Super User Long Mike Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 First of all, a little background. I have a Tracker TV-18 with a 150 HP Mercury XR6. I recently installed a 6" jack-plate and over the last few days have been installing a Lowrance HDS-8 with both the side-scan and Sirius weather options. Today was my day to put the boat the water. My goals were to 1. Check the performance with the new jack-plate and 2. Begin to learn how to interpret the side-scan and down-scan images from the new Lowrance unit. I launched the boat at about 12:30 PM, alone. There was about a ten mph wind blowing which nicely took me away from the dock and adjoining rocks. Once into deeper water I hit the starter switch for the big motor and ... nothing. The battery was dead. I have a number of little accessories wired in to the cranking battery that constantly drain it. Well, due to my stupidity, I left the on-board charger unplugged for three days. Thinking "no big deal," I dropped my Terrova into the water to head back to the dock and ... nothing. By this time, the wind was taking me out of the cove from which I had launched toward the main lake. I began to paddle like hell to try to reach the opposite side of the cove before I was blown into the main lake and into 100 feet of water. I almost made it. The shore I was paddling to was a steep, rocky bluff about fifty feet high. The closer I got to it, the more the wind pushed me away. Just before I was blown into the main lake I threw the anchor into about thirty feet of water - and it held. At the ripe old age of sixty-four I confess I was exhausted by my paddling adventure, so I just sat there for about five minutes trying to regain my breath and composure. After coming to my senses a bit, I realized that I could be in real trouble. At this time of year Skiatook Lake (about 10,500 acres) has very little boat traffic. The ramp I launched from will normally accommodate about fifty parked trucks/trailers. When I launched there was one other truck/trailer parked. After a while I decided to check out the the trolling motor batteries and opened the hatch to discover nothing less than almost criminal neglect. The battery terminals were so corroded that it would be impossible for them to conduct electricity. I tried to clean them up, but the damage was done. To make matters worse, after I got home, I discovered that one of the batteries on my 24V system was completely shot. No battery fluid at all. My stupidity at it's best! So there I sat. It's now about 4:00 and I'm hoping that the one other boater who has his truck in the same lot as me has not decided to fish until after nightfall. No batteries for me, and therefore no running lights for him to avoid hitting me. It's very difficult to kick yourself in your own ***, but that's what I was trying do to when I saw a boat traveling by about 500 yards away. I knew it was a long shot but I stood up and started waving my arms, with my red PFD in hand. Lo and behold, they saw me! To make a long story short, I was towed back to the dock and these kind gentlemen helped me to get my lifeless boat onto the trailer. What did I learn from this experience? Never, ever go out on the water without checking the condition of your batteries; especially when you haven't been on the water for a while. Quote
oteymc Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 That just sucks, sorry you had to go through that. I hope you enjoy the new additions when you get another chance to try them out. Quote
edbassmaster Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Thats a great lesson for when I do get a boat, thanks! Quote
RobbyZ5001 Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Mike if I saw you on the water I would help you even if I was in a tournament. ;D On the serious note. Do you carry a sounding device? Do you have a cellular phone? I know many lakes you won't get service, but I like to have mine just in case. Quote
Super User Bassn Blvd Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 Sounds like you forgot to take your Ginko Bilboa. Ginkgo is used for the treatment of numerous conditions, many of which are under scientific investigation. Available evidence demonstrates ginkgo's efficacy in the management of intermittent claudication, Alzheimer's/multi-infarct dementia, and "cerebral insufficiency" (a syndrome thought to be secondary to atherosclerotic disease, characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety). Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 Well, shoot...I can just picture the whole episode in my mind. I know it was very frustrating at the time. I guess you'll probably start the motor before shoving off in the future. On a lighter note...that's pretty funny, too! Geez... Quote
Super User firefightn15 Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 Geez Mike, what did go right yesterday? Too many bad boating stories lately, glad your o.k. x2 on the cell phone, I know you got one.....no service or just hanging tight? Quote
Uncle Leo Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Mike, Did you not learn anything from your Pickwick Adventure or do you have the Old Timers Disease? ( Corroded Wires) LOL Glad everything worked out for you and you are safe. On a brighter side at least you had a bit of a work out. Quote
bryand82487 Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 I try to never go alone but I keep an air horn in my boat Quote
Super User Shane J Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 That reminds me that I have to check my battery fluid levels. Glad it worked out for you, it could have been worse. Man, I would have been so mad at myself, and would have found a way kick myself! Quote
Super User fishfordollars Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 LMAO, just like I did last night when you called to tell me about it. What did I say,,,Don't leave the charger on 24/7 and check the fluids at least once a month if you do. Glad you got back in. would not have liked the allnight tow to get you off the water. Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 Glad you made it back safe and sound !!!!!! Quote
zerofivenismo Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Well, where's the side imaging and down scan screenshots? :-? On a serious note, glad you made it back safely. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Glad you're OK! Thanks for sharing despite the inevitable B@** busting. If it helps someone else it's worth it. Quote
I.rar Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 next time , take eric with you. i heard he has elite swimming/boat towing skills. ;D ;D on a serious note , glad youre ok. Quote
Super User SoFlaBassAddict Posted October 13, 2010 Super User Posted October 13, 2010 next time , take eric with you. i heard he has elite swimming/boat towing skills. ;D ;D Die in a fire. Glad you got back safely. Seems like dead batteries are becoming contagious... Quote
I.rar Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 next time , take eric with you. i heard he has elite swimming/boat towing skills. ;D ;D Die in a fire. Glad you got back safely. Seems like dead batteries are becoming contagious... ;D ;D sorry , but i had to do it. seems like dead batteries are contagious lately. Quote
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