Why wearing life jackets is important when cruising.........

[RMB]

I have to share this story with everyone. This happened yesterday afternoon. Two months ago I more or less convinced my mother and stepfather (A pastor) to buy a new boat and quit putting money into the old thing they have had for 17 years. Being the folks they are and not wanting to seem somewhat decadent this was a difficult decision for them. Their old boat had crapped out on them once again and they were getting fed up.They live on a big lake (Lake Vermilion), and would see good use out of a new larger boat. After settling on a new 1800 Lund Fisherman with a 130 Honda, they went out and ordered it. The boat was to arrive this past week and they planned a weekend of boating on the lake. Well, the boat was delivered to the dealer late and they weren't going to see it till next week. They were somewhat disappointed because they had planned their weekend around it and were promised it would be there. The dealer, who has a great track record and is a good friend, decided to hurry up the rigging and get whatever they could done so they could at least use it till monday. So, yesterday afternoon they go to take it for their first test ride. They get 1/2 mile from the dock and life is sweet. Boat is performing above expectations, smiles on their faces, when suddenly at about 45 MPH, the linkage comes loose and they are thrown into an imediate full turn. The boat jacknifes sideways and they are litorally thrown against the side of the boat as it virtully does a sideways stop. Well thanks God no one died. The boat did not roll over and obviously proves Lunds design is top notch. However, neither was wearing a lifejacket and had they been thrown over or had the boat flipped, someone surely would have died. My mother ended up with her collar bone broken in two places, two broken ribs, and a fractured hip. My stepfather ended up with a broken rib. If there had been grandkids or other passengers in the boat at the time, they would not have been able to rescue anyone even if they wanted to. Consider that something like this could happen at any time. I know it opened my eyes.

[smiley]

Wow!! Scary.. Glad to hear everyone is okay.
Lisa

[Bart]

Hope your folks feel better soon. I've never heard of such a slam dunk lawsuit, friend or not they should pay!

[Hans]

>I've never heard of such
>a slam dunk lawsuit, friend
>or not they should pay!

Certainly the dealers insurance should pay for repair of the boat and medical bills, but why should there be a lawsuit?

Hans

[Hunter]

The dealer shouldnt have been rushed, they should have waited another week until all equipment was installed properly. And I cant understand for the life of me, why you would be going 45mph with a boat and motor that has seen water for maybe a total of 15 minutes. Granted the dealer shouldnt have released the boat to you, but you must take some responsibilty, there was poor judgement on all sides.

[Hammerhead Herb]

I agree. I guess that I have to question why they were going 45 mph. It seems to me that all new motors have a "break-in" period that requires one to stay below a midrange RPM. The dealer should have told them about that.

[cisco]

Almost no one talks of "break in" these days, which is one reason I'd never buy a used rig unless I knew every detail of service and use since delivery.

But, thank God they were not killed. The bruises and bones will heal.

[RMB]

First off, they WERE following break in procedure. In fact, the manual actually says to vary the RPMs continually throughout the break in period. It is a four stroke motor and the break in is NOT the same as a two stroke. Secondly whether rushed or not, how can you actually sit back and blame my folks for what the dealer did not do. They did not sit on the front step begging for their boat, for crying out loud. It is the dealers responsibility to make sure it is water safe BEFORE it ever hits the water to begin with. Friend or not, they (the dealer) have assumed complete liability for what has happened and are going to make sure that all is taken care of one way or the other. It angers me that there are folks like yourself who are so quick to judge and so narrow minded. All I was trying to do was make a point of safety issues. Responses like this just ruin this board for everyone. As far as whether there will be a lawsuit or not, the dealers insurance company will decide how far they will assume liability, not the dealer. If they balk at this, then my folks will have no choice but to get a lawyer and do what is necessary. The dealer (their friends) will support this 100%. Plain and simple, it should have NEVER happened. Period.

[slimey]

Because it's a sioux nation.

