Very lucky Sea Ray Owner found at sea.

No eprib or prb? If not, foolish to head out to open water without one.
 
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“A mechanical failure he tried to fix himself but failed.” I think he maybe could have been more diligent and almost lost his life because of it.
 
“A mechanical failure he tried to fix himself but failed.” I think he maybe could have been more diligent and almost lost his life because of it.

Without knowing the nature of the mechanical failure I can only speculate. Boats made during the last 10-15 years are dependent on overly complex electronic systems that do not do well in salt water environments and are almost impossible to diagnose and repair when they fail at sea. Boats should be kept simple and therefore more reliable. Unlike a car or truck you just can't get out and walk when things go wrong. JMHO
 
I would have alerted someone with my location and wouldn’t wait for daylight but that’s easy for me to say.
 
Boats made during the last 10-15 years are dependent on overly complex electronic systems that do not do well in salt water environments and are almost impossible to diagnose and repair when they fail at sea. Boats should be kept simple and therefore more reliable.

His boat (below) did not look to be a victim of overly complex or technology-related failures. It appears to be at least 20+ years old?

uc
 
Trying to figure this out. Sounds like he broke down. Couldn't fix. Was left adrift in the ocean. Went to rest in the cabin. Boat filled with water and he awoke to a sinking boat. Could it be a bellows failure or something that caused the rush of water? What else would cause that much water, that fast? And why wouldn't you release the Epirb when he was unable to fix mechanical issues?
 
His boat (below) did not look to be a victim of overly complex or technology-related failures. It appears to be at least 20+ years old?

uc
Looks like he had a VHF and PFD’s yet they weren’t used in this case.
 
Trying to figure this out. Sounds like he broke down. Couldn't fix. Was left adrift in the ocean. Went to rest in the cabin. Boat filled with water and he awoke to a sinking boat. Could it be a bellows failure or something that caused the rush of water? What else would cause that much water, that fast? And why wouldn't you release the Epirb when he was unable to fix mechanical issues?
If the decision is to sleep no stay with the boat, I would be sleeping with my Epirb in my hand, and the ditch bag next to me.
 
A rupture of an engine through hull hose or bellows would cause water to flood the engine room quickly, but there would still be time to put on a PFD and make a call. If he was sleeping then he may have not had time if he woke with water around him. My guess this boat was severely neglected and not sea worthy and never should have been out there (Duh). I am glad he survived and the "rest of the story" will be interesting.

Keith
 
Let's be fair here, when you "go to sea" you need to be prepared because this is a good example of "shit happens". And there are several things he did that certainly could have been done better.

But the boat is clearly a mid 1990 or older Sea Ray, likely a 310DA. They called it a 32 footer, but we know how Sea Ray is with dimensions. A 310 is anywhere from 31' 6" Water Line to 35' 3" Over All with the pulpit and a platform. Look at the helm cabinetry, not molded fiberglass, the arch is aft swept, the engine vents and cabin window style. This is clearly a 25+ year old boat. (but hey so is mine)
The boat is clean, the life jackets are clean, there are two fire extinguishers by the cabin door, the vinyl is not cracked or peeling, there is a Simrad chart plotter and a Simrad 3g radar. This is a well equipped vessel and reasonably cared for. We cant tell about the machinery and it is a saltwater boat.

The CG audio conversation indicates he had a "registered PLB" Bee says "EPIRB" but I would bet on the accuracy of the CG description. A PLB is typically not automated, but manually activated, unlikely to have a hydro-static release bracket. Not quite as good as a marine EPIRB, but he had it. He was reasonably prepared.

Mistakes...
1. alone offshore,
when things go badly extra hands help, could have stood watches while one sleeps. (required by the way)
2. Float Plan?
although he was well known by his marina to be a "day tripper" and they reported him overdue the next morning.
3. Reluctance to call for help EARLY.
This is a common "I can handle it" attitude with any human. If you are having ANY problem offshore you can call the CG and report your position and all vital statistics and set up a communication check schedule. While you attempt to resolve the issue; if you fail to report or reply they have a good starting point to search and calculate set and drift.
At the FIRST sign of "the shit hitting the fan", don't hesitate to use that EPIRB or DSC button, no one is going to get angry about it.
 
i
If the decision is to sleep no stay with the boat, I would be sleeping with my Epirb in my hand, and the ditch bag next to me.
I think I would also be sleeping with my PFD on. If he awoke to the cabin submerged he had to escape thru the forward hatch I guess would explain why he could not reach his PFD out in the cockpit. Unfortunate experiences do serve the purpose though of making some others do a gut check and review their own procedures. At least this boat won't continue to degrade and become a derelict vessel for some marina to have to dispose of.
Silver linnings
Carpe Diem
 
i

I think I would also be sleeping with my PFD on. If he awoke to the cabin submerged he had to escape thru the forward hatch I guess would explain why he could not reach his PFD out in the cockpit. Unfortunate experiences do serve the purpose though of making some others do a gut check and review their own procedures. At least this boat won't continue to degrade and become a derelict vessel for some marina to have to dispose of.
Silver linnings
Carpe Diem
I wouldn't be sleeping. If I could not resolve the issue before dinner time, I would trigger the EPIRB and wait for help to arrive. What he did makes zero sense.
 
Perhaps a bottle of cheer was involved? Didn't want to deal with the authorities while impaired also would explain the illogical decisions made. Not judging, just musing;)
Carpe Diem
 
My first reaction here is how many of you have " I would have done this " attitude. Fortunately, none of us have been in this position and I am glad we haven't. There are many people that overnight in the ocean, I would not be one, but there are plenty. So why is he a fool for doing so. We should be thankful a fellow boater was saved from demise. Why do we 2nd guess the condition of his boat, because it 20 plus years old, bad reason. We all know maintenance is key, but have you never had something go wrong while out on your boat. Be it 1 mile from the marina or 100 miles, sh** happens. Rant over.
 

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