Thread: I Should Be Dead....True Story...

Wow what a trip! Very well written too. Thanks for sharing.

I had a similar experience when I was 17. Back then a 20 merc didn't have a kill switch. I hit a log in the river at 4am. My buddy was thrown from the boat. He grabbed me as he flew by. I grabbed the fuel line then managed to grab the transom. I remember looking up at the wide open motor as I was skipping across the water. I reached up and hit he kill switch. I am lucky the kill switch was on that side of the motor. I then climbed into the boat. All I can smell is gas and hear my other buddy's boat screaming around the corner. I start hollering and was lucky they didn't hit me or my buddy in the water. To this day I think about that night every time I get in a boat. I will not run a boat without a kill switch, life jacket, running lights or without a q-beam. You only have so many chances at stupidity and luck.

Thanks for posting this, you should post it on the main board. Everyone should read this!

A painful read, but a good reminder. Thanks for sharing.

I always wear my life jacket with the kill switch attached. What is amazing is I have caught some grief about it from my fishing buddies, especially if it is 95 degrees.

Originally Posted by SeaRay

I always wear my life jacket with the kill switch attached. What is amazing is I have caught some grief about it from my fishing buddies, especially if it is 95 degrees.

I had to double check my photo in my avatar, but sure enough, got my jacket on.

Linda got me a new inflatable for Christmas so I don't have to worry about taking it off and forgetting to put it back on. I got my youngest son to also read the story. It sure got his attention and caused him to think as we discussed it. He most time he does wear his vest.
"gene"

Thank you for the wake up call...I fish alot by myself and never use the kill switch or wear a life jacket...now I will, especially with my new bigger and powerful new boat.