What is Damage Control Kit?
A damage control kit is a collection of tools and materials assembled to control hull breaches, through-hull failures and structural damage that could compromise the watertight integrity of your vessel.
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What it is
A damage control kit is a collection of tools and materials assembled to control hull breaches, through-hull failures and structural damage that could compromise the watertight integrity of your vessel. The kit typically includes a variety of tools that can be used to stop water flow such as soft wood plugs sized to your through-hulls, collision mats, wedges, underwater epoxy, heavy-duty tape, spare hoses, hose clamps, patching materials and more.
What it does
The damage control kit provides immediate solutions to stop or slow water ingress from hull damage, failed through-hulls, broken hoses or collision damage. Plugs can quickly seal a failed through-hull from the inside. Collision mats can be deployed over external hull damage to reduce water flow. Underwater epoxy and heavy-duty materials allow for temporary repairs while underway or until permanent repairs can be made in port.
Why it matters
Hull breaches or through-hull failures can sink a boat rapidly if not addressed immediately. Having the right materials instantly available can mean the difference between a manageable repair and abandoning ship. Even small leaks can quickly overwhelm bilge pumps if not controlled.
General Maintenance
Review your damage control kit annually and after any use. Ensure all items are present, organized and accessible. Verify that wooden plugs match your current through-hull sizes (check if any through-hulls have been replaced or added). Replace any items that show deterioration. Verify underwater epoxy has not expired and that tape and other adhesive products remain usable. Ensure your crew knows where the kit is stored and has practiced locating and using the contents.
Common Issues
- Wood plugs drying out, shrinking, or becoming brittle over time
- Underwater epoxy hardening or separating past its shelf life
- Heavy-duty tape losing adhesive properties
- Kit stored in location that becomes inaccessible when boat is heeling or in rough conditions
- Plugs not matching current through-hull sizes after equipment changes
- Collision mat material degrading or becoming too stiff to deploy effectively
- Crew unfamiliar with contents and how to deploy them under stress
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