Solved the problem of newbies on the boat ramp!

[holleybob]

I read somewhere a general rule for swimming in cold water. I'm going by memory but I think it was" in 50 degree water  and more than 50 ft from the bank (or boat I guess) you have a 50% chance of survival". 

The only way I'm swimming in cold water is if I go overboard. Forget the boat I want to go home!

[Ham]

I had not been on RiverSmallies very long when one of the regulars died of hypothermia/drowning. He was fishing alone and became separated from his boat. Of course, no one will ever know how he ended up in the water, but it was a very firm reminder that accidents happen and can be fatal during the cold water period of the year.

 

[m&m]

There are times I fish alone and because I am fearful of falling out of the boat, I recently purchased one of those inflatable life jackets to go along with the fold up ladder off the rear deck so I can get back into the boat.  I hope I never have to use either one but that is the same thing I say about my life insurance policy.

Mike

[Ham]

Yep, I added a ladder to the back of the BassCat. It's not easy getting into my boat from the water when I am comfortable doing it. If you add the weight of soaked clothing and the icy grip of hypothermia, it might be impossible without the ladder. I carry towels and spare clothing as well.

[Smalls21]

if your engine has power trim, you could stand on the cavatation plate and trim up to help you get in the boat

[Ham]

1 hour ago, Smalls21 said:

if your engine has power trim, you could stand on the cavatation plate and trim up to help you get in the boat

I understand the concept, but hugging that 250 HP isn't going to easy either. I might better practice this summer

[Smalls21]

practice in knowing how to do it effectively, could save your life

[m&m]

I don't know if this occurred to anyone else reading this thread but it makes me think about extending an open invitation to those on the forum who might want to go fishing some day either in my boat or their boat so that neither of us are fishing alone where we might lose the boat at the ramp, lose the tow vehicle or fall into the water.

Mike

[snagged in outlet 3]

OA get together's like the Jigfest have been nice.

[BuckMaxx]

Many moons ago my Dad was part owner in AAA marine at Baxter. He had an old Red jeep with a hitch on the front. Wed launch boats all the time with it. It works awesome!