I have never fell in the water from my bass boat. Close a few times hitting stumps on the trolling motor. Im 54 a bit fat, torn shoulder and with winter clothes on I'm not sure I could get back in the boat. Had planned on trying before the cold but did not. I read to hold the back of the motor standing on the keel and hit the trim switch going over the top of the motor like a snake. Anyone tried this ?

invest in a boarding ladder



If you are old, weak, handicapped, fat or whatever else could be the case, riding your outboard isn't going to be the best option...

Yes it works. I've done it in the summer when I want to jump in and cool off.

+100

yep I'm older and actually 'tried the riding the motor'.... it will raise you up but, good luck on getting into the boat from there! Invest in a ladder. Not the most attractive addition to your rig but, if you should ever need it, the best add on you could EVER make. I promise you that...
God Bless

If you are any of the above you should always fish with a partner that is able to help you get out of the water.

Why is it I only fall in during winter? Buy a Triton (Built in Ladder on the transom)

This, have fished with someone who had a ladder and they jumped in to cool off. I helped them back in even with the ladder, he said afterwards that it would be tough to do it on his on. He is in his 50s and about 40lbs over weight

was it Ronnie?

You are screwed if you go in. I have been in twice in below 50 water temps, the shock is horrible. Once on purpose to retrieve a lure, the other not so much. IMO if you are not back in the boat in 30 seconds or less the outcome could be bad. As described above about health, if you can't get back in fast on your own get a ladder, or at least make sure your life insurance is paid up.

I looked at a LOT of ladders. I chose one that folds down to 4 steps and has 'grab' rails on both sides of the boat for the reason stated above.
It is true, if you don't get to the ladder fairly quickly in very cold water, your in trouble.
No, I don't always have a fishing partner but, I do make sure it is not too windy, have my self inflating life vest on and am VERY careful about moving about the boat.
You can't forsee all circumstances but, if you think ahead, you should be able to enjoy the sport.
Again: repeating what Doug stated so clearly:
GET A LADDER W/GRAB RAILS !!

Heck, don't take my word for it.... ask around. Boat retailers/manufacturers and folks who have fallen in will tell you.
Oh BTW: in very cold water, it makes no difference if your fat (you want to define 'fat' ? )

God Bless

I agree that if you're worried about it, get a ladder. I have ridden the motor up, and it's not really easy to get back in the boat doing that. But it's a heck of a lot easier than not doing it.

I wouldn't want my 67 year-old dad trying to ride up the motor and get in the boat from there. I doubt he could do it.

I took a dip in glade creek in February about ten years ago. Water was so cold I came flying out of the water. Tried to go warm up in the restraunt over by the bridge and got kicked out for not wearing shoes by the most miserable old man I have ever met.

I have fallen in the lake numerous times and it is NEVER on a hot summer day!

I am pretty fit but getting back into the boat is a chore especially if you are wearing several layers of clothing and a big insulated suit. The ladder is a wise investment for all.

If you have power poles or talons, riding the motor works great cause you can put your foot on the do-hickey above the prop and grab the talon and pull yourself in. You can almost step from motor to talon bracket. First hand experience, but not in cold water.

I fell in at Lake LBJ, if it wasn't for the boarding ladder I'd never got back with the weight of the water in my foul weather gear