Quick, plug that leak!

When it comes to on-the-water problems, it is always a good idea to expect the unexpected. Accordingly, we suggest that along with having life jackets and other USCG required gear on board, that you equip your boat with a set of emergency boat plugs or “bungs” to stop leaks due to a broken thru-hull fitting or other cause. West Marine offers two types of bungs for stopping leaks. The first are traditional cone-shaped wood plugs sold as a package of assorted diameters to fit various sizes of thru-hull fittings. We suggest you keep wood bungs ready for use by attaching the appropriate size bung with a lanyard to each of your thru-hull fittings so that they are immediately ready for use. The second type of bung is Forespar’s Sta-Plug®, which is also cone shaped. It is made of pliable foam, which unlike wood plugs gives it the ability to seal round, oval or irregularly shaped holes in boat hulls. One other product to consider is the Sta-Afloat® Instant Leak Plug and Sealant. Offered in a 14-ounce tub, this putty-like substance can be used to temporarily seal a wide variety of leaks.