OBC, just what is it?

Manufactures of cars, planes, train (and pontoon boats) place specification plates on their products. These plates are for general operating instructions and are used by dealers to set up products for owner use. In the case of boats the plate is known as OBC, Outboard Certification. It specifies the maximum horsepower engine which can be legally installed (insurance wise), get a lawyer.

But who reads safety plates, intructions or owners manuals?
How many of you have read your car’s owner manual cover to cover? One night you make yourself a cup of hot tea, turn off the TV and spend 15 minutes reading your car’s manual? I think not.

So I have this friend who seems to be headed into his second childhood. He usually drove the speed limit on the interstate when it was 55 mph and still did until recently. Now he’s got a 500 horse power car that rockets and his latest move is to 'kick things up a bit' is out there on the water.

He’s purchased a 26’ pontoon boat to cruise the chain of lakes. The boat is rated for a 90 hp outboat engine… but, oh no too mild… a 150 hp 6 cylinder Yamaha was mounted on his new craft.

This is the same friend who dillely-dallies down the interstate, but had a twin Beech that flew at 245mph. Now he wants to fly across the water. Yesterday, I got my first ride on his new Craft’. It didn’t straighten my hair, it cruled it or what’s left of it.

Don’t call my old aged, call it a matter of survival. Next time I think I’ll swim for who ever heard of a 60 mph pontoon boat.