marine equipment. To discuss their current inventory, call at (907) 344-5092. For more information on their stellar service, top-notch products, and routine maintenance options, visit their website.