It has been concluded that the operator of this vessel fell overboard while conducting repairs on his 25 horse power Johnson motor.  It is probable that while adjusting the carburetor, the operator was standing up and attempted to start the motor while in gear.  The motor started at full throttle and caused him to fall overboard.  The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device.  Starting the vessel in gear, disabled neutral safety switch, which allowed motor to be started in gear and at full throttle.  There was no lanyard cut off switch to disable the motor.  The victim's body was recovered 2 days later .66 mile South of where his boat was intially found.
Pawnee                        