How to NOT rig your boat (accident photos)

**Scream And Fly** · 08-06-2016, 06:24 PM

I've posted this a few times over the years. I felt it's time to perhaps post it once more. I took these photos back in 2003. I spotted these two Vipers on the grass island, but... where's the engine on the silver one? Uh oh. Lucky that I happened to have a camera with me.

So a bunch of us went to have a look and offer assistance, if needed. What we saw was shocking. I realize that part of growing up is messing around with what you have, and in many cases as a teenager, that means coming up with some creative means of getting something working. But this particular situation is entirely in another league. It's clear to see why that engine dismounted off that 'jack plate'. Look at that thing; it would be frightening to me even as a reckless teenager.

I really like the maroon metalflake Viper though. I do not know who these guys were, or what the fate of those boats ended up being. I think at least one of those fellows is a member of Scream And Fly here, so maybe they'll reply here. Since nobody was hurt in this incident I suppose I can offer up these photos for a bit of amusement, and of course, a lesson in how not to rig a boat.

Greg

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**Bodhi** · 08-06-2016, 06:50 PM

Oh, that poor merc!!! That has to be the worst use of box tubing I've ever seen. Lucky for me growing up I had an uncle who was mechanical and would never allow my boat to leave the garage with any shoddy workmanship. I am surprised the stream even made it across the bay

**PARKER RABE** · 08-06-2016, 09:21 PM

what about wingnuts?

**150aintenuff** · 08-06-2016, 09:59 PM

ive done some CRAZY **** but that even beets my ideas

**150aintenuff** · 08-06-2016, 10:05 PM

parker wing nuts are only acceptible for 6 ga and smaller wire or holding 300 drags on to transoms dont you know that LOL

**150aintenuff** · 08-06-2016, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Bodhi

Oh, that poor merc!!! That has to be the worst use of box tubing I've ever seen. Lucky for me growing up I had an uncle who was mechanical and would never allow my boat to leave the garage with any shoddy workmanship. I am surprised the stream even made it across the bay

that box tubing is stronger than 99.9% of the boats out west in aluminum... so it could be worse..

**hoser** · 08-06-2016, 10:40 PM

Wow look how thin jerry was

**Bodhi** · 08-07-2016, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by 150aintenuff

that box tubing is stronger than 99.9% of the boats out west in aluminum... so it could be worse..

Absolutely agreed, but steel box tubing has no place in this application or on the marine world. I've seen home made jackplates....but this was a little silly

**tux974** · 08-07-2016, 05:16 AM

Jerry to the rescue!.....

That is one of those deals....I'll do this just for the weekend....

It actually looks like the brackets held OK but the saddle bolts might have been steel and gave out....

Heck if those transom bolts were a bit longer he could have used them as tie bars......

**transomstand** · 08-07-2016, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by hoser

Wow look how thin jerry was

Has to be the strongest Vector deck ever built

**mragu** · 08-07-2016, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by transomstand

Has to be the strongest Vector deck ever built

Pete, You beat me to the punch on that one

**Dave Strong** · 08-07-2016, 11:46 AM

Nose cones and single cable steering.

Dave

**nitro_rat** · 08-07-2016, 04:37 PM

I went and looked at an Eagle One boat the other day with a "260" on it. I would have taken some pics but didn't want to offend the guy. It did have a drag cowl, but a bass mid with bondoed on Bob's exhaust snout, bondoed on (and starting to crack) nose cone, and the best part, single cable rotary steering...

The link arm had broken at some point and had a patch piece welded to it!!!

The guy said it was a triple digit boat. I told him "not with me anywhere near it it's not!!!"

Apologies for not taking photos, but my brother-in-law is trying to buy some stuff off the guy and I didn't want to piss him off pointing and laughing and taking pictures!