"Hi, I have just purchased my first boat, its a 2000 XX footer. I have no real knowledge of boats, but I thought I'd get one anyway. Is there anything special I should know before going out for the first time. I guess I should mention that the water I'll be in is full of boats and must drive (I think it's called navigating) through some narrow places. Thanks! Bye!" It seems that we are seeing more and more posts about people starting out on large boats who have very little or NO boating experience. Personally this scares me. I am all for helping a novice and introducing others to the world of sailing. I'm just getting tired of having to stand guard on my boat every time I see someone who got their boat & brain on the same day trying to back out of the slip or come in to it, not to mention encountering them on the water. Isn't about time we instituted some sort of mandatory safety course? Just my .02 cents.
- Status
Effective this year in Oregon
Boater Safety Card is being phased in here starting this year. The first to be targeted are young power boat operators (mainly PWCs). Over the next 5 years it will work it's way up to the "least likely to cause problems" group: old sailors!
Already have mine so no biggie. LaDonna
Boater Safety Card is being phased in here starting this year. The first to be targeted are young power boat operators (mainly PWCs). Over the next 5 years it will work it's way up to the "least likely to cause problems" group: old sailors!
Already have mine so no biggie. LaDonnai know what you mean but
but i sail to get away from people, rules, regulations, laws and someone always telling me what is good for me and what i need to be doing. so although i am dismayed by poor seamanship i certainly wouldnt want to be forced to take a test , courses ,or anything that resembles my regular daily activity. personally i thing we are way to regulated right now. i also remember my early learning days . a few mistakes here and there .(but i never hit anything) i sail for the pure joy of independence real or imagined . anything else would take the fun out of it.this is leisure ativity we are talking about and i can thing of many social past times that could certainly be regulated and bastardized soley for the purpose of safety. but what is right for me should be my judgement , at least for some small part of my life. could you imagine a basketball game with no referees and only protest flags. overall that says a lot of our way of life.
but i sail to get away from people, rules, regulations, laws and someone always telling me what is good for me and what i need to be doing. so although i am dismayed by poor seamanship i certainly wouldnt want to be forced to take a test , courses ,or anything that resembles my regular daily activity. personally i thing we are way to regulated right now. i also remember my early learning days . a few mistakes here and there .(but i never hit anything) i sail for the pure joy of independence real or imagined . anything else would take the fun out of it.this is leisure ativity we are talking about and i can thing of many social past times that could certainly be regulated and bastardized soley for the purpose of safety. but what is right for me should be my judgement , at least for some small part of my life. could you imagine a basketball game with no referees and only protest flags. overall that says a lot of our way of life.
Don't waste my time!
David: It does scare me too! But I must tell you that you can test on paper and basic skills all you want and there is nothing and I repeat NOTHING that you are going to do to prevent stupidity. They give driving tests in your state don't they? How many people die on the hiways and byways of TX. How many in the US (about 41,000+/-). And most of these had a drivers license. One about 900-1000 died on the water. I agree that they need to have some basic skill training for young people on PWC's but there is nothing that you can do about Joe Smoe getting a brand new Donzi with 650hp and running into the bridge at 65mph. Just forget about this notion and when you see a newbie with his/her new toy see if you can take them out and give them a little of your knowledge from your previous trials and trivialtions. This way he won't run into you or me and maybe you can save him/her from themselves.
David: It does scare me too! But I must tell you that you can test on paper and basic skills all you want and there is nothing and I repeat NOTHING that you are going to do to prevent stupidity. They give driving tests in your state don't they? How many people die on the hiways and byways of TX. How many in the US (about 41,000+/-). And most of these had a drivers license. One about 900-1000 died on the water. I agree that they need to have some basic skill training for young people on PWC's but there is nothing that you can do about Joe Smoe getting a brand new Donzi with 650hp and running into the bridge at 65mph. Just forget about this notion and when you see a newbie with his/her new toy see if you can take them out and give them a little of your knowledge from your previous trials and trivialtions. This way he won't run into you or me and maybe you can save him/her from themselves.
Yes, it does!
