Andy in NY
Commander
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2007
- Messages
- 2,109
Well, Im not even sure where to start. Yesterday, I was "that guy" who people always tell stories about.
This is my first boat. I bought it last year and have been plagued by engine troubles. I had picked up a 66 merc, and yesterday was the shake down cruise. Hooked it up to the truck, and my brother in law and his girlfriend were following. When we got to the launch, I hopped out and prepped the boat for launch, and I was excited. I start backing down the ramp and BIL yells out OH S--T! Mistake #1... Not using my better judgment, I used the bumper hitch. I had every intention of getting a reese, but wanted to take the boat out so bad. The bumper was half hanging off. I know, it wasnt in the greatest shape to begin with. But, I wanted to take this boat out so badly I was willing to put a big risk on everyone around me (thats what I am thinking NOW, not then).
So at this point, the boat is already halfway down the ramp, so we decide to launch the boat and work out the return trip later. Mistake #2, not loosening the winch before backing into the water, and the winch handle is hitting the hull of the boat, making it impossible to loosen it. Took the chance and pulled it out of the water a bit to loosen it. Finally got the boat in the water and tied up to the dock for a few min. Go to start it, nothing. Dead battery? No, I left it on the charger all night for good measure, and tested it before leaving for the launch. Turns out someone bumped the shifter just enough that it wasnt totally in neutral. Fire it up, and theres something wrong with the motor. Boat wont go more than 3-4 mph. Me and BIL tool around for a bit while other BIL goes home to get his truck. When he got back, the ball on his reese was too big, so they try to take the ball off my truck. But it was so rusted that it took the 2 of them 45 min with pipe wrenches to get it off, then they cant get it on very easily. Now it is starting to rain a little, and I am bobbing around in the water with the boat. Finally I swallowed my pride and asked a guy who was getting ready to launch if he would pull me out. THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE!!! The day ended with me on my back on 150* pavement trying to mickey mouse the wiring for trailer, as BIL had a different plug.
I learned several lessons yesterday.
NO MORE BUMPER HITCH... EVER!
This is my first boat. I bought it last year and have been plagued by engine troubles. I had picked up a 66 merc, and yesterday was the shake down cruise. Hooked it up to the truck, and my brother in law and his girlfriend were following. When we got to the launch, I hopped out and prepped the boat for launch, and I was excited. I start backing down the ramp and BIL yells out OH S--T! Mistake #1... Not using my better judgment, I used the bumper hitch. I had every intention of getting a reese, but wanted to take the boat out so bad. The bumper was half hanging off. I know, it wasnt in the greatest shape to begin with. But, I wanted to take this boat out so badly I was willing to put a big risk on everyone around me (thats what I am thinking NOW, not then).
So at this point, the boat is already halfway down the ramp, so we decide to launch the boat and work out the return trip later. Mistake #2, not loosening the winch before backing into the water, and the winch handle is hitting the hull of the boat, making it impossible to loosen it. Took the chance and pulled it out of the water a bit to loosen it. Finally got the boat in the water and tied up to the dock for a few min. Go to start it, nothing. Dead battery? No, I left it on the charger all night for good measure, and tested it before leaving for the launch. Turns out someone bumped the shifter just enough that it wasnt totally in neutral. Fire it up, and theres something wrong with the motor. Boat wont go more than 3-4 mph. Me and BIL tool around for a bit while other BIL goes home to get his truck. When he got back, the ball on his reese was too big, so they try to take the ball off my truck. But it was so rusted that it took the 2 of them 45 min with pipe wrenches to get it off, then they cant get it on very easily. Now it is starting to rain a little, and I am bobbing around in the water with the boat. Finally I swallowed my pride and asked a guy who was getting ready to launch if he would pull me out. THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE!!! The day ended with me on my back on 150* pavement trying to mickey mouse the wiring for trailer, as BIL had a different plug.
I learned several lessons yesterday.
NO MORE BUMPER HITCH... EVER!
Darn lucky, no one was hurt. Glad you have a better idea now:redface:
