Have you ever dropped something overboard, perhaps your car or truck keys, your glasses, your camera, or perhaps your favorite fishing rod. Without diving into the water and hoping you’re as lucky as Mel Fisher in finding undersea treasure, the easiest way to prepare for this inevitable event is to carry a strong magnet onboard your vessel.
Surprisingly quality magnets are extremely cheap at tool warehouses such as Harbor Freight, Northern Tools, and even your local hardware store. In most cases you’ll be able to find a small magnet with a 150-lbs lift capability for under $10.00. Now isn’t a 10-buck investment cheaper than calling your wife and having her deliver your spare set of keys from home. It’s sure a lot fast and cheaper than calling AAA or a key-smith.
The only concern with placing a strong magnet onboard your boat is where you store it. Store the magnet away from your compass and electronics that are influenced by magnetic fields. Most of today’s electronics are shielded from outside interference but it’s always better to error on the side of caution. Other than your magnetic, you’ll need some rope or strong line to attach the magnet to prior to sending it into the deep in search of your lost treasure. Having a magnet onboard is simple and cheap and can be a real asset in an otherwise comprising situation.
If you think this will never happen to you then think again. Just last month I was involved in an incident at a local boating ramp where the boat owner came to the dock for a quick grab and go from his truck only to lose his keys to the river bottom. Fortunately a local fishermen had a magnet aboard his boat and saved the day. So if you spend time on the water, it’s only a matter of time before something goes down to Davy Jones’ Locker.
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