Don't forget the plug ???

[roscoe]

http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.p...cker-reminds-boaters-to-check-the-drain-plug/

Free sticker reminds boaters to check the drain plug
(Released April 25, 2011)
A bright-yellow warning sticker has been created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help remind boaters to ?check their drain plug.?
Related Link:
View sticker

Invasive species regulations, which went into effect last year, now require boaters to remove the plug and drain the bilge and live well before transporting a watercraft. The DNR developed the sticker because some boaters forget to put their drain plug back in place before relaunching their boats.
DNR conservation officers say that some boaters have reported near-misses.
?I?m told that one angler returned to the dock after parking his truck and trailer, only to find his boat nearly filled with water,? said Tim Smalley, Minnesota DNR boating safety specialist. ?This is something new that boaters need to incorporate into their boat launch routine.?
The DNR suggests the warning sticker be placed next to the boat trailer?s winch handle, or somewhere else the boater is likely to see it before the boat is launched.
Boaters can obtain the stickers at no charge by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367. They are also available by emailing boatandwater.dnr@state.mn.us and requesting the ?Drain Plug Sticker.?







Apparently, in MN, 12-17 years old are smart enough to use a motorboat (25 hp or less) without any safety training.
But everyone needs a government program to provide free drain plug stickers.


Hmmm, I forgot the plug and sunk my boat, Let's blame it on the invasive species law. ??


Now tell me, what is more embarrassing,

Forgetting the plug once, and having maybe a half dozen witnesses,

Or driving around with that sticker, advertising to the world forever that you are too stupid to remember the plug ?

What's next? A sticker that says "Don't forget to tie your boat to the dock before you park the tow vehicle" ?


A more worthwhile sticker program would be
"Be courteous to other boaters."
"Watch for downed skiers."
" Please don't ride my wake."
"Please respect boating distance laws."

A courteous reminder sticker may just be a good thing.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Well, it makes a certain amount of sense. Until last year we were not required to have the plug out when driving down the road. Most folks routine was to pull it and then put it right back on - especially on boats like mine where the plug dangles from the oil drain line.

Aside from remembering to put it back in, a lot of people are not going to remember to leave it out.

Not sure where you would put a sticker like that so you would notice it though.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Hey, now here's an idea.

A sticker, included with your registration sticker, that must be affixed to the winch stand, that reads:


Remove Plugs and Drain All Water from Boat Before Transport

That would make more sense, and should serve as a reminder to put the plug back in before launching.

 

[V153]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Perhaps I'm missing something but I take my plug out soon as the boat's outa the water. Then I put it back in next time I launch. They need a law to tell you this?!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Perhaps I'm missing something but I take my plug out soon as the boat's outa the water. Then I put it back in next time I launch. They need a law to tell you this?!

Until they passed the law there was no reason to be running around with the plug out. You would drain your bilge at the launch and then put the plug right back in.

I always thought it was funny all the stories about people launching without their plugs in. Kept wondering why in the world they were running around with the plugs out

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Is this sticker available for anyone that isn't a Minnesota resident as well ??

 

[roscoe]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Is this sticker available for anyone that isn't a Minnesota resident as well ??

Just write the word plug on the winch handle with a Sharpie marker. Or on the side of your transom saver if you use one.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

Until they passed the law there was no reason to be running around with the plug out.
Kept wondering why in the world they were running around with the plugs out

I suppose if your boat never gets rained on, and is always kept in a garage, that would make sense.

But, in my case, if I take the boat out, it WILL rain. And my 2 small tin boats sit outside year round.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

I suppose if your boat never gets rained on, and is always kept in a garage, that would make sense.

But, in my case, if I take the boat out, it WILL rain. And my 2 small tin boats sit outside year round.

Yup, mine is a garage boat and if it sits outside overnight at the lake house it has a cover on it. In any event its just a new procedure to try to remember. Been doing it the same way for 10 years so old habits die hard.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Don't forget the plug ???

My Tracker Deep V floats just fine with or without the plug in!

... not that I know this for a fact or anything...