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Forum nameSaltwater Fishing in California
Topic subjectThe swamping of the Toad Hunter
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=4&topic_id=2238&mesg_id=2238
2238, The swamping of the Toad Hunter
Posted by , Mon Jun-11-01 05:00 AM
My roommate and I tried to beach launch our 12' jon boat the Toad Hunter yesterday from North Beach, San Clemente to hit the West Reef.

With about 12" of freeboard and a 28 lb thrust trolling motor, we didn't stand much of a chance agains the 1-2' waves. We timed out the sets and made charge...paddles in hand...we lasted about 15 yards! We took two waves over the bow and we were damned near full of water. We were prepared to be swamped so we didn't lose any gear or anything. We thought we could make it, but we prepared for the worst before even attempting it. We managed to drag the mighty vessel ashore, pull the drain plug. She needed a good washing anyway!

Next time we're going to either wait for it to be completely flat (either way, waves or flatness, I'm covered!!) or maybe swimming the boat out would work...we could swim it like a surfboard to the outside, then get in and charge!

We'll make it out to the Reef this summer, I'm sure of it!!!