My first launch

[Invader92]

I was so happy to get my boat that I couldnt wait to get on the water. The wife, two daughters, and a couple of friends loaded up and headed to the ramp. Even though it was my first launch, I still got out and prepped the boat before I backed down the ramp. You know, remove the hold-down straps, load the gear and so on. I backed down the ramp and set her free, the wife was holding the line as I went to pull away and park the truck when I realized something. Well I forgot one important item, THE DRAIN PLUG! I dont think I ever moved as fast as I did to get the boat back on the trailer. I pulled it out of the water and it took about 5 min to drain. After that day, I have a check list that I run through to make sure nothing that dumb happens again.

 

[gibletts]

Re: My first launch

Did the same thing my self on the weekend, I had the trailer away parking it when I remembered I had forgot something... my mate was hangin onto the boat, he is not a boatie and had no idea what was goin on and why all the water was pourin in. I got back to the boat and managed to get the bung in while in the water, there was about 4 inches of water in the boat by this time the bilge pump eventually took care of things, Ive done that a few times now, I suppose Ill probably do it again.<br /><br />dm

 

[jinx]

Re: My first launch

I left the plug out two years ago. I went to the porta-john after moving the boat to the courtesy dock. When I got back the fish locker lids were beginning to float.<br /><br />One of the sweetest feelings I have had in my life was when I realized that, yes, my arms were long enough to reach the drain and put the plug in!

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: My first launch

Hello:<br /><br />I almost hate to admit this, but I have forgot the plug more times than I care to remember. The reason (And I can blame this on my father) is when I was growing up, we had an automatic bailing plug in our 67' Glaspar, so we never had to remember it. It always stayed in and let water out but not in. The Glastron I have now has a smaller diameter drain hole and that kind of plug won't fit, and believe my, I tried to make it fit. So, I never got into a habit of even checking it. I have 3-4 plugs in the glove box and a cresent wrench, but I do still forget to install it. Wish I could find a way to remember it.<br /><br />My baby<br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/showphoto.php?photo=13003&sort=7&thecat=500&password= <br /><br />Craig

 

[outboardguy]

Re: My first launch

I once launched a pontoon boat not realizing that there were drain plug holes just under the brackets for depth finder and livewell pump.We used our crane to launch it so I didn't notice until the boat started to get really low in the stern. Luckily the crane was able to get it out to drain, with no damage ,other than the teasing I received

 

[kalan2000]

Re: My first launch

There are those that have and those that will. To keep me out of the those that have category, I keep a bright red tag on the steering wheel (you may prefer the trailer winch handle) that says PLUG OUT. That tag stays there until the plug is in place. I hope this helps.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: My first launch

I forgot once last year and I won't ever forget again! It was the worst wettest day of fishing ever!<br /><br />Now I have a plug wiretied to the winch handle (Yeah, it gets in the way but it's worth it) and I have another one of the keychain with my boat keys (yeah, it makes it too big to fit in my pocket comfortably but it's worth it).

 

[11 footer]

Re: My first launch

I do it all the time, but my selfbailing boston whaler dosn't mind

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: My first launch

 

[Brian Hall]

Re: My first launch

Hows this one.<br /><br />I duck hunt and had my buddy back the boat in while I was in it at around 4:00 in the morning. I backed it off the trailer and waited for him to park the truck and get back. <br /><br />As soon as he got to the boat I realized that the decoy bags were floating and looked down to see water about 4 inches from the top of the boat (15 foot Jon). We had to pull the trailer back down and slowly pull the boat up until it drained.<br /><br />I never realized that water was coming in because the engine was warming up and I had on insulated waders.