On October 18, 2012 three people launched a 17ft Nitro to repair the engine on Beech Lake located in  Lexington, TN.  Just  past the no wake sign Operator tried to give the boat some throttle and it didn''t appear to have much power.  He began working on the engine.  At this time the motor trimmed up all the way out of the water, exposing the propeller.  They noticed the boat was taking on water from somewhere.  The motor would not trim down.  Most of the weight of the passengers was located in stern at this point.  Then waves from a boat wake came over the splash well.  The boat began to sink at this point. The gentlemen called 911 and was rescued by Henderson County Rescue Squad.  

Upon further investigation of the vessel, it appears that water was able to seep in around the plug and livewell hoses on the transom due to poor seals, cracks and age of the vessel.   The weight of the water in the boat and the 3 adult males in the rear of the boat caused the vessel to begin sinking.
The engine would start, but the trim would not allow the motor to lower the propeller in the water.

Damage done to the vessel was extensive while trying to trailer at the boat ramp.

LEXINGTON                     