Receintly my nephew's girl friend was killed in a boating accident. It was near a launch ramp and swim area. The boat she was on was leaving the area when a tournament fisherman was returning, traveling at an estimated 35 MPH when not far from the ramp and rounding a point. The two boats ended up headed directly for each other. The driver of the boat she was on turned to stbd to pass port to port. The fisherman turned to port and hit them broadside spliting their boat pretty much in half. The girl was apparently killed on impact but was not located for almost 4 hours. Her sister was seriously injured, probably would have drowned if not pulled from the water and spent about 8 days in the hospital. The driver of their boat had a broken arm. The fisherman continued to the ramp without stopping and pulled his boat out. His wife called from the dock to say that they had called 911 and that they were leaving since there was nothing else that they could do. Can you believe that? After an investigation the fisherman was charged with involuntary manslauder. This incident I think shows both a lack of knowledge and unthinkable actions. (Much like on a motorcycle,)I have much less fear of my boat or my seamanship failing me than I do of what others lack of knowledge or carelessness might do. Yes, shouldn't there be at least some knowledge requirement to operate a boat. Joe C. in NC P.S.No intended slam on fishermen.
Receintly my nephew's girl friend was killed in a boating accident. It was near a launch ramp and swim area. The boat she was on was leaving the area when a tournament fisherman was returning, traveling at an estimated 35 MPH when not far from the ramp and rounding a point. The two boats ended up headed directly for each other. The driver of the boat she was on turned to stbd to pass port to port. The fisherman turned to port and hit them broadside spliting their boat pretty much in half. The girl was apparently killed on impact but was not located for almost 4 hours. Her sister was seriously injured, probably would have drowned if not pulled from the water and spent about 8 days in the hospital. The driver of their boat had a broken arm. The fisherman continued to the ramp without stopping and pulled his boat out. His wife called from the dock to say that they had called 911 and that they were leaving since there was nothing else that they could do. Can you believe that? After an investigation the fisherman was charged with involuntary manslauder. This incident I think shows both a lack of knowledge and unthinkable actions. (Much like on a motorcycle,)I have much less fear of my boat or my seamanship failing me than I do of what others lack of knowledge or carelessness might do. Yes, shouldn't there be at least some knowledge requirement to operate a boat. Joe C. in NC P.S.No intended slam on fishermen.
I agree w/Joe
There have been a few times when I have been in a dinghy, beating to windward to get into/out of a harbor enterance, and had some idiot come along in a powerboat and almost ram me. One of these people even had the gall to try and report ME to the coast guard! His attitude was that he was going straight, at a speed *he* thought was reasonable (well above harbor speed limits), and I turned into his path without warning. I guess he thinks that when I get close to the jetty I can go straight and magically pass through it! I've known others in dinghys to be threatened, seen people in speedboats intentionally spray a dink to 'get even' with the occupants, and many more incidents than I have time to report here. However, I don't think that requiring a license or other training will work. In the US we get plenty of training on the safe, legal operation of cars. But every day I see speeders (I'm talking serious speeders - 30+ over the limit), people who think yield signs don't apply to them, and people running red lights. The only thing that helps is vigorous enforcement from the police. I think that bad boating will only be reduced when there is more enforcement. And I think that people violating safety and right-of-way rules often know the rules. Once, in Florida, I saw the Intracostal Waterway on a Sunday afternoon. I swear, I honestly saw people going over 50 knots in the ICW! A little while later I drove past the same area and saw everybody going slow. I then spotted the Coast Guard boat. I waited there a few minutes and, once the USCG was out of the area, lawlessness returned. I hope the fisherman Joe referred to was found guilty and given some decent jail time. Personally I try to sail during the week as much as I can and I NEVER sail on Sundays. That seems to be the day that draws the largest number of drunken idiots to the water.
