Can I give ya a.."safety tip"?..

[Robby321]

Me being in salt water, always some "electrical corrosion" issue. But one thing I never thought to check? As only needed when "SHTF".

Like the damn kill switch? Whens the last time you yanked that lanyard? Too see if works?

Kids, ALWAYS stay "diligent", of the what if.

I remember well my last MC ride, 10 day ride, down California. The rural Fire Staion the way out me always some saying the "reader board" ...(and NOT electronic either, old school put in the letters)

What did it say?

"Remember that at anytime things can go horribly wrong..stay aware. "THINK"

[Hot Shot Merc]

Very true.

I remember one time up on the suwanee river I must have bumped the kill switch getting in the seat and didnt really realize I had done so and my motor wouldnt start. Hell I must have sat there twenty minutes wondering WTF??? Then my good friend and rigger who rigged my boat for me floated up beside me and asked if I was haveing an issue. I told him whats up and the first thing out of his mouth was "did ya check your kill switch?" :eek: BINGO!!!! I felt so stupid :leaving::D

[tony97gt]

Had my lanyard connected a few weeks ago and accidentally pulled it put when climbing into the seat and engines died. Felt good to know it worked.

[Slimm]

I am not new to the water, or to fast boats. However, I am new to driving a fast and light boat that has the potential to approach triple digits. Most of my boating is done while going to a fishing hole or on the way home, but occasionally I like a nice ride and am usually alone. I am in the habit of putting my life jacket on immediately upon boarding my boat, and then the kill switch is checked twice then attached...even when backing off the trailer or putting the boat on the trailer.

I am disabled and the way I look at it is I know I can't swim and I for sure can't drink all that water so I will happily take a couple seconds to put on my jacket and test the kill switch while I allow the engine to warm up.

Slimm

[Robby321]

I am not new to the water, or to fast boats. However, I am new to driving a fast and light boat that has the potential to approach triple digits. Most of my boating is done while going to a fishing hole or on the way home, but occasionally I like a nice ride and am usually alone. I am in the habit of putting my life jacket on immediately upon boarding my boat, and then the kill switch is checked twice then attached...even when backing off the trailer or putting the boat on the trailer.

I am disabled and the way I look at it is I know I can't swim and I for sure can't drink all that water so I will happily take a couple seconds to put on my jacket and test the kill switch while I allow the engine to warm up.

Slimm

Dude, great post! Its the little things that need attention to have fun and make back the dock. On my 15 foot Flatty, with twin fins under the hull ya can only steer so far, as that sucker will "turn on a dime, and give ya back a nickle. BUT? Super low freeboard, and when I rigged it I screwed up think. Beast on the back, prop torque. Simple legs under the dash. Thing is if something happened steering? Cable break, some bolt? I'm damn sure "leaving the boat fast". Thing thought was my legs would still be in the boat. Well I moved the seat back now, and knees up along side the wheel. If chit happens, at least going out in connected body. And never say..."I'm just going for a slow ride".

Yeah.. right. I'm NOT a big fan on "stay safe" signs telling the stupid what should be. Simple do the "Kill" on ya, toss any the new PFD's now..AT speed! Parked?..Go have a beer, and get "Tanned".

Like anything in life..simple .."think first".

[frederick55]

Life jacket, kill switch, definitely. Nobody rides without a jacket cause there's no such thing as a nice, slow, relaxing ride for long. The peddle begs to get stomped, and ride-alongs ask for it. I have three lifelines to make sure everybody has the BASIC protection. I want to add bilge pump to the list. I have to put the plug in from outside the hull. You never know. Recently had a gasoline fire from a loose fuel fiitting after a repair while on the hose in the driveway. Fortunately wasn't on the water. Electric fuel pumps cut you no slack even with the engine not turning over, so add easily accessible fire extinguisher. One last safety item that may not really be, but has saved my butt a few times. Basic tool box. I've sailed a lot of bluewater in the Caribbean and done my share of fast boats. One thing for sure is that the water will get ya (or you will get yourself) if you're not on your game. The ocean is not your friend, but your opponent, always trying to get in. Major cause of calamity--- intensity of the moment. No time to think. Should have probably been dead a few times. I need any advantage I can get to negate nature, mechanical malfunctions, and brainfarts.

[toyomirage02]

Very true.

I remember one time up on the suwanee river I must have bumped the kill switch getting in the seat and didnt really realize I had done so and my motor wouldnt start. Hell I must have sat there twenty minutes wondering WTF??? Then my good friend and rigger who rigged my boat for me floated up beside me and asked if I was haveing an issue. I told him whats up and the first thing out of his mouth was "did ya check your kill switch?" :eek: BINGO!!!! I felt so stupid :leaving::D


Rob Lankford






must have been on that funny stuff lol huh rob

[Robby321]

Life jacket, kill switch, definitely. Nobody rides without a jacket cause there's no such thing as a nice, slow, relaxing ride for long. The peddle begs to get stomped, and ride-alongs ask for it. I have three lifelines to make sure everybody has the BASIC protection I want to add bilge pump to the list. I have to put the plug in from outside the hull. You never know. Recently had a gasoline fire from a loose fitting while on the hose in the driveway. Electric fuel pumps cut you no slack even with the engine not turning over, so add easily accessible fire extinguisher. One last safety item that may not really be, but has saved my butt a few times. Basic tool box.

YES! On my Flatty, I have a back hull plug, AND a second in the inside hull too. Yep, a working bilge pump too, but as a "Flat" with 2 stringers side. Well, simple rather try something than the great old thought always said me..."I'd rather have it when needed, that needed when I don't" Yep on a "tool box too..(as comes in handy when ANOTHER, needs help..the clueless newbs).

And on fire extinguisher's? Don't do cheap, and replace in a few years, then regulate the old to the house/shop. And I have a old worker, under my van passenger seat too. Never know when it will.."save another". Never, EVER think? I'm fine..as crap happens so fast..(been there)..simple be a good "Boy Scout"..."Prepared".....pic my Flat overpowered 15 Flatty. Simple "water GoKart!"

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