Or at least, talk like itI agree, this is a stereotype, and not all Sea Ray owners are idiots. But stereotypes happen for a reason.
We just need to ensure the stereotypical sailor remains that of a relaxed and charming party animal that can fix anything, and sails with great skill at all times.
A weekend of boating incompetence...
- Thread starter shemandr
- Start date
With a occasionally being Anal! I bet this will get some replysIn that order, too.
It amazes me there isn't more in the way of regulation on boating. You can't operate a motorcyle, drive a car, or fly an airplane without training and a license. But you can buy a 40 ft, 600 hp boat that goes 50 mph with 20 of your closest friends with nothing but a checkbook.
I would venture to say that this is just a matter of time. The numbers (or more correctly - the density) of boaters will probably make it happen. The driver's licences were not required until early 1900s and initially, only the "professional drivers" needed them. And there was no testing involved until much later.
On Sunday I came back into the harbour from a very nice sail. After putting the boat away, a buddy and I were helping another friend try out a new sail on his boat when a white boat came up trying to get through the cut into the inner harbour beside us while another boat was leaving the inner harbour (red). The red boat had limited maneuverability being in the narrow channel and called for the white boat to give a bit of room.
The white boat bailed out at the last moment and headed for the transom of the boat I was on which is immediately to the right of the channel shown below. This was a fairly small boat and I was able to keep the bow from making contact by holding the pulpit, a fender on the white boat helped out as well. This white boat had all sails up but also had the outboard running at idle.
As I pushed him off I said, not intending the skipper to hear, "oh no, now he is heading for my boat." My boat is at the far right of this image with the red sail cover so probably not in any real danger.
The skipper probably heard my admonishment, and realized he didn't have much stearage way, reached back and cranked up the outboard. At this moment the outboard twisted off the mount, did a mid air flip, and splashed down into the harbour at the spot marked X below. After a bit of gurgling and a show of bubbles it was gone.
My buddy ran down the harbour (probably to make sure the white boat didn't bounce off his boat), and we were able to get him into an empty slip with no more damage.
It's not just Sea Rays you need to watch out for.
The white boat bailed out at the last moment and headed for the transom of the boat I was on which is immediately to the right of the channel shown below. This was a fairly small boat and I was able to keep the bow from making contact by holding the pulpit, a fender on the white boat helped out as well. This white boat had all sails up but also had the outboard running at idle.
As I pushed him off I said, not intending the skipper to hear, "oh no, now he is heading for my boat." My boat is at the far right of this image with the red sail cover so probably not in any real danger.
The skipper probably heard my admonishment, and realized he didn't have much stearage way, reached back and cranked up the outboard. At this moment the outboard twisted off the mount, did a mid air flip, and splashed down into the harbour at the spot marked X below. After a bit of gurgling and a show of bubbles it was gone.
My buddy ran down the harbour (probably to make sure the white boat didn't bounce off his boat), and we were able to get him into an empty slip with no more damage.
It's not just Sea Rays you need to watch out for.