As a lifetime angler and boater, I’ve seen my fair share of mistakes at boat ramps. That said, what I’ve witnessed in my home state of Minnesota and in neighboring states and provinces evidently doesn’t compare to the incredible boat launch fails that occur in warmer climates. The one below takes place in Florida.
I really have no explanation for this 55-second Facebook video. The boat hull appears to be damaged so severely that water has poured in. There’s no way that the owner simply forgot to put in the drain plug and this is the result. Forgetting to put in the plug while launching the boat wouldn’t let that much water in so fast.
Whatever the case, I don’t understand why the boat is flipping over so quickly. Yes, the 150hp outboard is heavy, but the boat is certainly rated for this size motor. And I’d think that hundreds of gallons of water in the floor of the boat would cause it to be bottom-heavy, not vice-versa.
More observations:
- As you’ll see, the concrete ramp under the water is super slippery (algae-covered probably), and that’s causing the helpers to fall, which is dangerous. Thankfully, no one appears to get hurt.
- Pay close attention (stop and rewind) at the 20-second mark and you’ll see the trailer winch handle is turning backwards; what is going on there?
- And then the driver decides to pull the boat out upside down? What?! And then the top of the 150hp outboard hits the ramp. You truly can’t make this up.
- The short clips that make up this entire video aren’t in chronological order because eventually the guys remove the bow-mount trolling motor and some fishing rods; you’ll see them stored in the bed of the pickup when they finally get the boat on the trailer.
Was alcohol involved? Who knows . . . my guess is “yes.” What this video does prove is while money can buy a beautiful Ford Platinum F150 pickup (at least $75K) and an expensive fishing boat, it doesn’t buy boating and trucking skills and wisdom.
P.S. Be sure to “click to enter fullscreen” and turn up the volume for best viewing.