There have been a few times when I have been in a dinghy, beating to windward to get into/out of a harbor enterance, and had some idiot come along in a powerboat and almost ram me. One of these people even had the gall to try and report ME to the coast guard! His attitude was that he was going straight, at a speed *he* thought was reasonable (well above harbor speed limits), and I turned into his path without warning. I guess he thinks that when I get close to the jetty I can go straight and magically pass through it! I've known others in dinghys to be threatened, seen people in speedboats intentionally spray a dink to 'get even' with the occupants, and many more incidents than I have time to report here. However, I don't think that requiring a license or other training will work. In the US we get plenty of training on the safe, legal operation of cars. But every day I see speeders (I'm talking serious speeders - 30+ over the limit), people who think yield signs don't apply to them, and people running red lights. The only thing that helps is vigorous enforcement from the police. I think that bad boating will only be reduced when there is more enforcement. And I think that people violating safety and right-of-way rules often know the rules. Once, in Florida, I saw the Intracostal Waterway on a Sunday afternoon. I swear, I honestly saw people going over 50 knots in the ICW! A little while later I drove past the same area and saw everybody going slow. I then spotted the Coast Guard boat. I waited there a few minutes and, once the USCG was out of the area, lawlessness returned. I hope the fisherman Joe referred to was found guilty and given some decent jail time. Personally I try to sail during the week as much as I can and I NEVER sail on Sundays. That seems to be the day that draws the largest number of drunken idiots to the water.
Frightening...
There is no way to test for respect. I used to sail out of the largest pleasure craft marina in the U. S., that is Marina del Rey in Calif. And it wasn't lack of experience that caused problems, but arrogance and lack of respect. I had more close calls there than I have had in Los Angeles/San Pedro Harbor. I dodge container ships regularily, but not often do I have to evade a jerk who has a drink in one hand and the wheel in the other.
There is no way to test for respect. I used to sail out of the largest pleasure craft marina in the U. S., that is Marina del Rey in Calif. And it wasn't lack of experience that caused problems, but arrogance and lack of respect. I had more close calls there than I have had in Los Angeles/San Pedro Harbor. I dodge container ships regularily, but not often do I have to evade a jerk who has a drink in one hand and the wheel in the other.
The law and the boat
I'm sorry, I have to respectfully disagree with MG and others who say that a test won't do any good. It's certainly true that no driving test will keep the damn fools who drive 35 out of the fast lane on the freeway. It's also true that driving tests and licenses don't prevent people from being stupid behind the wheel of a car ... nor would it prevent stupidity on a boat. However, it's something. Right now, as the situation is where I've sailed, any idiot can get in a boat and put my life in danger. It's not just power boaters either. The point is that a test and a license won't do much good, but it's something to try to turn the ignorant but well meaning into respectable mariners. Nothing will help with the a$$h@les, but you don't legislate for them--you legislate to try to educate the great middle ground of well meaning people who don't know any better.
I'm sorry, I have to respectfully disagree with MG and others who say that a test won't do any good. It's certainly true that no driving test will keep the damn fools who drive 35 out of the fast lane on the freeway. It's also true that driving tests and licenses don't prevent people from being stupid behind the wheel of a car ... nor would it prevent stupidity on a boat. However, it's something. Right now, as the situation is where I've sailed, any idiot can get in a boat and put my life in danger. It's not just power boaters either. The point is that a test and a license won't do much good, but it's something to try to turn the ignorant but well meaning into respectable mariners. Nothing will help with the a$$h@les, but you don't legislate for them--you legislate to try to educate the great middle ground of well meaning people who don't know any better.
Too late
Unfortunately, it is too late to regulate. As indicated before, course work should be taken and passed before an insurer would write a policy, which means a loan would be impossible to get without insurance. Of course if you pay cash*****. State or Federal regulation would be spotty at best. Then the big question, how many on this board would be willing to take a course even with 20 years experience? It used to be there were no atheists in fox holes, now the same may go for boating.
Unfortunately, it is too late to regulate. As indicated before, course work should be taken and passed before an insurer would write a policy, which means a loan would be impossible to get without insurance. Of course if you pay cash*****. State or Federal regulation would be spotty at best. Then the big question, how many on this board would be willing to take a course even with 20 years experience? It used to be there were no atheists in fox holes, now the same may go for boating.
David
David... I sail out of Portofino. I know there are a lot of jerks running up and down resturant row, but what brought this on? You have to admit, driving through the gauntlet passed Joe's Crabshack is the kind of experiance money can't buy. You should have been out there today. Two boats on the bay and one of them just passed through on the way to Galveston...Ron
David... I sail out of Portofino. I know there are a lot of jerks running up and down resturant row, but what brought this on? You have to admit, driving through the gauntlet passed Joe's Crabshack is the kind of experiance money can't buy. You should have been out there today. Two boats on the bay and one of them just passed through on the way to Galveston...Ron
It is inevitable....
