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gathermewool t1_ixv7uqz wrote

Make an pre and post-underway checklist, laminate it and keep it in the boat.

6

RandoCalrissian11 t1_ixvqt3s wrote

Next time just start driving forward. All the water will drain out the hole and you can easily put the plug in. Sometimes I’ll take the plug out to drain water that’s come into the boat because it’s faster than waiting for the bilge.

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throwaway39583839 t1_ixvvjck wrote

yeah. just a total panic since i didn’t anticipate entirely losing the plug, then when i found it i didn’t figure it’d be hard to find the drain. but yeah, getting on plane is the thing to do if there was enough room. really tight ramp and a big no wake

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RandoCalrissian11 t1_ixvwxk0 wrote

No wake doesn’t apply in an emergency. Don’t have to gun it, just go at a slow speed, even if a wake is created.

I’ve realized my plug was out 5mi offshore in 400’ of water.

Just turned around, dropped someone off at the dock while I idled around, drove up on the trailer, put it in, and continued on my way.

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Schtevo66 t1_ixw25d7 wrote

I found a one way valve that screws into the plug hole. Never need to take it out and never have water in my boat

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RandoCalrissian11 t1_ixw4bkt wrote

A check valve? It can get clogged, that’s my only issue with it.

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Schtevo66 t1_ixwmv5t wrote

Depends how clean you keep your boat I guess, dirty bilge yeah you’re right

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RandoCalrissian11 t1_ixwnegh wrote

Mines a fishing boat. Clean isn’t an option

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Schtevo66 t1_ixwr8is wrote

Yeah, I'm a waterskier and picky with my maintenance, you could probably drink my bilgewater

2

Atnoy96 t1_ixw60b0 wrote

Stupid scary mistakes are part of owning a boat. My dad has

  • Also forgotten the bilge plug, multiple items.
  • Left the boat tied down to the trailer.
  • Forgot to secure the anchor rope during launch (boat almost found freedom).
  • Gotten a tie-down rope under a tire, resulting in bending a roof-mounted canoe nearly in half.
  • Swamped several boats, some stayed there.
  • Not attached the trailer to the tow hitch properly (yay for cross chaining).
  • Not attached the trailer to the tow hitch properly and not cross chained (ouch for road).

One of my dad's friends managed to launch a boat and trailer into a tree on the interstate and not realize he'd lost it until he arrived at his destination an hour later. Fun fact, that same boat was later sunk (accidentally? on purpose? who knows?) that same day. I'm not sure on the logistics behind getting it down out of the tree and to the location.

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throwaway39583839 t1_ixw8nsp wrote

i know a guy who builds boats that had to bail and plug it from the outside last year..literally happens to everyone. just a hell of a lot scarier in a jon boat, fiberglass can take a lot more

1