Went for a Swim

AJ168

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
295
Well the other day was my first time launching/ retreiving a boat on my own. I took my 14' Sunfish to a local lake. It didn't occur to me that before backing down the ramp, I should have done something to secure the bow to the trailer, or at least left the winch on. After hopping off my truck, I'm watching my boat float across the lake. So I dive in the water after it and swim it back to shore.
Then, top it off, while tacking across the lake, I smash my knee on a cleat in the cockpit, and lift my head just as the boom comes across. That one hurt pretty bad. To make it worse there were a bunch of people on the bank laughing at me.
 

Twidget

Commander
Joined
Jun 16, 2004
Messages
2,192
Re: Went for a Swim

The number of people watching you is proportional to the severity of the goof up. :) It can only get better from here.
 

Almeja

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2006
Messages
70
Re: Went for a Swim

I've had a couple like that... not all my fault tho.

Took a co-worker out salmon fishing. Was launching a 18' center console off a roller trailer. "All you have to do is hold on to this line. Don't let go".

As the boat rolls off the trailer I hear a very audible 'oops'. Yes, she dropped the line. Fortunately the tide brought the boat back to the ramp without a cold saltwater swim.

15 years later the stunt was reprised at a lake. As the boat floats off the trailer, son and two friends stand there watching it drift off.

This time the directive was... "You let it go... you swim".
 

Frankhanhart

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 30, 2004
Messages
326
Re: Went for a Swim

OK Almeja....let them laugh....they haven't got a boat !!!!
 

bamadave

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
391
Re: Went for a Swim

Sailrs first lesson, what a boom is! and what feels like when it goes BOOM!8)
 

tomatolord

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 1, 2004
Messages
548
Re: Went for a Swim

Well at least you got it out of you all in 1 trip

tlord
 

hidust

Cadet
Joined
Apr 5, 2006
Messages
12
Re: Went for a Swim

I do a bunch of solo luanches and I just use a rope to a front cleat and tie it to the trailer
 

Triton II

Commander
Joined
Nov 23, 2004
Messages
2,479
Re: Went for a Swim

Best value expenditure for sailing - buy a padded baseball cap to lessen those booming moments! :'(
 

Minuteman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
35
Re: Went for a Swim

Frankhanhart said:
OK Almeja....let them laugh....they haven't got a boat !!!!

You know, I wish I would spent more time dock watching before I got my boat. Now, I'm out there entertaining them, for free.
 

ricksrster

Commander
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
2,022
Re: Went for a Swim

If it wasn't for challenging incidents boating would be boring. you need a little excitement to really be able to enjoy the relaxation.
 
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