Back in 1981, I got my first boat, an old 10' inflatable dingy with a trolling motor. I loved it, but it was a lot to haul around and inflate back in those days. In 1983, I grabbed my lawn mowing money and some confirmation money and did something rash. I grabbed my bike and rode 5 miles away to where I saw an 15' aluminum boat for sale for $300. The guy was like "How old are you?"... I replied "12 sir, do we have a deal?"....
I rode home and waited for my father to get back from work. I told him we need to take the truck and go pick up my boat.... You can imagine the look he gave me, but I wasn't going to not have it. I did get grounded, but this truly started my boating history. My father didn't like having to tote me all over the place with the boat, but I think he saw how much time I spent making sure it was ready for the next trip and never took it for granted.
The old B.A.S.S Masters magazine had a cartoon in it that called their boat "Old Stump Jumper". I quickly found the name of my boat as I would always try to squeeze it into the tightest areas to find the biggest bass...
Old Stump Bumper!
I've owned many boats since then to 32', but that boat was my first. I just found and scanned the picture. It's been hid away in an old shoe box for decades.
Let's see your first water ride!
