Boat Down Meldrum Bar

[Pilar]

SturgeonSurgeon
Fry
Member # 1980

posted 03-13-2002 04:16 PM
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Well I guess it is time I set the record straight!!
I was the operator of the boat that went down across from Clackamette Park/Below the Garbage Hole.
First: To: FishinMission; I assume by "woody" you mean I am a "rooky"? I do not know if this is what you meant, but that is my impression. Well, as mentioned I am a "retired officer" Coast Guard, and I do not teach boating safety (Snapshot), but I have operated/piloted several vessels from 180ft. to 12 footers for the past 30 years to include piloting a 180 foot CG Buoytender in a typhoon (1985) in the South Pacific and Motor Lifeboats across numerous 18'+ breaking bars in the Northwest. I think these experiences probably exceed the "woody" status.
Second: To: FishinBob; I never had the anchor buoy in my grasp, but clinged to my soft sided tackle box, of which at the time seemed to be my best option (it provided flotation), and the assisting boat did throw me a cushion, but I opted to maintain my grasp on what was working at the time, as opposed to swimming to the other. True, I was not wearing a PFD at the time of the mishap (one mistake).
I initiated the anchor pulling from my starboard midship cleat, but encountered lock-up and decided to pull from the stern (starboard) cleat (another mistake). I moved the line to this cleat in order to maintain better control of the line. As I began pulling from this point the anchor locked up again, and I let off on the throttle to gain slack, and to my "amazement" slack was never obtained, but instead the line was being pulled faster (back torwards the anchor) than the current. I reached for, and had a knife in hand, that I have ready for emergencies in order to cut the line. This step in the process was interupted by the stern dipping and the bow going skyward, thus throwing me from the boat. The rest is history.
I can only assume that my anchor had wrapped a log and the log rolled??
In conclusion I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to the "black Alumiweld" (Robert) that rendered assistance, thanks is not enough!!
I have learned several lessons from this experience, to include solo boating is dangerous, always wear a PFD, and sh*t happens.
As for "arm chair quarterbacks" well enough said.
By the way I did I mention my team
"Team Ten-Seven" won the Fisherman's Sturgeon Derby. First place!!!

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Work is for people that do not know how to fish!!

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Posts: 7 | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

FishinMission
Chromer
Member # 706

posted 03-13-2002 04:29 PM
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Surgeon...When I read the first account of what had happened, it sounded like the transom may have pulled out from the boat. It was hard for me to imagine anything other than that from what I read. I referred to "Woody" as perhaps being a "WOOD" boat that couldn't handle the pull from the anchor. I didn't mean to offend you. In fact...I feel for you.

I've had an anchor stick in the Willamette too...but down by the Lake Oswego railroad bridge..and the same action happened to me, aside from losing the boat. I think for me...I got the anchor stuck in a cable on the bottom. It acted like a slingshot...scared me as a matter of fact. I decided to sacrifice my anchor, and cut it loose.

Regardless...there was no spiteful meaning to my comment..I was referring to the material your boat could have been made of. All in all...I'm glad you're safe and that you have your boat back.

Mark

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If it's "COMBAT" fishing..I'm outta there!!

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Posts: 904 | From: Oregon City, Oregon, Clackamas | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged

Artwo
Chromer
Member # 688

posted 03-13-2002 04:29 PM
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SturgeonSurgeon,
I think the two most important things are;

First and formost - That you came out of this phsically unharmed.

Second - That you recognise what your mistakes were.

Glad you are ok,
JK

PS. Do you run an open sled with SturgeonSurgeon on the side of it? If so, I saw you on the Clack last Saturday at Carver, how'd you do?
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Posts: 454 | From: Canby, Oregon | Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged

Pilar
Ifish Forum Guide
Member # 270

posted 03-13-2002 05:03 PM
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Sturgeon Surgeon, sorry for your bad experience. I only hope we can all learn from it. You survived and recovered your gear and we are glad.

Armchair quarterbacks indeed! it's always easier to talk about something when you had time to think about it then to make the correct decision in the alloted split second.

As you all can see no amount of experience entitles anyone to become complacent.

I have read and passed over several posts that basically say. "Yeah well those precautions are unnecessary where I anchor". I really don't know how to answer that except to say your day will come.

It's pretty simple really, there are 3 kinds of individuals. One group makes things happen, another group is at least aware that things happened and the third is utterly clueless (complacent) that things can happen.

Don't be complacent and be on your guard when you play with anchors and boats wherever you go.

SturgeonSurgeon, thanks for setting us straight and for sharing what happened.

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The bend is your friend!

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Posts: 1592 | From: Portland, Or., U.S.A | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged