How do you remember to insert the drain plug?

[cltTige]

I have a hard time letting people help me get the boat ready to go out because I've had others forget, or interrupt my steps and have backed down the ramp without the plugs in on more than one occasion. Luckily I never took it off the trailer in those instances.

Same here. Ppl want to help, and I just let them fill the boat with coolers and gear. Let me handle getting it water ready cause I did the same thing with my last boat. Got it in the water, was backing it off the trailer, and was like man it feels heavy, looked in the bilge and it was a TON of water. Never forgotten it since.
Also didn't help that my last boat had a bellows and gimbal bearing leakage before I fixed it, it would take on water no matter what.

I figure everyone needs one good scare to cure them of never forgetting it again.

[BCRider]

^^ yep to the last line for sure.

I'm lucky enough that my usual crew has been coming with me for 15-20 year so they all know whats up and the usual routine. I will still double check everything they do however before we roll such as bow strap & safety chain, rear straps, and always re-check my hitch.

I made the same mistake my first time out for the season a couple years ago but with my impeller.....forgot to put it in (idiot!). I had ran my boat in the driveway but because I didn't run in that long and because the garden hose is under pressure no alarms went off. Luckily, once again I was at idle speed and the alarm started going off. I ran through all the scenarios in my head then my buddy says "impeller?" and once again Oh S###! I keep all my impellers (new & old) on the boat along with a small socket set so that was an easy fix. But, I will never forget it again!

[gman]

Forgot to put the plug in 40+ yrs ago. It gets put in every time now. Its amazing how certain things are remembered!