The older/long time members know this story. Hope it helps save.
The year was 2002 I think . I had bought my first, new tinny,and was putting my 1978, 20 hp Johnson motor on it. The motor was on a 1969 traveler faberglass run about (CUCUMBER GREEN). Not knowing, when a motor is on a steering boat,the movement of the steering is loose.I attached this motor to my tinny and it was now a tiller. it was always a tiller,but rigged it so it was a steering motor (wait,ENGINE)Feeling good Roy/Paul .
My first outing was out on Little lake here in Barrie for some spring crappie. Today these tiller motors come with a kill tether,MINE DID NOT.
I was moving from spot to spot all morning long.All was well. Then this happen.
I was at full speed, when all of a sudden, a simple pack of smokes started to fly off the bench. I reached for them and YEP,the tiller swings to the left,I go right, and over board I go. Wearing long johns and heavy cotton track pants,a t-shirt and wool pullover.
Heres where someone was watching over me.
When I went in,I seen everything. I seen bubbles,the boat go by. When I came to the surface,I still had my glasses on . Im in shock at first,but regained myself pretty quick,knowing Im in trouble. Treading water was pretty tough with all that cloths,but I wasnt going down. There was another boat out there,and they came over as fast as they could. By the time they got to me,my boat had circled,and came right back to me . I reached and grabbed that hull with all my might,probly 3-4 trys. Once I did get a hold of it,I felt safe,and I never thanked the guy above more then I did then.
That was some real scary stuff.
Funny,when my brothers and sister were wee ones,my pop always made sure out PFD,s were on.Think I would of learned their not seat cushons.
Guess when we get older,we think we know better.
When I got my bass boat,it had a tether.
I NEVER, EVER,DID NOT HAVE IT NOT ATTACHED TO MY PFD.
LESSON LEARNED.
Glad Im around to share.
PS,,,,,,,,,,,
I do believe, she was watching over me,,,,,,,,,,,,Grandma