Key Takeaways:
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Poor boat maintenance is a major cause of boating accidents: In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard determined that 28% of all accidents were the result of improperly maintained boats.
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Six different maintenance issues:Inadequate navigation lights, failure of vent exhausts, equipment and hull failure, and missing navigational aid are the main maintenance lapses.
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Mechanical failure is common: Engine overheat, propeller fouling, steering cable failure, etc., are the main reasons for mechanical failure of a boat.
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Regular maintenance prevents common boating accidents: Bringing a boat to a qualified mechanic or boatyard for maintenance and repairs keeps a boat in top operating condition.
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Duty of care: It’s the responsibility of the boat owner and operator to maintain the boat for safety measures. Otherwise, they may be subjected to negligence of their duty of care.
It’s no secret that boats are expensive to maintain. This is true of pleasure craft and large vessels. Also true is that any type of boat can suffer from poor maintenance. A boat owner that neglects maintenance needs is putting themselves and others at risk of an accident. So, what percentage of accidents occur because of bad boat maintenance? Is there any statistics of boat accidents due to poor or inappropriate boat maintenance?
The US Coast Guard reported that 28% of the boat accidents happen because of poor boat maintenance or not doing it on time. Main reasons include lack of navigational light or equipment, engine failure, hull damage, etc., arising from inadequate maintenance.
What percentage of accidents occur because of bad boat maintenance?
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that 28% of boating accidents are caused by poor boat maintenance. Boats require a higher level of maintenance due to the fact they’re operating on water, a naturally hostile environment.
Water corrodes metal, shorts electrical equipment, and seizes engines if proper maintenance isn’t followed. A boat that suffers from a lack of maintenance is more likely to get involved in an accident of some type. In the 2022 USCG report, Machinery Failure accounted for 7.8% (315 of 4,040) of total boat accidents. The USCG 2023 data found that 75% of fatal accident victims were on vessels because the operator had not received boating safety instruction. So, they were unaware about the due maintenance, often overlooked by the owner.
Here’s a look at the types of accidents caused by bad boat maintenance.
Machinery and equipment failures involve the engine and systems that control the boat. They include:
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Electrical system
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Engine
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Fuel system
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Exhaust system
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Throttle
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Ventilation
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Steering
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Shifter
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Onboard navigation
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Broken seat
Cause | Number of Accidents | Number of Injuries | Number of Deaths |
Lack of working onboard navigation lights | 16 | 13 | 7 |
Failure to ventilate exhaust gases | 27 | 25 | 2 |
Equipment failure | 37 | 5 | 2 |
Hull failure | 58 | 5 | 3 |
Machinery failure | 289 | 94 | 13 |
Missing or inadequate navigation aid | 40 | 15 | 2 |
Lack of functional navigation lights:
Boats have running and navigational lights. They make the boat visible in poor light, and help the operator navigate in low-light conditions. These lights can burn out or suffer from an electrical short. Not maintaining these lights serves to reduce the boat’s visibility at dusk and dark.
The four main lights used for most vessels are:
- Sidelights:
- Red light on the port (left) side, visible from dead ahead to 112.5-degree aft.
- Green light on the starboard (right) side, visible from 112.5-degree aft.
- Sternlight:
- White light at the stern (rear), visible over a $135-degree arc.
- Masthead Light:
- White light is placed forward, visible over a $225-degree arc
- Required only for power-driven vessels.
Exhaust gases collect in the boat:
A boat exhaust is close to the interior and occupants of a boat. If there’s a failure in the exhaust manifold or the gases blow inside, the occupants are exposed to dangerous fumes.
Equipment failure:
Equipment failure includes any feature of the boat. For example, a common failure is seat hinges. Seat hinges corrode over time, but are commonly overlooked during regular maintenance checks. A seat back can suddenly give way when someone sits down and causes an injury.
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Engine/Propulsion Failure: Engine stopping, overheating, loss of power, etc.
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Steering System Failure: Steering being locked up, unresponsive, loss of control.
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Hull Integrity Failure: There could be major leak, hole, forgetting the drain plug, etc.
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Electrical System Failure: Dead battery, loss of power to vital electronics.
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Communication Equipment Failure: VHF radio malfunction, inability to send distress call.
Hull failure:
A hull fails when a crack or hole forms, allowing water into the bilge and into the boat itself. This causes the boat to sink.
Machinery failure:
Machinery failure involves the engine, pumps, and other mechanical parts of the boat. An example is the steering system. The steering wheel is connected to the prop through wires or linkages. A failure in these parts makes it impossible to steer the boat and bring it to safety.
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Main Engine Failure: Total stoppage, loss of RPM, sudden overheating.
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Steering Gear Failure: Inadequate hydraulic pressure, broken linkage, rudder jamming.