[Hunter]

First off I am very sorry anyone got hurt. And I wasnt BLAMING your folks, but come on, you buy a boat that you know hasnt been completely outfitted. It was rushed so a FRIEND could use it for a special weekend. The boat is then put to almost top speed before you really have been able to give it the once over. There is responsibility on both sides whether you like it or not! And I am sure your friend, has already contacted a lawyer and is covering his own behind.

[Box]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-24-01 AT 08:56PM (CST)[p]I understand your point, that of safety, and appreciate it. I'm glad nobody was even more seriously hurt (although that is quite serious injury), and that is the point - not how it was broken in or who will pay for it.

I took my dogs (9 months) for their first ever boat ride today, and see how I must now be even more careful with 70 pound dogs throwing their weight at trim switches and throttles.

I also know that 90% of boating deaths (sheriff stats) are due to drownings, and PFD's would not allow most of them to happen. I thank you for making a good point.

I also hope your folks don't now dislike their new boat. It is a nice boat and they will have a fun future with it :)

Good fishing,
Box

[RMB]

First off, the only things that supposedly hadn't been rigged yet were the sun top and the front trolling motor. The rest of the boat was supposed to be all done. Secondly, they had driven it around for a few minutes prior to this event happening and all seemed to be working just fine before they opened the throttle up a bit. It was also in a rather protected bay area as well. I guess with your holier than thow attitude, you must know best when any new boat owner should attempt to use the full potential of their new rig. Remind me when I get my next boat to ask your opinion of when it's acceptable to bring it up on plane. As for the dealer covering his butt. They have already taken full blame and responsibility for what has happened and are going to take care of any and all financial issues one way or the other. The only point I was trying to make in this whole story is how easy it can be to take it for granted that every time you get into and drive your boat that all will go as you plan. GET IT!!!

[REW]

I totally agreee with your points and also agree with the statements about wearing PFD's.

I have been in a similar position and all things came out as well. In my case, it was my boat, which had gotten older. My two boys and I were out for a day of fishing and were in the middle of a large lake. We had been fishing a bar and went to move to a different spot. We all had on PFD's and started the engine and advanced the throttle to full throttle. All of a sudden, the steering cable separated. Due to age - the cabel simply broke. At that time, the boat did exactly the same thing as your parents boat. Thank goodness, we were all seated, and I had just instructed the boys to hang on tight, since we were going to open the boat up to get to the next spot. As the boat began its sharp turn, I was able quickly pull the throttle back and halt the boat, before the boat flipped, or we were thrown out of the boat.

To get back to the landing - I tied an anchor rope to the motor - to keep the steering cable somewhat tight - and whenever we needed to make a starboard turn, I would give the motor a good kick to push the motor over to that side of the boat. We all made it back safely, pulled the boat from the water, took it over to a dealer on a sat. afternoon which had all of their mechanics gone for the day, but were nice enough to supply a steering cable and the use of their shop; so that I could swap out the cable myself and not ruin the rest of the long weekend that was planned for the boys and myself.

We were just thankful that we were all sitting down, and were all hanging on tight, when the steering cable broke.

As you pointed out in your post, you can never take anything for granted, and you always need to be in a position to protect yourself against unforseen circumstance.

As far as a rigging problem or not - it is quite concievable that there was simply a new part that was properly installed - but simply broke the first time that it was subjected to the full force of the motor steering load. This was probably the first time that that particular part had been subjected to the full steering load of the motor. Although unfortunate - and I am sure that the details will be all discovered and worked out - even new parts do break - when subjected to stress.

Take care - and I pary for a speedy recovery of all parties involved. Just don't let this accident sour anyones feelings on this great hobby and sport that we call boating and fishing.

