First Post

[TimH]

Thanks for posting the story and I'm truly glad things worked out alright in the end.  I 100% believe that the wave that soaked you was meant to be there so you started heading to land when you did.  I also think that the wave not only saved you, but had a larger purpose of being used as a reminder to all of us as an example of what can happen on the water.  I know that after reading this, I am checking the operation of my bilge pumps before I launch my boat again.
God is Good. 

[Firefighter Jeff]

  Kudos to smallie9.  I'm sure most of our members would do the same.  I saw the pic of you towing the baot.  I was surprised that rope held up.  That was a lot of weight to pull with all that water in the boat.

  On another note for Rick,  I'm wondering if the silicone hasn't gone bad between the top cap and hull. When I first got my boat, brand new I was getting water in the bilge area.  But not when it sat in the boat slip but when I used it.  Found the issue, added some silicone and problem solved.  Just something else to check.

[YpsiBass]

I'm not going to add more to what Tom said until after I get through with whatever I have to deal with with Tow Boat US and State Farm insurance.

I DO feel really discouraged though and am having a hard time thinking about being out on the water again or being on my boat.  Took the weekend off to do other stuff and I should be at the MadWags open, but blah.  Just blah.

I appreciate the words of encouragement and happy thoughts though.

[Revtro]

Don't be discouraged Rick.  There's a lot to learn and it takes years to learn it.  Plus some stuff just plain happens.  I'm sure fishing Saturday will be a good thing for you.   Hope to see you there.

[smallie9]

Mr. Rick,

I cannot think of any better "therapy" than some time on the water doing battle with those goofy fish with friends. Whenever I need to disconnect from "whatever" there are only two things I can count on, fishin, and sittin in a tree watching the forest grow (cause the deer don't understand how to play the game)

The rest of the "stuff" is just formalities, and nothing is going to stop me from fishin, remember stuff happens for a reason, and time to push on! It sounds like you have a good deal of support, your lucky.   

[AMSDJS]

Gentlemen, thank you for sharing your recent experience. I'm 57 so I can relate to these 'life-awakening' events that most of us have experienced, both on and off the water. There's often no logical explanation except to let each of us know we occasionally need to be humbled and have perspective on what is really important. No fish is worth risking one's health or life (not that you were doing anything wrong). I will definitely be purchasing a 50 ft. tow line and stash it in my boat - if not just for me but for my fellow angler(s) should they be in distress. Glad everyone is safe to fish another day.

[YpsiBass]

Short update on this whole giant, terrible adventure...

State Farm cut a check out of their own pockets to pay for the tow company's requote on their services. Tow Boat US quoted me $20/foot on the water, but then sent me a bill for $200/foot. They said that because they had to pump the boat out, it counted as salvage hence the requote.  State Farm also covered the cost of repairs to my boat, minus my deductible, and said that covering the tow enabled me to get the boat fixed and that was the right thing to do rather than total it.  Should have the boat back some time after June 10th.

I have learned yet another hard lesson on the water and I wish I could stop finding ways to learn this way, but I am eternally grateful to the GLB community for all the advice, kind words, and support.  I will probably be a State Farm customer for life because of this and the other things they've covered in the past.

[Firefighter Jeff]

Yes, it's hard and probably foolish to leave a company that treats you so well.  I know there are some that don't like Progressive for different reasons but they have treated me with fantastic service.  When we had the deer accident on a sunday evening about 8:00, 180 miles from home that totaled our SUV and bassboat, we had a check in our hand for the SUV by Tuesday 1:00 at home !!!!  The check for the boat took longer because they needed bluebook and a selling price for two other boats like ours in order to average the three prices.

[smallie9]

Glad to hear things will get you back on the water soon (should be perfect timing-post spawn fun). If you don't mind, what was the diagnosis on the damage to your boat. (awesome it is repairable).

[YpsiBass]

Still not sure what caused the boat to take on water, but I'll verify with Lockeman's when I pick it up. I did ask what the repair bill included and that was 3 new batteries (2 TM and 1 cranking), new charger, empty out the gas tanks, new oil, some motor stuff to take out the water and protect the internals.