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It has been some time since I posted a report. My re-cap for the summer is that Willard on top water was red hot and we really had a good time. Now to my reason to post today. I went to Strawberry last Saturday for a half day of fishing. The last two times I have had my boat out the Johnson 115 has not run very well. Friday night I decided to change the plugs in hopes that I had a fouled a plug or two. We hit the water around 7:30am and headed to Renegade. The engine was still running crappy despite the new plugs. We caught a few fish and then picked up and headed just North of Mud Creek. Fishing was not to good so we decided that we would call it a day as we had to be home by 2:00. I started my boat and went South down the shoreline headed back to the Strawberry marina when my engine made a loud bang and stopped. When I turned the key I could see it was froze up. Probably lost a piston. Now to the reason for my post. We see two boats in a bay just South of Mud Creek so we start rowing for the next hour or so. When we get close enough we start yelling, honking our horn, waving an orange flag and a bright yellow rain jacket. We received no response from either of these two boats so I give them the benefit of the doubt and continue to head towards them trying to get them to help us out with a tow. As we get close both boats start there engines and move away from us in the opposite direction. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!! I could not believe my eyes and thought how many times over the years I have towed people in need. These two parties will get theirs one day if there is any justice in the world. The good news is that I could make out a distant wake out in the middle of the lake. I started waving the bright yellow jacket and as he got a little closer he changed course and headed towards us. He was glad to help us out with a tow as we were very tired from two hours of paddling against the wind. I asked him if he could see us waving the yellow rain jacket and he said he seen us from a long distance away. I will try to post a picture of the good samaritan. I did not get his name and he would not take payment so if you are reading this board THANKS!!!!! Any one of us could be in the situation so remember the golden rule.
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Drake,
We all hope the saying "what goes around comes around" has some truth to it after an experience like that! I always keep my marine radio on channel 16 and monitor in case anyone needs help. With a marine radio and a GPS for your exact location help is not far off.
Glad to see ya made it back safely thanks to the good samaritan!
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Sorry to hear about your bad experience. That's too bad about the boats not wanting to help. Did you find out what happened to your motor?
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Hey Drake, thats my neighbor, his name is Bo. I don't know if he looks at BFT or not. I'll say something to him when I see him.
later chuck
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That is really lousy that folks would ignore your need for help and actually abandon you on the water! I think I am about even on how many times I have been helped compared to how many times I have helped other boats. I am always glad to help out whenever I find a need on the water, and I know that I am extremely grateful when someone helps me.
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I had a similarlar experience at Mantua last Friday. I was on my toon when a wind came up out of nowhere. One of my bladders was leaking and the wind was bad. I had a tough time getting back to shore. There was only one boat on the lake and I was getting close to him when he darted to shore. Some people just don't care about anyone but themselves. Too bad for them!
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I know exactly how you feel! been there before .There are so many ignorant people out there that dont realize that they can be sving a life by giving s tow.
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in the words of Jim Rome Karma Baby Karma
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yes it is a shame that people would turn away from a stranded boater,thankfully a good samartian was around to help.But I feel that this was your own fault more then any one's.By your own admission you said your boat was not operating properly.If that was the case then why did you choose go that far away from the boat ramp?I know that things happen that We cant always plan on,but you were just putting your boat and the people on it ,at undue risk by using a boat that was unsafe.How about a little personal responsiblty as the boat captain.I see this same thing happening all the time,using a unsafe boat then wondering what to do when it quits on them.
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Sorry Dude. I was towing a guy a Yuba saturday. The only thing we caught all day. Also, I have towed a couple boats at Lake X this year. Not the easiest thing to do in a bass boat. I seriously believe in good Karma on the water.
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Drake,
Very sorry to hear this. I have towed a couple boats in over the years. Several years back a friend of mine was fishing with me on Mantua, in my 17-foot canoe. We just got done being dragged over the lake by a 25-pound carp, and we seen a guy waving and hollering at us from the boat ramp. We seen his boat drifting towards the middle of the lake. The guy and his wife, 70+ years of age lauched their boat and it got away from them. We pulled the canoe in close and got hold of the rope and pulled the 17 foot fish/ski boat back to the ramp, they were really happy and offered to pay us. I said no, some day I might need a tow from you.
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[font "Impact"][#ff4040][size 3]Hey DRAKE, sorry to hear that. If I had a boat and was fishing around you I would have gladly given you a tow. I have always been taught that you should treat others the way you want to be treated. I am a big believer in karma too. Just wait one day those guys are going to be in a jam and nobody is gonna be there to bail them out. Just like the old saying "what goes around comes around"[/size][/#ff4040][/font]
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OUCH!!!!!! Man that really hurts, but the truth often does. You are right. I did not think that the problem was serious enough to keep me home. The thought of staying home this time of year was over ridden by my love of sticking big cuts. I changed the plugs the night before and was anxious to see if this simple thing would take care of the problem. I called Johnson tech support and I am now leaning to the loss of the lower unit now. I do feel better about the whole experience with help of the board. I will just stick to duck hunting the rest of the year.
(like I have a choice)
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to think that people will not help someone in trouble like that. Still shaking my head. Anyways best of luck with the boat.