The waterways around here are, I think, less crowded than they were 20 years ago, and they are more dangerous. I was stunned today by the ineptitude of the boating pubic and the utter inconsideration of those operating boats. I guess I've been isolated in my home waters, which don't attract large numbers of M/V's. It was an awakening. First, there are many more large yachts than when I last stuck my head up. Really big owner operated yachts and they are a problem. They simple don't know, and don't have any respect for the traditions and rules of operating a vessel. Coregs? Pah-lease? I have this boat and you have to yield to me. Slow down in order not to swamp seven fisherman in a Jon Boat? Fogetaboutit. Pass a sailboat on the side that improves their progress, not impede it. What! And take off the autopilot? But what got me going today was a visit to an anchorage I've frequented for 20+ years - West Neck Harbor in Shelter Island waters. It used to be that you had to get there by early afternoon or accept a sub par spot or even be kicked out by the local police. Today, on the best weather weekend we've had this summer, there was plenty of room. Fewer boats. There were the small boats which are day trippers and don't take up much room - because they are 20' or less. And there are the big boats. 40+ feet and up. They seemed to want to anchor in front of me as a rule. My first reason to look up from my book was the dreaded roar of the bow thruster. I'be posted before and stick by my assessment that the bow thruster roar is the signature of the incompetent boat operator. And that was proven correct today -several times. One guy was doing 360's with the thruster - I was hoping the motor would burn out. He anchored at least three times, one just over my anchor when there was plenty of room for his own space. This was a nice yacht, probably built in Maine but the operator had no idea how to handle it. He actually tried to anchor crosswise to the wind - twice.
Each rendition had him speeding away - OK maybe five knots - but there was no reason to do any more than - what we all know how to do. And later, a 60 Italian sleektress approaches and I knew where he was going. Yup. Too close to ahead of me. He's operating his toy from the bow with his remote control. Which was sorta cool, but he wasn't doing that good. The evidence? At least 30 seconds of bow thruster. When he hit forward the very powerful engines put out a wash that almost swamped his inflatable- well RIB . He anchored and was too close and he knew it. He tried again and didn't do any better. These were only two. There were at least another two large, very powerful (Four 350 Outboards) that did more of less the same thing. If these guys can afford $80,000 of engine, they should be able to afford a captain to shoe them the ropes. Rant sorta over - I'm not over it yet.
Each rendition had him speeding away - OK maybe five knots - but there was no reason to do any more than - what we all know how to do. And later, a 60 Italian sleektress approaches and I knew where he was going. Yup. Too close to ahead of me. He's operating his toy from the bow with his remote control. Which was sorta cool, but he wasn't doing that good. The evidence? At least 30 seconds of bow thruster. When he hit forward the very powerful engines put out a wash that almost swamped his inflatable- well RIB . He anchored and was too close and he knew it. He tried again and didn't do any better. These were only two. There were at least another two large, very powerful (Four 350 Outboards) that did more of less the same thing. If these guys can afford $80,000 of engine, they should be able to afford a captain to shoe them the ropes. Rant sorta over - I'm not over it yet.
Last edited:
