I had a Wellcraft Sportsman that almost sank while black fishing off Hatchets reef. The cause was a common one and an easy fix. One of my plastic thru hull fittings fell out. The pictures are of my present boat here in La.



My Glaicyer Bay is 12 years old and the plastic thru hulls are not only being eaten out by the salt water but I have been getting a good amount of water on the port side. Each side was getting water but the port was worse.



The darker area around the upper hole is caused by water seeping through and discoloring the 5200. The second one down seemed to be OK. The large one in back, below the water line, was the big leaker. I have 2 good bilge pumps on each side (4 total) and they kept me out of danger. The constant water problem had me bugged for a while. Problem being taken care of!!!

I need 10 new fittings at around 40.00 each with new hoses and the decks have to come up but the new stainless steel ones will assure me this problem will never happen again. I advise all of you to check your thru hull fitings and if any question replace them with stainless. Bronze is best and a little more expensive and it does not add to the decor of the outside of your boat.

The best thing to do is automaticaly replace plastic ones. I wanted to do this last year and was forced to do it now. Stay safe.

Life is Good!

Unfortunatly that is how many boats are made and this is the second time I encountered it personaly. The first time the fitting fell out while I was fishing. This time I was a lot more aware of the problem and got to it first. I put this up just to make others aware.

Great information and this post could possibly save a life. Im going to check my dad's Seaswirl to see if he has plastic fittings. It's a 2009 but I think it does have plastic. It should be a manufacturer requirement to use steel/brass/bronze.

I don't have any thru hull fittings on my boat below the water line, but I also have a Wellcraft Sportsman. My scupper fittings are plastic and close to the water line, so I'll have to look them over close.

How is it best done to inspect these? My bout just has a small (10" round) hatch in the transom area. I certainly can't get in there and do much. Also, you say the new fittings cost @40$ and the deck needs to come up. How is this done and is it costly? I'm not familiar with this process or know where/who best to get to do this.