Let’s talk about the one thing that absolutely ruins a perfect day on the lake: watching your boat sink. Whether you’re boating for pleasure, fishing, or flexing your shiny new pontoon in front of the marina, one universal truth applies — you really, really don’t want to sink your boat.
Fortunately, it’s easier to stay dry than you’d think. With a little common sense, some insider know-how, and a nudge from the experts at AmbitiousCharters.com, SavvySkipper.com, and the one and only Captain Mike Nowak, you can keep your boat floating like a champ — not bobbing like a forgotten dock fender.
Step 1: The Plug is Life
This is not a joke. People forget the transom plug all the time. It’s the #1 dumb way to sink your boat before you even start the engine. You’d think it would be hard to miss “giant hole in hull,” but alas — launch ramps are littered with stories of early sinkings.
Captain Mike Nowak says:
“I’ve seen everything from bass boats to ski boats head straight back to the trailer—under power—because the owner forgot the plug. Check it every single time. Then check again.”
Before you launch:
- Plug in?
- Backup plug onboard?
- Confidence level high?
Good. Proceed.
Step 2: Don’t Overload Like It’s a Garage Sale
We get it. You want to bring friends, snacks, coolers, dogs, speakers, grills, and maybe an inflatable unicorn the size of a small house. But boats have weight limits, and exceeding them is a fast-track way to sink your boat — especially in freshwater, where buoyancy isn’t quite as forgiving as you think.
Find your boat’s capacity plate (usually near the helm or transom) and respect it like it’s printed in gold. And for the love of lakes everywhere, distribute the weight evenly. All the gear on one side = not great. All the gear in the bow = definitely not great.
Step 3: Check Your Hoses and Clamps (aka the Stuff That Always Fails)
One loose hose clamp on your livewell or bilge outlet can quietly fill your hull until you’re cruising with a fish tank underfoot. And freshwater systems like these are especially prone to “I thought I tightened that last season.”
Routine maintenance matters:
- Check all through-hull fittings for cracks or leaks.
- Wiggle those hose clamps. If they wiggle back, replace them.
- Use double clamps on anything below the waterline.
Remember: water is sneaky. It doesn’t care if your stereo is brand new.
Step 4: Know What’s Under You
Stumps. Rocks. Sandbars. Old boat lifts. Cursed shopping carts. The freshwater world is full of hard things waiting to punch a hole in your hull.
Pro tip from AmbitiousCharters.com:
“Use your chartplotter. If you don’t have one, use a lake map or boating app. And if all else fails, slow down in unfamiliar water. You don’t need sonar to avoid smashing into a dock anchor chain.”
Also: Be especially cautious on lakes with fluctuating water levels. What was 6 feet deep last week might be 2 feet today. Ask us how we know.
Step 5: Learn From People Who Know What They’re Doing
If you really want to avoid every preventable way to sink your boat, invest in real training. SavvySkipper.com offers freshwater-specific captain’s training that covers all the boat basics — plus advanced skills like docking in wind, managing guests, and understanding what all those mystery switches on your dash actually do.
Captain Mike Nowak teaches a version of boating that’s part education, part common sense, and part “don’t be that guy on YouTube.”
Bonus Tip: Don’t Leave It in the Water and Hope for the Best
You’d be surprised how many boats take on water at the dock overnight — and no, it’s not because of rain. Loose fittings, bad bilge pumps, dead batteries, and clogged scuppers are all potential causes. If you’re not using your boat for a few days, pull it out or at least check on it daily.
In Summary: Don’t Sink Your Boat
It’s not rocket science, but it does take attention, maintenance, and maybe a slight fear of becoming a lakeside legend — for the wrong reasons.
Here’s the quick checklist to not sink your boat:
Install the plug.
Mind the weight.
Inspect hoses and fittings.
Know your lake.
Get trained.
Never assume it’s “fine.”
Want to learn more or level up your boating skills?
Check out AmbitiousCharters.com for on-the-water training, and SavvySkipper.com for captain certification that makes your insurance company smile. And if you ever hear someone say, “Don’t worry, it’s probably fine,” just ask yourself — would Captain Mike Nowak approve?