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Engine failure is the most frequent non-fatal boating emergency leading to a Search and Rescue (SAR) call. In fact, 75 to 80% of calls for help to the Canadian Coast Guard deal with non-distress situations including mechanical or engine failure.
Even if there is no immediate danger, a dead engine in a current or high winds can quickly turn into a more risky grounding or collision situation, especially if your boat drifts toward rocks or shipping lanes. Canadian boaters should know what to do if they experience loss of propulsion, so everyone can stay safe until the problem is fixed or you are towed to shore.
Key takeaways
- Loss of propulsion is one of the top reasons Canadian boaters call for help.
- The three most common causes of boat engine failure are running out of fuel, electrical failure and overheating.
- Proper maintenance and safety checks, in addition to staying alert to potential issues while out on the water, can help prevent running into trouble due to mechanical failure.
Table of contents
- 3 Common Causes of Engine Failure
- 1. Running out of fuel
- 2. Electrical Failure
- 3. Overheating
- What to do If Your Engine Stops Working Out on the Water
- 1. Put on a Life Jacket
- 2. Drop Anchor
- 3. Look for the Cause
- 4. Call for Help
- Do Seasonal Maintenance and Regular Checks to Avoid Mechanical Failure
- Frequently Asked Questions
3 Common Causes of Engine Failure
Most boat breakdowns are caused by a handful of predictable issues.
1. Running out of fuel
This is the #1 cause of loss of propulsion while boating. It’s important to check your fuel levels before departing, and plan fuel use carefully.
Solution
Use the rule of thirds: a third of the tank to go out, a third to come back, and a third in reserve (because rough water, high winds and other factors could lead you to use more fuel than expected).
2. Electrical Failure
Boats live in a harsh, corrosive environment. A dead battery, loose terminal connections, or a blown fuse can prevent your engine from starting or cause it to die suddenly.
Solution
When you’re out on the water, keep an eye on the dashboard to make sure the voltage is adequate. If the reading drops to 12.2 volts or lower, the battery is likely discharged or on the way out.
Charge your batteries to 100% before every trip, inspect your batteries before heading out, and do regular battery maintenance to check for common issues that could lead to failure.
3. Overheating
A breakdown may also be caused by water or debris in the tank or a clogged fuel filter, leading to overheating.
Solution
Scan your dashboard every 10–15 minutes. If the needle climbs, shut down immediately. Overheating causes permanent damage in seconds.
What to do If Your Engine Stops Working Out on the Water
If your engine quits, your priority shifts from reaching your destination to staying safe wherever you are stuck.
Follow these steps:
1. Put on a Life Jacket
Everyone on board should put on a life jacket immediately. The risk of drowning due to capsizing or cold water shock is much higher if you are not wearing an approved, correctly-fitted PFD.
2. Drop Anchor
Dropping anchor prevents you from drifting into a busy shipping channel, onto rocks, or out into open water. Follow established guidelines for anchoring your boat safely.
3. Look for the Cause
Before calling for help, see if you can identify the cause of your breakdown. Here are a few things to investigate:
Fuel
Did you run out of fuel? Are the fuel lines intact?
Battery
Is the battery dead? Are the switches on? Are the cables tight? Is the throttle in neutral?
Kill Switch
Is the lanyard attached? Did you trigger the kill switch by accident?
Propeller
If the engine is off and there is no chance it will start and cause deadly injury by propeller strike, cautiously check to see if there is anything tangled in the propeller that may prevent it from functioning.
4. Call for Help
If you can’t fix the issue, you need to call for help. You can use your VHF Radio to call a non-emergency service to be towed, or for emergency rescue if you are genuinely in danger. Be prepared with all relevant information.
Remember, the Canadian Coast Guard will not rescue you unless you are in distress, and making a false distress call leads to significant legal and financial penalties.
If you are boating at night or in poor visibility (rain or fog) you can also use visual distress signals to signal nearby vessels. All boaters are responsible for rendering assistance where possible, and a fellow boater could help you get to a secure location from which to arrange towing for your vessel.
Important Note: Do Not Leave Your Vessel
Unless it is sinking or on fire, never jump into the water. A boat is much easier for rescuers to spot than a person swimming in the water. If your boat is secure, keep everyone calm, hydrated, and seated until help arrives.
Do Seasonal Maintenance and Regular Checks to Avoid Mechanical Failure
Boat maintenance is an important part of safe boating. As a recreational boater, you should regularly clean and inspect your vessel at the beginning and end of the season. If you aren’t sure whether it is up to standard, ask for a free Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check.
We also recommend making a habit of doing a shorter safety check before leaving the dock.
Get your boating licence with Drive A Boat Canada!
We offer a comprehensive online course leading to lifetime certification. Register with Drive a Boat Canada today, and learn everything you need to know to pass the boating exam. With your boating licence (PCOC), you can take to the water legally anywhere in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. You need to find the cause. Restarting it without fixing the water intake or impeller can ruin the engine. Instead, let the engine cool completely (at least 30–45 minutes). Then look for a blocked raw water intake or a burst hose and fix the problem before restarting the motor.
If the engine stutters, coughs, or loses power intermittently before dying, it is likely a fuel issue.
Yes, but trolling motors are designed for slow-speed maneuvering, not long-distance travel. Consider the following before deciding to use your trolling motor:
- Trolling motors pull a lot of power. If you are far from shore or fighting a strong current/wind, the battery may die before you make significant progress.
- Also, if the current is moving at 3 knots and your trolling motor only does 2 knots, you are still moving backward.
Yes. Unless the boat is actively breaking apart on rocks or on fire, staying with the vessel is the safest option. In calm conditions and shallow waters, you can also use your anchor to move your boat via kedging (repeatedly dropping anchor and hauling your vessel in the desired direction).
Sources
- Transport Canada. SAFE BOATING GUIDE. [PDF]. https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2024-03/tp_511e.pdf
- Government of Canada Maintaining a safe pleasure craft Transport Canada https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/preparing-operate-your-vessel/maintaining-safe-pleasure-craft
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