Rain was in the forecast and your cover had a small tear, so you grabbed the duct tape. That happened a week ago, right? Wait, no, that was months ago!

Temporary fixes sometimes turn into a season-spanning part of the background. The tape worked to halt the leak, so what’s the big deal aside from the look of that green strip on a navy blue canvas?

If you’re not a boater who cares all that much about aesthetics, there are plenty of items on a boat that may be repaired with a touch of tape or a dab of glue. For example, rips and slashes to canvas or isinglass don’t affect a vessel’s seaworthiness, though temporary fixes may still let the elements in and hasten damage.

However, when it comes to structural and electrical integrity, and power and other mechanical issues, tape or glue usually won’t do. When seaworthiness or safety is at stake, you need to eliminate perils such as a seacock failure, a non-functioning bilge pump, or a soft spot in the deck.

Even if the boat isn’t about to sink and you’re pretty sure you could stay out longer, it’s still the better course to end your day and address any electrical or mechanical issues right away. Left unattended, things that are small problems now usually lead to big (i.e. expensive) bills down the road.

Another way to think about when and how to act when something breaks or tears: if you know it will sound ridiculous to the insurance adjuster, the mechanic, your banker, or your spouse as to why you didn’t fix or replace something when it first happened, don’t reach for any of your array of colorful duct tapes.

Finally, remember to take care of all those “quick fixes” you made during the season before the next season begins!