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Generator/Electrical Power Failure: Total blackout, battery not charging, main switchboard fault.
Lack of navigational aids:
Navigational aids include navigational lights, GPS, radar, and radios. It’s easy to get lost on a large body of water, and these aids help you find your way back to shore. Getting to shore or calling for help is difficult when these aids are malfunctioning or not working. Redundancy in the form of multiple aids helps, but they’re useless if the electrical system is failing.
6 Main Causes of Boating Accidents:
Boating accidents are almost always the result of six main causes. Other causes exist, but they’re statistically insignificant. Here’s a look at the main causes and how they can lead to an accident.
Bad boat maintenance:
Not putting any maintenance into a boat is a guaranteed way to get into an accident. The boat engine can fail, a hole in the hull causes a leak, and steering failure makes the boat uncontrollable.
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Neglected engine oil and filters.
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Untreated hull corrosion/osmosis.
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Unchecked electrical wiring/connections.
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Worn-out drive belts and hoses.
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Ignored cooling system blockages.
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Uninspected safety equipment.
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Deferred bottom painting and zinc replacement.
Operator inattention and inexperience:
Lacking experience with piloting a boat means the operator lacks awareness of common hazards. Not paying attention for extended periods of time also results in a lack of awareness of your surroundings.
Lack Of Operator Boating Education:
Piloting a boat has a similar feel to that of driving a car, but the engine controls are very different. Not having familiarity with the controls can lead to an accident.
Excessive speed:
Going too fast for marked conditions is likely to lead to an accident of some kind. This can be the result of going too fast to avoid an obstacle, or slowing the boat too quickly.
Machinery failure:
A failed bilge pump can let water into the boat, causing the boat to sink. In the event the engine fails, the boat goes adrift and is at risk of floating into an obstacle.
Alcohol and drug usage:
Using mind-altering substances while boating increases the odds of a boating accident. You’re more likely to make a bad decision while under the influence. Overcoming a mechanical failure is also more difficult for the same reason.
7 Boat Maintenance Tips:
Boats need frequent maintenance to keep them in good working order. These tips will help you stay on top of the common issues that frequently show up. You can also use them as a checklist to go over before you start your boat every time you take it out.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection:
A boat should get a thorough detailed cleaning about once a month. This keeps algae from growing on the hull and allows for an inspection. Boats deteriorate faster in the water. Regular cleaning and inspection lets you get ahead of damage.
Engine Maintenance:
Marine engines are designed to withstand a watery environment and remain operational. However, they have an increased risk of failure because they’re used in a wet environment. Regular oil changes and seal checks serve to reduce the risk of an unexpected failure.
Battery Care:
The battery keeps your vital electronics operational. Perform regular checks of the terminals for corrosion and build-up. Test an older battery to make sure it won’t fail at the worst possible moment.
Propeller Maintenance:
The propeller, or prop, gets beaten up by the underwater environment. You’ll see chips and dings in the prop over time. Change it out once you notice signs of wear or metal fatigue.
Electrical System Checks:
The electrical system powers everything from the engine starter to the running lights. Get regular checks of the electrical system for shorts or faults in the wiring. This can prevent an unexpected power loss.
Winterization:
Proper boat winterization ensures a boat is ready for the next season. Make sure all water is drained from the boat prior to dry docking it. The engine requires specific preparation that keeps it lubricated and primed while it’s not in use. Consider using a winterization service for the best results.
Professional Service and Support:
Professional boat mechanics and maintenance specialists have expert knowledge when it comes to keeping a boat sound. They’re familiar with how boats operate and their routine maintenance needs. Bringing your boat in for regular servicing means your boat is much less likely to break down.
Schedule A Consultation with A Jones Act Attorney Today
A boating accident can cause serious injuries and result in a loss of life. If you were injured in an accident on a poorly maintained boat, you have rights. Contact a Jones Act attorney to schedule a consultation regarding your accident. A Jones Act lawyer will listen to your case, and help you file a claim under maritime rules and laws.
Filing a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim for injuries received on a body of water is different from a traditional claim. A Jones Act attorney can help you through the process and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to learn more and set up a consultation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A qualified boat mechanic should perform annual maintenance on your boat. It will help you know the defects and repair and maintain them to avoid accidents.
The rule of thumb for the annual cost of boat maintenance is 10% of its purchase price. Consider this amount as an estimate because actual costs can vary.
Yes. Boat maintenance is more expensive due to the fact its mechanical and electronics are vulnerable to water damage. These items need to be monitored and repaired as soon as damage is found.
The owner's manual for your boat tells you its recommended annual maintenance. However, a boat should be inspected at least once a year. Ideally, you should have your boat inspected before and after each season.