Given the amount of absolute ignorance out there, I think it inevitable that every state with a coastline will have some type of program eventually. Like Brad said, you can't legislate away jerks, but you can impact the large majority of people whose "bad" behavior is due to ignorance. In Conn.I think came up with a pretty good compromise. Several years ago, they started phasing in a mandatory "certificate" (not a license!) that everyone operating a registered boat needed to have. The law had grandfathering provisions, so that if you were willing to swear that you already had a certain amount of experience, you got your certificate without taking the otherwise mandatory course and test. This amnesty period for experienced sailors expired after a couple of years, and now everyone must take the course/test. The course and test is offered free by the state (and you pay a modest fee for materials), or you can pay to take a state-approved privately run course/test (which provides the materials as part of the fee). Either way, its about eight hours of instruction, with a fairly easy test. If you pass, you get your "certificate" (which looks remarkably like a license); which never expires. By the way, I think the amount of bad behavior is directly related to the economy. The better the economy, the more novice boaters are created (more people can afford boats), resulting in more acts of ignorance/jerkdom. So if the economy goes down in the next couple of years, look on the bright side: the knuckleheads who are into boating for the wrong reasons will have to give it up.
Given the amount of absolute ignorance out there, I think it inevitable that every state with a coastline will have some type of program eventually. Like Brad said, you can't legislate away jerks, but you can impact the large majority of people whose "bad" behavior is due to ignorance. In Conn.I think came up with a pretty good compromise. Several years ago, they started phasing in a mandatory "certificate" (not a license!) that everyone operating a registered boat needed to have. The law had grandfathering provisions, so that if you were willing to swear that you already had a certain amount of experience, you got your certificate without taking the otherwise mandatory course and test. This amnesty period for experienced sailors expired after a couple of years, and now everyone must take the course/test. The course and test is offered free by the state (and you pay a modest fee for materials), or you can pay to take a state-approved privately run course/test (which provides the materials as part of the fee). Either way, its about eight hours of instruction, with a fairly easy test. If you pass, you get your "certificate" (which looks remarkably like a license); which never expires. By the way, I think the amount of bad behavior is directly related to the economy. The better the economy, the more novice boaters are created (more people can afford boats), resulting in more acts of ignorance/jerkdom. So if the economy goes down in the next couple of years, look on the bright side: the knuckleheads who are into boating for the wrong reasons will have to give it up.
It's never too late to educate
I've seen several remarks about how many car accidents there are involving licensed drivers. But can you imagine how many there would be if NONE of them were licensed? Think about teens, for a second. Put them in a car and show them how to drive it but don't instruct them to stop at railroad crossings or stoplights or how to properly cross traffic and you'll soon have a dead or injured kid simply because he didn't know any better. I agree that it *should* be the boater's responsibility to learn proper seamanship but the problem is, they don't. Most people think of boats as they would a bike - it's just recreational and you don't need any special training. This often causes dangerous situations for those of us who *have* taken the time to learn the rules of the road cuz we are going to react to a situation per those rules & the other guy might not. We all have horror stories but one that sticks out in my mind is when I was sailing past a marina and this power boat cut right in front of me and then had the audacity to yell at ME cuz he was trying to get into his slip. I had to tack quickly to avoid a collision when I realized he wasn't going to give way. I would bet anything he isn't a jerk in normal life, just that he had no knowledge that I had right of way. Quite honestly, if we have the right to mandate driver education (as we do), then boater education is not completely unreasonable. LaDonna
