SAFETY while boating

[tracman86]

Thanks everyone I am amazed at the views this has received I knew table rock forum would get a lot of views . That was my whole purpose. For any one that is real hard headed I can send pics of the damage. 

[fishinwrench]

Actually I would kinda like to see pics of the steering arm area of the outboard, just out of curiosity..... because technically the bolt can't "vibrate out" without hitting the lower cowling.    If the lower cowling isn't busted (or gouged out) in that area then that means someone used the wrong bolt.  

The lower cowling has to be removed when the steering arm bolt is installed, otherwise it simply won't fit.

[176champion]

1 hour ago, fishinwrench said:

Actually I would kinda like to see pics of the steering arm area of the outboard, just out of curiosity..... because technically the bolt can't "vibrate out" without hitting the lower cowling.    If the lower cowling isn't busted (or gouged out) I'm that area then that means someone used the wrong bolt.  

The lower cowling has to be removed when the steering arm bolt is installed, otherwise it simply won't fit.

Bolt put in upside down is a possibility.....just speculation

[fishinwrench]

5 hours ago, 176champion said:

Bolt put in upside down is a possibility.....just speculation

Would definitely have to be the wrong bolt if so, because the correct one has a shoulder with no threads.  The bolt threads into and through the THREADED steering arm, it doesn't just simply slide through it.

[96 CHAMP]

2 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Would definitely have to be the wrong bolt if so, because the correct one has a shoulder with no threads.  The bolt threads into and through the THREADED steering arm, it doesn't just simply slide through it.

For me personally, especially when you can’t get to the lake often enough and in our younger years it’s all about “hurry up” can’t wait to go fishing, as we get a tad older we all need to slow down, take your time, take another 5 minutes and double check everything. The exception to that is that accidents do happen, Idle Time and myself have had quite a few discussions on this topic. Speak up and say something to your partner in the boat, Safety First!   

 

[skeeter]

Hoping everyone reading this has checked their steering connections by now or before they get in their boat again and looked to see if the nut on the connector bolt has those "bend-over" tabs properly installed that Wrench told us about and that the bolt used is the correct one with a shoulder on it.  

[Bullcreek]

I am glad this post came up. Drownings are unfortunate and many can be prevented by wearing your PDF and attaching the kill switch. I have a rule in my boat which is if the big motor is running life jackets are required.

I got exposed to the consequences at a young age fortunately and it has stuck with me. When I was just a little shaver in the late 70's or early 80's we were camping at Cow Creek. There was an older gentleman in a tiller steer aluminum boat that was fishing infront of the campground. He had fallen out of the boat without a PDF or kill switch attached. I still remember the boat running in circles forever until it finally run aground. They found his body the next day in the same area. It was an unfortunate event but it definitely impressed upon me the importance of the life jacket at a young age. 

[tracman86]

12 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Actually I would kinda like to see pics of the steering arm area of the outboard, just out of curiosity..... because technically the bolt can't "vibrate out" without hitting the lower cowling.    If the lower cowling isn't busted (or gouged out) in that area then that means someone used the wrong bolt.  

The lower cowling has to be removed when the steering arm bolt is installed, otherwise it simply won't fit.

Wrench this is what is left of my steering connection. I am now very curious of what you make of this. I wanted to let you know this steering system is a Teleflex. Also the picture of the bolt with the other components is all that on the steering connection.

[Fishmeister]

Also inspect your kill switch lanyard.  If any doubt replace it.  I saw this same thing happen at Truman many years ago, takeoff at tourney two were ejected, both had pfd's on lanyard kill switch attached.  Lucky for the two there were several boat around to rescue the two from the water, while another boat placed his boat next two the driverless boat and killed the engine.  Been a long time ago but stays with you, could have ended entirely different.

Thank you to the OP for reminding us all, and hope you recover soon.

[fishinwrench]

As a bit of a Devil advocate post it might be worthy to mention that when I wear my PFD and kill switch attached to it I tend to HAULASS moreso than when I don't. 

I've noticed the same thing when riding my mountain bike.  Everytime I put on that goofy helmet....this kinda stuff happens