Rewind 35 years. I was born with a fishing pole in my hand. I've dreamed of the day I would own my very own boat and that dream came true for me just a month ago. She wasn't just perfect, but she had great bones and with a little love, tlc, and a little more dinero, she could be all that.

So after dropping around another $800 in accessories and taking the time to tweak her that much closer to perfection, my dad and I set off to give it a whirl. Yeah I knew that the weather forecast was miserable and the conditions lacked much to be desired, but this was it.. that moment I've been waiting on my whole life... the moment when boat hits water....

What could go wrong???

Gas tank filled up.. Check
Oil reserve filled up.. Check
Motor already tested at home.. Check
Batteries charged.. Check
Lifejackets, throw cushion.. Check
Paddles.. Check
Plug in.. Check
Boat unhooked from trailer.. Check
Fishing license.. Check
Toilet paper.. Check
All paperwork that I had proving that I own the boat.. Check
Old owners IL registration still on the side of the boat.. Check