This one reason why I don't have a boat that goes fast...

[drifter106]

Which BBC member is this?

["G"]

He was lucky

[DockShootinJack]

Sure is a scary feeling to hit things with the boat.

[SuperDave336]

I can’t see pic

["G"]

You have to register to that site and log in to see the pic....otherwise all you can see is the text on the thread.

[S10CHEVY]

Here is what his wife put online on Facebook, but can't get the FB page to open.

Hit a tree stump at 60 mph and got thrown from the boat.. Had kill switch and life jacket on.. This is from the guys wife.

Got the call this morning that I have long dreaded. Thankfully it was my husband's voice on the other line and he's ok. He's also extremely private so he isn't going to love me posting this but I feel compelled so *long post ahead*.Nick wrecked his boat this morning driving back to the boat ramp after a couple hours of fishing before work. He was on the lake we live on, driving a path he's driven a hundred times before, in a bass boat that he's put more than 400 hours on in 3 years. He kinda knows what he's doing. Maybe he drove a yard more to the left than usual? His monitors show he was in about 9 feet of water when he hit a tree - submerged, broke off at 90 degrees and laying just under the surface. He was running about 60 and it caught just the foot plate of his motor. The impact knocked the motor off and after losing control of steering, the boat turned sharply ejecting him from the driver's side.
He lost his breath from the impact of hitting the water and is a bit banged up but we are thanking The Lord and all Holy things that he ALWAYS wears a life jacket (with kill switch) when running his boat. Also thankful the boat continued its journey away from where he landed. Thankful for the friend who heard the crash a mile and a half away on the lake and came to check out what happened. Thankful that this crash did not turn out as bad as it could have.
As the officer from FWC said (they came to write a report), the most dangerous thing a boater can do is get too comfortable. That's why I'm posting this. If you run a boat in Lake Seminole (or anywhere) without a life jacket, you are a damn fool. And if you think you know Lake Seminole, know that she still holds a few surprises!

Edit: Yes, 60 is fast in a boat. I didn't lie or omit the speed because this is a typical run speed for a tournament fisherman, which my husband is. He didn't misrepresent his speed when giving a report to FWC because this is not an illegal or wreckless speed for a fisherman with 20 years of boating experience and many, many hours clocked on this particular boat. These bass boats can near 80. Safe boating is about knowing your watercraft, level of experience, conditions and surroundings. For example, my husband ran that same area earlier that morning much slower because of low-light conditions. But, again, the point of the post is to remind boaters (including my husband) not to get too comfortable. I'm certain he will be quite cautious when he returns to the water. Thanks to all who have shared. I hope it will do some good.

[jigflinger]

Very thankful that he is safe. Boats and things can be replaced. God bless.

[skeetbum]

We all know that God was in the jump seat. I’m glad to hear that he no’s right, and is now here to educate others of the importance of proper safety gear. I myself am guilty of not wearing it 100% of the time and was very lucky for the ten years I owned my glitter mislead.