Down she goes

[mars bar]

My friend Ray and His father were on Lake Erie yesterday when the wind pick up. He waited and fished for awhile till the waves started, Decided to kick in the big motor, back of the boat went low ,a wave hit the front and water started to pour in through the back. The 22 footer went down fast. Ray managed to get his PFD on while His Dad couldn't. He was trapped momentarily under the canopy but managed to get out. Ray held on to His Dad till help Came. Lost all Their gear ,the boat will cost $8000-$10,000 to recover. Things to ponder while Boating.

1. Have your PFD's close by or wear them
2. Have enough floatation in the boat cavity
3. Be aware of the changing weather
4. He was new to boating, bought it used in the spring.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Down she goes

As you just wrote having your PFD close may no be good enough. WEAR IT!!

 

[gm280]

Re: Down she goes

WOW! Glad to hears everyone was okay, but life vests are only good when you wear one. Still amazes me how many folks, elderly folks too, that THINK they can swim and therefore make a decision to forgo the vest. But so many times when accidents do occur people are usually hurt in the water before they could even reach for a life vest. And then fatigue sets in and they go down and drown... Doesn't have to happen...

Are you planning to recover the boat and make the numerous costly repairs?

 

[mars bar]

Re: Down she goes

Well if you don't take it out the MNR will charge you more because of the damage to the environment. With the lake at the temp is is , doesn't take long for hypothermia!

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Down she goes

That's one of the reasons I invested in the inflatable type PFD's. They are very comfortable to wear compared to standard or vest type PFD's.

IF the boat is moving, or the weather is questionable, I have it ON.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Down she goes

..... were on Lake Erie yesterday when the wind pick up. He waited and fished for awhile till the waves started, ....

A harsh lesson from the "School of Hard Knocks"....
But when everyone can look back and laugh (or shudder), it is a pretty cheap lesson.