FLW boat accident

Whats everyones take on the recent boat accident involving FLW PRO John Cox on Lewis Smith lake

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 1 month ago by Wizard.

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March 31, 2015 at 3:41 am #288332

RayburnRed
Participant

I think its a reminder to always wear your life jacket. Some of the best boat drivers in the world have had close calls. It blows my mind how many of these college age fisherman wont put one on for a short trip if they are just out with their buddies.

March 31, 2015 at 3:55 am #288333

scubaman154
Participant

I know, it is very common practice on the Ohio River from what I see… No life jacket and hauling the coal!!

March 31, 2015 at 5:32 am #288334

1stinLA
Participant

He said that neither of their inflatables worked, so I wonder what type they were wearing. I had something like that happen years ago in my old 85 Phelix when I struck a piece of log doing about 30 and the motor jammed in it like a wedge, spinning the boat and throwing me a good 25 ft, and my life jacket and kill switch saved me. A dredge crew working down the canal saw it and came to pick me up, and helped me get the piece of log off of the lower unit of the motor and check out the boat. the strange part was that after we got it off, you could not even see a scratch on the motor. That was an experience I never want to have again!

March 31, 2015 at 10:32 am #288335

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is certainly a reminder to always wear a non-inflatable pfd. The inflatables may be comfortable but you are betting your life that they will work when needed.

March 31, 2015 at 11:59 am #288336

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Our stance on inflatables is well known. We did not offer them till recently as we dont think they should be used in most situations. Fine to fish in, though not run 60 plus MPH in. Many, many major impacts on lower units will never leave a mark on the engine 1stinLA. We have a gear case at the factory which Mercury tested with and it has a few marks. It was used on the 50mph ram rail that they break motor mounts with. It was continuously used to test mounts and parts, you would never know it from looking at it. 50 MPH times however many impacts till they replace it with a new one.Last edited by Bass Cat Boats on March 31st, 2015, 12:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

March 31, 2015 at 12:47 pm #288337

jignpig
Participant

Its crazy not to wear one. RayburnRed, its not just “college” anglers, as Im sure youve thought about it by now. Young and old are slow to learn, thinking safety. I see it every time I go out on any body of water. Even my college age son takes note of it. Weve had friends drown from boating accidents. Just wanted to clarify that stupidity transcends all age groups.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner

March 31, 2015 at 12:56 pm #288338

njpaulc
Participant

Always thought that they extra cushioning a 100MPH life jacket has over an inflatable would help if you got thrown out of the boat.

March 31, 2015 at 2:58 pm #288339

BR400
Participant

John Cox is a friend and I am glad he is OK. I know I will make sure I wear my PFD at all times. I just recharged two of my Mustangs. I have two more I need to recharge.

March 31, 2015 at 3:31 pm #288340

Wizard
Participant

During the last FLW at Lake of the Ozarks, several pros were injured by waves. They were told to power down because the waves could go huge in seconds, particularly if the yaghts and cruisers were out. I sat on my point and watched wrapped boats taking a pounding in the waves. Most anglers listened but still took a beating. The pros that didnt listen went to the hospital. FLW said the tour would not return to the lake because of the danger. Through my binoculars, I saw several running the lake without PFD.
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