SHOCKINGLY, Bartholomew County Swift Water Rescue Team did not let me drive their multimillion-dollar airboat.
Well, it didn’t cost multiple millions, but it did cost multiple thousands, and it is way too high-tech for me. In fact, only four people in the entire county drive it.
But, I did get to ride in it.
It sort of felt like I was riding in a rocket. This thing is space shuttle loud and could blow the quills off of a porcupine.
The 18-foot airboat is powered by a GM 350-cubic-inch, fuel-injected V-8 engine. You’re right, I have no idea what any of that means, but I assume that means it’s a pretty tough boat.
The boat uses a gasoline-powered wind propeller and a polymer bottom allows it to move on any damp surface, even grass.
When the top is closed, the cabin can be kept warm with a 40,000-Btu heater.
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Jimmy Green showed me the awesome capabilities of this boat.
He drove in just inches-deep water, over submerged logs and made precise turns.
After a quick ride in the airboat, Green showed me the boat I would get to drive. It was an old aluminum Jon boat from the 1970s.
Sure, it wasn’t shiny and new like the airboat, but this vessel has been part of countless rescues, so I felt honored to drive it.
In fact this was the boat Green used to rescue two women who became stranded on top of their car after driving into high water on Rocky Ford Road the night of the flood. He said it was one of his scariest rescues ever.
Green soon gave me control of the boat and told me I needed to “rescue” a little tree on the side of the river.
After cruising up to the “rescue” site, Green let me open up the engine.
I was probably only going about 10 mph, but I was nervous.
After my day on the river I’ve decided that I’m much more comfortable in my Honda.
Project Paige Harden can be reached at 379-5640 or pharden@therepublic.com.
