Why Do I-O Powered Boats Sink?

Posted by Alan Sorum Jan 9, 2007

Seaworthy Magazine, a publication focused on the BoatU.S. marine insurance program, marine causalities, and damage avoidance has studied insurance claims to identify the causes of sinking among inboard/outboard (I/O) powerboats.

I/O powered boats use flexible rubber coverings to seal off the penetration of the out drive and various cables through the transom. These rubber coverings, called boots or bellows, are relatively fragile. Editors at Seaworthy Magazine warn boaters to beware of boots that are over five years of age.

The number one cause of sinking at the dock is a failure of an outdrive boot. Striking an object in the water was identified as the primary cause of sinking for boats underway.

Visit the BoatU.S. webpage for more safety information about your vessel.