CPO 1 and 2 responded to a capsized boat on Grass Lake north of the Grass Lake Rd bridge.  We arrived several minutes later to find operator aboard a private vessel that was passing by.  The 12 jon boat was completely capsized.  CPOs were able to overturn the vessel and hip tow it back to shore where it was bailed out.  CPOs assisted in getting the boat out of the water and back on the trailer.  The motor was a new 15HP yamaha tiller (MSRP ~ $3,200) the motor was believed to be hydro locked when it capsized resulting in a total loss.

Operator was underway in a 12ft jon boat with a 15 HP motor at the time of the incident.  The 15 HP motor was over sized for the vessel, even tho the capacity plate was worn off and unreadable.  Wave action from wind and large boats also made it unsafe operating conditions for such a small vessel.  Operator lost his balance in the boat and lost control of the tiller handle causing the boat to spin in circles.  In doing so, water came over the transom and eventually swamped and then capsized the vessel.

Operator was wearing a PFD during the incident and no injuries were sustained.   The motor was damaged in the incident and replacement cost was estimated at $3,200.
Grass Lake
Spring Grove                  