My good friend and I were out early this morning fishing our private little spot.  When all of sudden the 12ft jon boat we were in began to roll and threw me off balance, both of us were sitting, suddenly I was leaning over the side knowing all too well I was going to get wet...when my friend tried to pull the boat back and lean the other way it was to late, we both were in the water. I went down like a rock with all the heavy clothing and boots and he popped back up before I did.  We both came up to find one another OK.

The boat capsized and our gear was gone before we could gain any composer, 45 Min's in the colder RI waters it became a challenge to get the boat closer to shore so we could stand and rest. Finally after flipping the craft and bailing her out, what nearly took an hour we were back in the boat, exhausted.

We took a quick  breather and my friend attempted to start the 5hp Nissan, to our surprise the motor fired up and ran choppy for a couple minutes,  cleared out and ran like new. My hats off to that little Nissan motor, after spending nearly an hour submerged she came to life. Very impressive little motor.

Back on dry land we assessed the damage, he lost 2 rods and a tackle box. I lost my favorite rod and reel and a small tackle bag and a camera.

I'll tell you this, we had 0 PFDs on the boat, it's just something we've always overlook but will never be left on dry land again.  After close to 35 plus years on the water I've never had an incident like this nor did I think it could ever happen to me.

Please, my friends and fellow members here on BR. Please be Safe "it happened all so fast.

Glad you're both safe , could have been a big tragedy.

TY BB, a good knock in the head and one of use could've been out.

Yea man, with all the tragedy that has made its way here in the past couple months, I'm glad thats all you lost was some gear.

Well I'm glad your alive... but that was pretty dumb to not have pfds...  :-/

Glad to hear you both are fine. Be SAFE wear PFD!

I get it. You had the "Never Could Happen To Me" syndrome. Lucky you are here to tell the tale. I may not wear mine all the time, but it is within reach. Now go purchase a good one, not the inexpensive type(What IS Your Life Worth?), and attach it to your kill switch(You Do Have One Don't You?). If not don't even think about going back out without both. Ya'll are very lucky, you have a second chance, don't blow it.

Jack

I really, really, really, have to get an inflatable PFD. Especially for those times when I go alone.

you are correct "Never Could Happen To Me" syndrome. Actually I do a have a very nice PFD, it's always mounted to my 10ft jonboat, and I fish with a guy in here that'll tell you its always there. I just want everyone to realize how quickly this can happen and Please be safe.

Makes perfect sense Matt.

Right on, it's that time of year. Water is getting COLD. Nothing like wet cotton clothes to bring you right down to meet Davey Jones.  

The boat must have been very narrow . You were sitting on the seats and it flipped , now that's scarey.

So glad you guys are ok.  I was the same, never wore my PFD either.  Then I heard of Gary Dobyns' accident, been on the water longer than I've been alive and flipped off his bass boat.  

If it can happen to a guy like that it can happen to anybody.  

So glad you guys are ok. I was the same, never wore my PFD either. Then I heard of Gary Dobyns' accident, been on the water longer than I've been alive and flipped off his bass boat.

If it can happen to a guy like that it can happen to anybody.

Yup, thats why Im looking into the inflatable pfds

Im glad your safe and your rite about the motor for sure thats one hell of an OB.  That too is a huge fear of mine in my little Jon boat so we are getting a bigger better boat this winter.

Glad everyone is ok.  

Later,