Keeping your boat shipshape!

Emergency — What to do if…

One tap gets calm, step-by-step guidance — with your exact position ready to share with help.

Stay calm. Read the first step, then the next. Only call for help when a step says so.

Your exact position

If you need to tell someone exactly where you are, grab your position.

Call emergency contact

Keep a contact you trust who knows your plans and your boat.

Engine won't start
  1. Check the kill-switch lanyard is clipped on — it is the #1 cause.
  2. Is the fuel tank vent open? (Vapor-locked tanks won't prime.)
  3. Check the battery: dash lights on? Try the horn. No power = battery/connection.
  4. Press the primer bulb until firm, then try again — but not for more than 10 seconds at a time.
  5. If it cranks but won't fire: check the fuel filter for water (milky = water).
  6. Still no start after these: do NOT keep cranking (starter + battery damage). Call a mechanic.
Boat is taking on water
  1. PUT ON LIFE JACKETS FIRST. Tell everyone to stay calm and stay in the boat.
  2. Find the leak: bilge pump ON, check the drain plug is in and tight.
  3. If the plug is the problem, you can wedge it from outside with a rag if safe.
  4. If a hose split or bellows failed: clamp or pinch it shut if you can reach it safely.
  5. Slow a small leak by stuffing a rag, towel, or fender into the opening.
  6. Call for help NOW if water is rising faster than the bilge pump clears it. Share your position (above) with the rescue service.
Overheating
  1. Reduce throttle to idle immediately — do not shut off unless told to.
  2. Check the water intake is not blocked by weeds, a plastic bag, or mud (tilt up and clear it).
  3. Is the tell-tale stream weak or gone? Likely a blocked or worn impeller.
  4. If it cools at idle, run slowly to the nearest dock, watching the gauge.
  5. Never run hot at full throttle — a blown head gasket or warped head is a $1000+ bill.
  6. If the alarm keeps sounding, shut down, drop anchor, and call a mechanic or tow.
Electrical failure
  1. Turn OFF the battery switch if there is one. Check for burning smell — if present, isolate power.
  2. Check battery connections: loose or corroded terminals cause most failures. Tighten/tap with a tool.
  3. Check the main fuse/breaker on the engine and panel. Spare fuses live in the onboard kit.
  4. Smell or see smoke? Shut everything down, get everyone clear, and call for help.
  5. If only some things work (lights but no start), it's a connection or ground issue — not the battery.
  6. On the water with no power: anchor, use a radio/phone, and wait for help. Don't swim for the ramp.
Lost in fog
  1. Slow to a safe idle and STAY PUT if you can't see. Moving blind is how boats collide.
  2. Turn on navigation lights and a spotlight if dusk or dark.
  3. Sound the horn: 5 short blasts in fog signals “I'm here — I can't see you”.
  4. Open your maps/phone and confirm your position before moving at all.
  5. Listen for waves breaking on shore, other engines, or a ramp to orient yourself.
  6. If you truly don't know where you are, call the coast guard or a local marina and share your position (above).
Prop damage
  1. Reduce throttle to idle immediately — a bent prop vibrates and can damage the drive.
  2. Check for vibration or a knocking sound from the lower unit.
  3. If you hit something: inspect the prop, skeg, and check for water entering the bilge.
  4. A small ding can wait; a badly bent blade means run slow or get towed.
  5. Do NOT run hard on a damaged prop — it strains the driveshaft and bearings.
  6. Note the damage (photo) and call a prop shop or mobile mechanic. Many props can be repaired, not replaced.
Lost GPS
  1. Stay calm and stop if you can — moving blind makes it worse.
  2. You are not truly lost: the boat still floats, and you know roughly where you launched.
  3. Use the old tools: compass heading, landmarks, depth sounder, and your float plan (who knows where you went).
  4. Dead-reckon from your last known position — check the time and speed since then.
  5. If you have a VHF radio, call the coast guard or marina and give your best estimate; use your phone's offline maps if available.
  6. Only call for help if conditions or fuel are unsafe — otherwise head back the way you came, slowly.
Smoke from engine
  1. Shut the engine down immediately and get everyone away from the engine compartment.
  2. DO NOT open the engine hatch right away — a sudden rush of air can flash a fire. Wait a few minutes.
  3. If you can see flames, use the extinguisher ONLY from a safe position, aimed at the base of the fire.
  4. Electrical smoke smells sharp and acrid; fuel/oil smoke smells heavy — note which, it helps the mechanic.
  5. Get life jackets on and call for help now if there is any flame or heavy smoke — share your position (above).
  6. Never restart after smoke until the cause is found and the engine room has been aired out.

When to call for help

Call the coast guard, marina, or tow service as soon as the situation is beyond a quick fix — while you still have time, fuel, and daylight. It is always easier to cancel a rescue than to start one too late.