Let's hear your boating related 'near miss' stories

[John McLaughlin]

I don't care what the law says, never do any water sports without a spotter!! And a better mirror...
I thought the law stated you had to have a spotter. Anyway your point is well taken. As a driver it is to easy to take your eyes off of the skier even with a mirror.

 

[Shuck Water]

From the Texas Boater Safety Course:

Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:

• An observer, other than the vessel operator, 13 years of age or older on board or …
• A rearview mirror. The size of the mirror must be no less than four inches in size from bottom to top and across from side to side. It should be mounted firmly to give the vessel operator a full, complete view beyond the rear of the vessel at all times.

 

[John McLaughlin]

I looked up the requirements for Maryland they are somewhat different as they do not require a mirror and a spotter or the boat operator. must be at least 12 years olds. This is from the DNR Regulation.
So I guess the lesson learnt here is to know what might be the law in your state may not be the same in others.

 

[Julian]

I did the anchor dragging thing once...but it was way behind the boat.

My tale is one about not messing with your routine!

I was responsible for our old family boat, did all the maintenance and prep work.

One weekend my dad decides to take out the boat without me. I had been (days before) in the middle of messing with the engine for some reason. I had the hose hooked up, but mom needed to water some plants so she unhooked the hose from the screw in port on the outdrive, but didn't screw on the cover. Dad hooks up the boat and off he goes without me (who usually does the precheck of everything)

Long story short....I get to the ramp 30 min after he's launched (he planned to pick me up) and I see the boat a mile offshore in a cloud of smoke.

Dad didn't notice the screw cover was off and the engine ran with no coolant and it blew the engine.

No one hurt....(other than egos And wallet)...but we had a checklist after that!

 

[ENC boater]

Not a bad one, but pulled the boat off the trailer thinking something does not feel right. Not much power. Push off from the dock and and it still does not feel right. Left the clean out plugs out of the pumps. Sure makes a difference. No harm other than a little pride!

X2 DUH