My Rivercat sank :(

[spectre]

Tell me if you think this one will work. Remember I'll be using a inflatable raft to go out there. If you think so I'll go pick one up in the morning and head out there.

http://www.walmart.com/msharbor/ip/3661652?&veh=mweb

That would work mounted on a raft. You want the floor visual, that will show your boat pointing up on the bottom.

Another tip in your search is to have two anchors for your raft so you can grid search, its easy to think you checked a spot, but if there is any wind or current its easy to pass by. I learned the double anchor trick from the old time fisherman, they fish by the bridges and use this to search every inch of the area there in . Let out I FT of line at a time. Another trick they do is to just switch were lines are on the boat[cleats] without letting any line out. the end result would be boat is over a new position and you didn't move your anchors or let out rope. I hope this makes sense and aids in your recovery.
It would be good to find the boat even if its all bad, just to learn what did fail and maybe improve on that in the future, I must say im curious why its on the bottom with all the floatation . If you want any more tips hit me up, have a couple that might help you with the raft search.

At the end of the day its just a toy, your health is your wealth. Hurts a lot more when your in the boat also.

[boilo56]

I know what you feel too, man. Last year (my first season in boating), i lost over 700$ in boat and electronic. I know it can be hard on you, it's been on me too when i lost my boats too. but i'm sure you'll be back in the loop soon. Now, you are angry, it is totally understandable, just let the anger fade away, and them you'll be more able to take you decision. Man, we all here value you knowledge very much, and that includes me

Sorry for your loss, i hope you'll deciede to stay with us!

Andre

[kevinpratt823]

Bummer man. I kind of know the feeling, I buried my 45" Sniper in the mud at the bottom last year but finally found it with a mask/snorkel later that day. It certainly gave me a different outlook on what a successful day really is. Kind of reminded me of how my outlook on motocross changed over the years after multiple ambulance trips to the ER, at one point success was winning races, eventually it was measured more by having fun and going home in one piece. Nothing is permanent, and no matter how much time and money I put into these, I try to consider them expendable right off the bat. That way every time they make it back to the truck feels like a win. Now go rig up a couple of your other boats with some more conservative setups for the day, have some fun, and regain that feeling and appreciation of success when you load them back up after, that is what your Rivercat would want you to do.

Now maybe I should go see if I can fit any more floatation in my KBB45......

[gsbuickman]

I don't remember who it was but not too long ago someone built a off purple 36"-42ish mono with a strange-looking hatch on it. If memory serves me correct they had the boat out on its maiden run when they hit a turtle. The boat went airborne separated into two pieces because the hull broke in half and it sunk .

I know it's not exactly cheap but, it might be a good idea to pick up some 150 lb test braided sturgeon line from Sportsmans Warehouse and start Epoxying in a few stringers that connect the front and back of the boat together so if it did break it wouldn't sink if you have a decent amount of floatation foam in the nose.
That damn sturgeon line is damn near indestructible.

[gsbuickman]

iSync one of those boat retrieval magnets from Harbor Freight May was perfect. I don't know exactly what they're called but they're a pretty good size magnet and they are strong as hell. they make them for retrieving things in the water and they're fairly cheap too.

[785boats]

I feel for you mate.
I lost a boat the other week. Not to the value or hard work that's in yours though.
Chin up buddy.
I hope the fish finder works. I've read some reports of success with them.

[kfxguy]

Tell me if you think this one will work. Remember I'll be using a inflatable raft to go out there. If you think so I'll go pick one up in the morning and head out there.

http://www.walmart.com/msharbor/ip/3661652?&veh=mweb

[srislash]

Spot the boat on the bottom. The nose should be pointing up it is full of foam. And the CF should show thru the sonar. Results will depend on what the bottom of the pond is like.

[kfxguy]

What would the fish finder do?

[shua]

It may be worth going out there with a grappling hook and fish finder. Just an idea

This is a good idea! Might work!

[srislash]

It may be worth going out there with a grappling hook and fish finder. Just an idea

[srislash]

Sorry buddy, I do feel your grief. But don't let it beat you down. Take a step back, breathe, and remember... When cruising at these speeds you MAY lose a boat anytime you toss it in the water. Heck, I was running mine this morning and my knee still quivers.

You'll build a new improved one of that I am sure. You are just to good at this to quit. You'll just have a new respect ;-)

[kfxguy]

Omg! I just realized what I lost. That custom adjustable strut that took me a few days to machine. Gone. Ugh.

[kfxguy]

time to get a high power waterproof lantern & go snorkeling after it, at that depth it'll be a fairly easy dive. you could also rent a couple "spare air" cans to make it easier.

Man I dunno. This water is almost like chocolate milk and has water moccasins in it. Not sure if it's worth it. I'm sure everything is ruined anyway by the time I could get to it.

[gsbuickman]

time to get a high power waterproof lantern & go snorkeling after it, at that depth it'll be a fairly easy dive. you could also rent a couple "spare air" cans to make it easier.