Wooden Emergency Plugs for Boats – Set of 10 Conical Bungs (Ø5–45 mm)

This set of wooden emergency plugs is a vital tool for controlling leaks on board. It includes 10 conical wooden plugs of various sizes – the smallest has just a few millimeters diameter at the tip, and the largest is about 45 mm across at the base. This range allows you to effectively plug holes of different diameters: from tiny punctures in pipes or the hull to larger openings caused by a popped seacock or a hull breach.

The operating principle of wooden plugs is simple yet very effective. When wood gets wet, it expands. In an emergency, you just need to choose a suitably sized wooden wedge from the kit and drive it into the hole where water is coming in. Immediately, the tapered shape mechanically reduces the leak, and as the plug absorbs water, it quickly swells and seals the hole. This “self-expanding” seal can temporarily stop or significantly slow down water ingress, buying the crew time to take additional measures – such as pumping out water, applying patches/repair, or reaching shore.

Using the plugs is intuitive: point the narrow (tapered) end of the plug into the hole and push or hammer it in as tightly as possible. If water is jetting in forcefully, give the plug a few taps with a mallet, the butt of a fire extinguisher, or any hard object until you feel it’s wedged securely and the leak has stopped or is drastically reduced. It’s not uncommon to use several plugs at once for complex breaches (for example, a crack – you can line up multiple wedges along it). The wood is usually a soft variety (often pine), which makes it easier to drive in and also allows it to swell faster as it gets saturated.

Recommendations:

• Keep the set of wooden plugs in an easily accessible place – for instance, near the main bilge or in the emergency gear locker. In a critical moment, quick access to the plugs is essential
• A good practice is to tie a correctly sized wooden plug next to each through-hull fitting or seacock in the boat. If a valve breaks off or a through-hull fitting cracks, the needed plug will be right there and ready to use immediately
• If you use one of the plugs in an emergency, once the situation is under control, replace that plug with a new one in the set. Once a wooden plug has swollen and deformed, it might not return to its exact original shape after drying, so it’s wise to replenish any used plugs
• Periodically inspect your plug set – make sure all 10 plugs are present, dry, and free of mold or rot. If you notice any damage or missing sizes, refill or replace the set promptly. This kit is inexpensive but could save your boat in a flooding emergency
• Marine safety inspections often check for wooden bung availability. They are recommended by safety organizations (e.g., SOLAS requires similar damage control tools on board). Ensure your set meets any regulations and is secured in a way that it won’t scatter when the boat moves (many sailors keep them tied or in a pouch near potential leak points)