I have been dropping the power poles just a bit.....and getting in between the cowling and the pole

save some time when that bubble gut hits, just be sure to bring the TP before you get in position

Also note that pump lifetime is not infinite - the seals do wear out. Letting the boat pump itself over long periods with the plug out is adding accelerated age to the pump, so expect it to fail sooner than it would have. Most OEM pumps are low quality, btw. A "good" (commercial grade) pump will cost much more than what is typically used.

Pump failure or battery failure can = sunk boat as noted.

I always hate when the tourney director jumps in front of me when I'm fishing the dam and catching fish. He shouldn't even be fishing when he is supposed to be running the tourney. SMDH

Pump runs less with plug out then it does in a good rain.

How did you scare him I need info lol

Pretty sure he got the only bullet proof triton ever made

Brad you know i'm gentle on my boat.

I'm glad to hear it's not just me that gets the BG's on tourney mornings! The worst is fishing a cove with no other boats in sight...pull up to the bank, hop out and get in position about the time I see a trolling motor coming around the corner!

I've personally never done that with my Power Poles but I know of several people that have. One guy swears that is the way to do it!

Put my trolling motor down first thing in the morning and stepped on the button and nothing. Charged battery's all night but they died that night. Of course it was windy all day, tried motoring to spots and tie to a tree but it sucked.
I have forgot to put plug in.
Forgot to take off tie downs.
Forgot to take of motor stablilzer, couldn't trim down or steer.
Not all on same day or same year.

Years ago was fishing with my stepson when I got the bg's. When I got done I told him to get the tp out of the yellow bag that had extra towels and clothes. Over course he wanted to give me some lip. He went ahead and got it to toss me a roll of mush. Would have used the extra towels but he had given me lip when in a bad situation. So made him take off his socks and give them to me. He was so bright he didn't realize what was going to do with them till I asked him if he wanted them back. I was shocked he said no.

heck I did that and left my windows down last weekend good thing someone txt me about it and I had my keys so had to run back to the ramp cause it was about to rain. then I look back and my partner is eating a banana lol

Tournament director changed ramp site , did not check on line prior to tournament , went to original ramp , asked some people at ramp , gave us directions , checked in at correct ramp , hauled but to first spot , then at spot found out keys to box rod were left in truck , one hour to truck and back to get keys .

I always keep a spare compartment key hidden away somewhere on the boat in a spot I can get to even if all compartments are locked. Taping one in place with a strip of duct tape in an out of the way spot can become a happy time if you pull a stunt like that again.

Y'all are cracking me up. I guess because Ive been there so many times. My old tournament partner used to get "bubble gut" before EVERY SINGLE tourney. Never failed we would be sitting on our spot waiting for start time and it would hit him. It was never an option to give up our spot. He just chummed right over the side of the boat. He didn't care. But dang could he chum!