Per phone conversation with wife of Operator: Operator noticed a burning smell and smoke coming out of the engine compartment.  When he looked it started filling up with water.   As it later proved, the "bellows of exhaust got a hole burnt in it".  Operator described that the boat started taking on water and began to sink.  Operator took radio and communicated on VHF-FM channel 16 that he needed help, while he was already in the water.   USCG crew found operator in the water with the boat nearly submerged.  Operator was taken on shore and warmed up but operator did not want any medical service.  No injuries were apparent.  Operator arranged for Great Lake towing service to salvage the boat.  Per phone conversation with wife of Operator, the boat was totalled and the damage was $112000.
No pollution was reported from the boat being in the water.
The operator had been in the water for about 20 minutes before he was rescued.
Benton Township               