Take care

REW

[mnjimcarp]

RMB, thanks for the excellent post! i am very happy to hear that this "accident" did not turn out to be more of a problem. many of us didn't miss your point; while the "know-it-alls" were busy contemplating lawyers and criticising the dealer.
some accidents are preventable, but your point here is to wear a life jacket. that sure seems to be the point that would be important while chatting on a fishing web-site. perhaps judge judy has a site for the respondants that enjoy litigating folks.
thanks for the reminder.

[TangledAngler`]

RMB,

Couldn't agree with you more. It was clearly the dealer's responsibility to put the boat on the water in a safe condition. I just bought a new 19 foot G3 with a 150 Yamaha. Depsite numerous promises, the boat arrived very late. Fortunately, my dealer, after having to deal with my lack of patience, did it right and I have been able to break it in before I leave in two weeks for a Canadian trip. I don't think your family bears any repsonsibility.

[sib]

Thanks for the reminder on safety. I sure am sorry to hear of the injuries, especially a broken hip, I hope your mother is back on her feet soon.

Excellent point, debunks the "I'm a good swimmer" argument. I'm sure the best swimmer in the world would struggle with a broke hip or rib. Unconscious people don't swim to well either, fortunately, it sounds like your parents remained conscious.

Were they able to get help right away from their fellow boaters and anglers on the water that day? I generally see alot more willingness to help out on the water, than I do on the street.


"go outside and play"
sib

[Bart]

Thats it Hunter, blame the victim.

[Hunter]

I am not blaming the victim! But ive worked at an autofactory for 10 years. I see what goes on in there. I would never buy any vehicle, from anyone, and take it out immediately and find out what it can do. If there is going to be a major malfunction it is going to occur in the first few hours of operation. And if it does malfunction I dont want to be travelling at high speeds.

I did not mean to upset you by my posts, I see I did, so I apologize. I agree the dealership has major liabilities in this issue, but havent you heard of Caveat Emptor.

[RMB]

Thanks, my stepfather actually discovered that the problem was that the bolt that holds the steering cable to the motor had popped out. I guess the nut and bolt were still laying in the boat so he put it back into the bracket and slowly motored back at idle. I guess every bump they hit was excruciating pain. Once at the dock they went to the hospital. Moms out of commission for 5-6 weeks and in a wheelchair. They are both in excellent physical shape so they should hopefully have a fairly swift recovery.

[Peter H]

I would like to add the use of the kill switch in boat safety. If you get thrown from your boat with a life preserver, the boat has a potential to run you over. It would not matter if you were wearing a life preserver. Safety First!

[water_wolf]

Great point Peter.....ditto on the kill switch teather.

RMB, I hope your folks recovery is fast & this accident dont sour their love for the water & boating.

Rich Ferguson

[gettum]

Can one buy a kill switch out there? I fish a lot by myself and would love to have one.

[Scott Richardson]

Thanks for the story and the great reminder. During Team Walleye on the Illinois River once, the tournament boats were headed downstream in the channel legally when a 20-foot commercial boat with a 200 tiller came upstream. Struck by the wake, he lost control and all three in the commercial boat went in the water. They were not wearing lifevests and he was not wearing a kill switch. The result was the boat circles and dtruck the driver and a woman. She died as her husband watched. The driver was injured and was ticketed for improper operation.

During a SuperStars tournament sponsored by BASS on the Illinois River, one of the pros was gliding over shallow water flooding a farm field. He hit a stump tossing himself and his outdoor writer observer into the water. both had lifevests and he had a kill switch. They survived with only bruises.

I believe statistics show the majority of people who die on the water die without lifejackets. Many have been drinking.

Very glad your folks are alright. Hope they get the boat out again soon.

Don't let the critics bother you. I don't remember you asking for legal advice. The fact someone would offer it without an invitation speaks volumes abou them. And, legal advice received here is worth what you paid for it. Nothing.

[Fritz]

Thanks for the reminder. I wear my PFD all of the time when the gas motor is running. I wear it fishing when the water temperature is cold. I should wear it 100% of the time but it gets hot.

