Experience with waterproofed things brings me to a profound and useful conclusion. Water will infiltrate almost anything, and a waterproofed item typically only manages to contain water without allowing it to leave. So, the term “waterproof” really means water can’t get out!
Since delicate and corrosion-prone materials are invariably mounted inside a waterproofed housing, disaster is assured. Here is an example from my own experiences:
For decades I used an older radar unit on my boat. I served as the marine electronics editor for a nationally distributed magazine “Sport Fishing,” and could get steep discounts on newer units, so why did I continue to use an older unit?
Because it worked well and didn’t fail 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 sloshing around inside. 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. A decade later, that radar outlasted its class and still performed well.
Do you have water problems around your home or business? Perhaps even electronic devices outside? Many folks have boats on trailers at home. 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 make sure the boat sits at such an angle that water can drain away.
Many a spare tire is leaning up against a fence or garage 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 to breed and feed.
Not all critters are sizable and scary like possums, raccoons and coyotes. Many are small and scary like mosquitoes and rats. No sense inviting rats or little biting insects to breed in your yard. No good can come of that.
Take a good long look around your yard. Adjust storage angles to allow water to drain. Turn items upside down so water can’t accumulate. Make sure there are no drainage issues that 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.