My experiences with “waterproof” things brings me to a profound and useful conclusion. Water will infiltrate almost anything, and a waterproofed item only manages to retain water without allowing it to leave. Since delicate and corrosion-prone materials are invariably mounted inside of a waterproofed housing, disaster is assured.
Here’s an example. I have an older radar unit on my boat. I have served as the marine electronics editor for a nationally distributed magazine (Sport Fishing) and have good industry connections, so why would I have an older unit?
Because it works well and hasn’t failed me. But trapped water almost destroyed the unit early in its productive life.
After a few years of use, I noticed slight performance problems. When I pulled the unit, I could feel water sluicing around inside. Uh-oh, so much for it being waterproof.
The solution was simple. Drilling a couple of small holes in the bottom of the housing allowed water to drain out. Many years later, that radar has outlasted its class and still performs well.
Do you have water problems around your home or business? I’d bet on it, were I a betting man.
Many folks have boats on trailers. The bilge plug should be out, to allow rain and sprinkler water to drain out. If the tongue of the trailer is set on something low, water may accumulate in the bow of the boat.
I’d never recommend drilling holes in the hull to let the water out, but do make sure the boat sits at such an angle that water can drain out through the drain hole.
Many a spare tire is leaning up against a wall or fence and develops a small pool of stagnant water over time. Pottery bowls, planters, buckets, children’s yard toys — all are places where water accumulates during the rainy season or from watering the yard. When water is allowed to remain and stagnate, we are creating the perfect spot for unwanted critters.
Not all critters are large and scary like possums, raccoons and coyotes. Many are small and scary like mosquitoes. No sense inviting little biting insects to breed in your yard. No good can come of that.
While the rainy season is here, take a good long look around the yard. Adjust storage angles to allow water to drain. Turn items upside down so water can’t accumulate. Make sure there are no drainage bottlenecks that will allow water to stand and stagnate.
Let’s keep things dry, pest-free and healthy.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