As far as sad stories, a year ago last April, a father and son were not wearing them on Lake Wisconsin, both drowned. I knew both of them, both were good people, good fathers and husbands.

[EB]

I wear a Mustang Survival coat in the fall because I fish until ice up on Little Bay De Noc. But I never wore a life jacket the rest of the year because I always said it was bulky, hot, and uncomfortable. Now that I've got a second child on the way my wife was really on my case to start wearing a life jacket. So for fathers day I got one of the new inflatable SOS PFD's. WOW!!! Now I put it on when I climb in at the ramp and don't take it off til I return. I've gotten alot of questions about it on the water, and a few guys seem interested enough to want one. But it still amazes me how many people tell me they are good swimmers, that's why they don't need to wear a PFD. I can swim too, but as so many have already pointed out, how well would any of us swim with broken bones!

[Mike M (Sask)]

You're right RMB and thanks for the reminder! Every day you learn something, some days more than others! I too learned a hard lesson. The hard lessons are the ones you learn the most from. I was fishing a tournament at Lake Diefenbaker here in Saskatchewan. It was not a nice day, cold, rain, wind and big waves. We had decided to change locations so I went to the front of the boat to lift the electric up. When I tried to lift it, it wouldn't release so I stepped a little weight onto it. Wet runners in big waves, you get the picture. My foot slipped overboard causing me to kind of cartwheel into the lake. On the way my leg hooked all my elctronics and ripped them off as well. When I hit the water (head first and very cold) I managed to sort of flip under water and grab my electric and pull my head above water. I was not wearing a lifejacket and I had a winter coat on under my rain suit. I'm a decent swimmer, BUT don't let anybody tell you it's easy to swim with that much clothing. We sat down after and talked about our mistakes and also discussed things we should have done. Some of which are:

- wear a life jacket. even if you only wear it while running and in bad weather at least cover the high risk situations.
- If you don't wear a life jacket, keep one out so you can quickly toss it to someone who my go overboard.
- Make a plan. Decide ahead of time how you would get someone back in the boat and discuss this with your fishing partners. The use of your net works great to reach someone who is just out of reach.

Bottom line is I plan to fish for many years to come and I'm sure you do too. These things happen so fast they make your head spin so make a plan and be prepared. I'm sure lots of have made plans but if you haven't you should!

Good Fish'n and stay outta the water! (sorry for the long post)
Mike M(Sask)

[Greg Walters]

Good points Mike.
RMB glad to hear your folks weren't hurt any worse than they were.
I did get your point. I have proven this several times in my life so far - some of them on the water, some off. I often have to go out on the lake as a regular part of my job and I too consider myself a good swimmer. Some years back we had a family drown in our lake, I can't remember the circumstances. What I do remember is that they were not wearing PFDs. This sparked a conversation with my two young sons. During this conversation, they learned that 'daddy' doesn't always wear his life jacket. All our state requires is that they be "accessible and of the proper size". Before it all ended, I made a promise to wear one at all times in the boat except when fishing and than I still had to wear it if the weather got rough. The PFD provided by work wasn't very comfortable and I had serious doubts as to whether it would keep some one as 'gravity-challenged' as I afloat or anyone for that matter, as they were all mildewed and torn. My Wife didn't object to my spending some money for a life vest that was comfortable enough that I would wear it and one that will float me. My sons weren't satisfied with that; they wanted to see it worked for them selves. So one hot summer day I plunged into one of the local pools with my new PFD on. Boy, talk about getting some funny looks from people. It floated me in an up-right position, as a proper PFD should. I got publicly embarrassed - which I survived and my sons were satisfied at last.

I got a few points of my own here:
Wear a PFD - if not for yourself, do it for the ones you love.
Make sure the PFD you choose will float you with your face out of the water.
If your boat doesn't have one, install and wear a kill switch.
And it doesn't hurt to have a throwable device either.


Greg