Dislike for PWC's?

[Pete Vente]

PWC characteristics

In response to Bill's response on why they hit boats... One of the main problems with PWC's is that people operate them like they would a boat with an outboard. Unfortunately, the operator's instinct when faced with danger ahead is to let off the throttle, which, due to it being a jet boat, instantly makes the PWC unsteerable (or at least less steerable). I know of many accidents (and one death) that was a result of this 'characteristic'. Of course this doesn't address the problem of why they were faced with the danger in the first place, but it does explain why some of these accidents happen.

 

[Rick Webb]

Darwin Explained it..

I beleive his thoeories fully explain all of the acidents and injuries on PWCs and many of the other boating accidents the truly sad part is when these idiots injure or cause damage to another.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

PWCs have entertainment value

I used to rail against the irresponsible pwc riders on the lake, but I have learned to sit back, relax and enjoy watching the marine deputy sheriffs nailing them. More seriously, education does not hurt any of us, whether we're paddling, rowing, sailing or resorting to power. The Texas program sounds interesting. Do you have any information on changes in the accident or citation rates?Jim Kolstoe

 

[Tom]

Tunnel Vision

I understand the characteristic that Pete describes. As far as why they get into that situation in the first place is a matter of tunnel vision. I have seen a few accidents involving PWCs and usually I see them suddenly turn 90 degrees and hit another boat or be hit. We had an idea that would involve a blow gun with darts tipped with some substance that, when you darted a PWCer, would cause them to sh** themselves in a matter of a few seconds, subsequently causing them to leave the area and probably go home ;-) Boat safely...Tom

 

[Michael O']

Karma

Sure, PWC's can be a pain in the ear, but then there are those moments when you find one broken down a mile from shore, and you sail by, wine glass in hand, and smile and wave. The looks from the PWC are soooooo pitiful.....Michael O'

 

[William Davis]

NEW Rules for 2000 (PWC)

We have a few new laws on our lake for this comming summer. No one under the age of 13 may ride a pwc at all. From the ages of 13 to 17 they must have a safety class. 18 and over are good to go. Hopefully this will tame things out there somewhat this year. There is also word of requiring all people on/in/being pulled behind a boat of any kind to wear a CG approved PFD at all times. I don't know about that!! In rough weather, I always were mine, but on nice sunny days??? What do you all think?

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Adultish folks and PFD

It does seem safer and with the strength of law behind it I would be inclined to participate. What I really want is an adult PFD that's comfortable, with pockets and a well padded butt flap. As I get old(er) I find cockpit seats seem to be getting harder and gravity getting stronger.

 

[Rick Webb]

Manditory Use is UnAmerican

If I want to fall out and drown that is my own damn business. I do support the requirement for children as they are unable to make those sorts of decisions for themselves. We have a long history of coventry laws propagated to protect women children and imbeciles. PFD usage for adults should be a personal choice

 

[Jay Hill]

PFD = Seat Belt?

We have laws for seat belt use in land-based vehicles. I suppose it's another law to protect the "imbeciles" that would not otherwise wear one????? Then again, few automobile accident victims are found dead with their fly open.Points to ponder brought to you by impending legislation.Hmmmmmm, sorta like the recent cancellation of the motorcycle helmet law in TX. No longer required; it's up to the individual. Personally, if I have non-sailors onboard that will be out of the cockpit, then everybody wears a belt-pack PFD. If all sailors onboard and weather is nice....uh....we don't wear them, but nobody is allowed to use the really big head; they're required to use the little one onboard.

 

[Steve Dion]

Mandatory is very American

They want to regulate you from cradle to grave. This is what the government THINKS you want. You cannot drive without a seatbelt, you cannot smoke, you cannot drink and soon you will not be able to eat anything other than soylent green. They have your social security number within the first year of birth.They want to protect the crooks and penalize the innocent. You will need a trigger lock on the gun that you use to protect your family and yourself so the criminal can shoot you before you can remove the lock. Mandatory seat belt laws, mandatory helment laws 55 mph speed limits and the list goes on.We license drivers, and who kills most people on the road (licensed drivers), that works quite well. We can license boat owners too, what will it prove. Common sense has no license. This cannot be taught by taking a test. Ah shit, I am going to have a drink, eat a bag of cheetos and settle down.

 

[Sam Kurtz]

Here We Go, it is going to be rough, hang on

I want to make the decision as to whether or not I smash my cranium or my lard ass sinks to the bottom of the Gulf not some piss ant politician somewhere. If we allow government to do all the thinking for us soon we will need a permit to buy a Twinkie, a pack of Lucky Strikes or a six pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon, any of which I would bet kill more every year than falling out of a boat. A decision that affects only the individual should be left up to that individual. Absolutely wearing a PFD a bicycle helmet or a seat belt are the safe way to go, but we should be allowed to assess our own abilities and the associated risks and decide for ourselves. Wear would they stop? Why not let the law enforcement folks take care of the idiot on the PWC buzzing other boats and not worry about my wearing a PFD a condom or whatever they decide is best for me, I will accept that responsibility thank you very much. Now I am going to go join Steve and have a drink or two or more. I am having Nachos instead of Cheetos loaded with cheese, sour cream and all sorts of saturated fats, not a good idea you think? potentially dangerous? Tough shit I like it that way.

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

Freedom of Choice until . . . .

I love all those that want freedom of choice for helmets, PFDs, smoking, overweight, no locks on guns, excessive drinking, until they have to pay the price . . . .Then they want to use part of my insurance premiums to pay for their stupidity. . . .

 

[ted]

your rights

so dakota jim i guess when its time to fight for your rights,you wont be there because you cant find the keys to unlock your guns.

 

[Rick Webb]

Opt Out

If you dislike subsidizing stupid behavior get out of your insurance policy that covers all these morons doing all these dangerous things. Health insurance is voluntary (for now) and it seems to me I get a discount for not smoking and for seat belt use on all of my policys. The issue of insurance premiums is a nonstarter.

 

[William Davis]

Coast Guard is Looking at the PFD's Issue

As some of you might know, I am in the Coast Guard (19 years now) and the buzz is that the Coast Guard is looking at making the PFD thing a Federal Law??!!??! I for one don't want to see that. I think for kids its one thing, but for adults, come on!! If you don't want to wear the life jacket every minute you are on your boat, you better start barking up your Senaters tree!!! I am in favor of safe boating pratices, but on a nice day I don't want to wear my PFD. You can send your comments to the Coast Guard/Department of Transportation Docket Management Facility, directly at FAX: (202) 493-2251. or by mail at: U.S. Departmant of Transportation, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh St. SW, Washington, DC. 20590-0001. There is also a web sight at http://dms.dot.gov. <--didn't work when I checked it out. Hope some of this will help you voice your comments. W.S. Davis, GMC, USCG

 

[Rick Webb]

Thanks Chief

I am happy to hear I am not some sort of flaming whacko on this issue, or if I am that I am in good company. My representatives and senators will hear from me on this issue before it is too late.

 

[Rodney]

Dumb-Ass Vacine

Jimmy Buffett points out on his latest CD that there is no Dumb-Ass Vacine. Maybe the government is trying to make-up for that, whether we need (want)it or not. Darwin really was correct and the government is trying to change that very simple truth.

 

[Jim Russell]

Apologies - got carried away <GRIN> (NM)

 

[Tom]

RIGHT ON!! Steve and Sam!!

I absolutely agree.Also, thanks to William for the PFD heads up, what a crock!I'll be barking up that tree, for what it's worth.Stinking politicians.Got brains?