Boat Plugs Don't Assume!

Laus3

Community Supporter
Joined
Jan 19, 2012
Location
Miami, FL
Boat
Mako 21LTS Bayboat
#1
Well, it almost happened to me. I normally remove the trailer straps and lean over and put the plug in.... It's just a given as the plug is right next to the trailer straps. Well, this last trip, my buddy took the trailer straps off , we were all excited to be going fishing, and he told me to get behind the wheel while he drops me into the water. 6 miles and 2 hours later deep into the Everglades nowhere near civilization we decide to run the outboard to another spot. Open her up and instantly I know something is wrong as the boat feels like its dragging an anchor and not getting up on plane. I look into the battery area and the inside of the boat is literally 1 foot or more under water! Didn't panic but knew I had to take evasive action and fast as we were in danger of the boat sinking with nowhere to go! How the boat didn't sink baffles me. The plug was left out for over 2 hours and I know it was that long because my 2 hour battery on my GoPro had just expired. I wouldn't be surprised if the boat floats as water was coming into it for such a long period of time. Then came the interesting part.... Can't reach under the motor to put the plug in from the boat. The next 30 seconds were the scariest 30 seconds of my life! Jumped into alligator infested waters, went underwater and screwed the damn plug back in.... Boat saved! Buddy pulled me back into the boat and I still had all my limbs!

Moral of the story..... Don't assume anything when it comes to boating and safety! Double check the plug and if someone else is doing it, double check it anyways! I almost sank my boat 6 miles into the Everglades, losing over $2,000 worth of fishing equipment and possibly even my life!