I've seen several remarks about how many car accidents there are involving licensed drivers. But can you imagine how many there would be if NONE of them were licensed? Think about teens, for a second. Put them in a car and show them how to drive it but don't instruct them to stop at railroad crossings or stoplights or how to properly cross traffic and you'll soon have a dead or injured kid simply because he didn't know any better. I agree that it *should* be the boater's responsibility to learn proper seamanship but the problem is, they don't. Most people think of boats as they would a bike - it's just recreational and you don't need any special training. This often causes dangerous situations for those of us who *have* taken the time to learn the rules of the road cuz we are going to react to a situation per those rules & the other guy might not. We all have horror stories but one that sticks out in my mind is when I was sailing past a marina and this power boat cut right in front of me and then had the audacity to yell at ME cuz he was trying to get into his slip. I had to tack quickly to avoid a collision when I realized he wasn't going to give way. I would bet anything he isn't a jerk in normal life, just that he had no knowledge that I had right of way. Quite honestly, if we have the right to mandate driver education (as we do), then boater education is not completely unreasonable. LaDonna
Big boats vs Rules
This thread seems to have gone far astray from David's original point that there needs to be new regulations because people can buy big boats and might hurt his boat. That, if you don't have experience on smaller boats you shouldn't be able to buy a large boat. I have seen so many who owned 22 footers and used them for years. They thought they knew everything about boating and when they bought that 40 footer it was going to be a piece of cake. Then couldn't get it out let alone back into the slip without major damage. Yes the rules are transferable between boat sizes but boat handling is boat specific and isn't even directly transferable between models of similar size. If you want to make a case for new regulations make the case but the size of boat is irrelevant. In this case, size really doesn't matter. However if you think that everything will be better with licenses or certificates, you are wrong. Knowing the rules is not enough. Those boat speeders in Fl knew they were speeding (why slow down when the CG is around) but they did it anyway. They didn't need a license to tell them they were speeding. Just like the fisherman knew he was wrong (why run). Cars speed, run lights and run down people every day. Having a license doesn't change that. And it won't change stupid boaters. Lastly we seem to forget that the message that seems to run through the CG regulations is that you are supposed to avoid collisions. You are responsible to avoid collisions. If you are following the rules and the other boater isn't it is your responsibility to get out of their way. The other stupid person doesn't know this because they are stupid (but they might have a license) but you aren't. Practice safe boating yourself, anticipate that stupid things can and will be done when you can least afford it and be ready. And have fun. Afloat is about the last unspoiled place around. Lets not spoil it ourselves. Just my thoughts but I could be wrong, Les s/v Mutual Fun
This thread seems to have gone far astray from David's original point that there needs to be new regulations because people can buy big boats and might hurt his boat. That, if you don't have experience on smaller boats you shouldn't be able to buy a large boat. I have seen so many who owned 22 footers and used them for years. They thought they knew everything about boating and when they bought that 40 footer it was going to be a piece of cake. Then couldn't get it out let alone back into the slip without major damage. Yes the rules are transferable between boat sizes but boat handling is boat specific and isn't even directly transferable between models of similar size. If you want to make a case for new regulations make the case but the size of boat is irrelevant. In this case, size really doesn't matter. However if you think that everything will be better with licenses or certificates, you are wrong. Knowing the rules is not enough. Those boat speeders in Fl knew they were speeding (why slow down when the CG is around) but they did it anyway. They didn't need a license to tell them they were speeding. Just like the fisherman knew he was wrong (why run). Cars speed, run lights and run down people every day. Having a license doesn't change that. And it won't change stupid boaters. Lastly we seem to forget that the message that seems to run through the CG regulations is that you are supposed to avoid collisions. You are responsible to avoid collisions. If you are following the rules and the other boater isn't it is your responsibility to get out of their way. The other stupid person doesn't know this because they are stupid (but they might have a license) but you aren't. Practice safe boating yourself, anticipate that stupid things can and will be done when you can least afford it and be ready. And have fun. Afloat is about the last unspoiled place around. Lets not spoil it ourselves. Just my thoughts but I could be wrong, Les s/v Mutual Fun
Sometimes it's amusing
Having worked in a large marina/dealership, I was often amazed at the "antics" that new boat owners pulled. I've watched zero-to-boating sailors on new 45 foot sailboats take off with absolutly no idea what they were in for. Not meaning to step on toes here, but the biggest offenders were the guys with lots of money, used to having people do all their work for them and too proud to ask for assistance. I watched boats leave the marina sideways, snagging biminis, grills, and other stuff. One "captain" ran forward to help his S.O. fend off a collision, leaving the boat in gear and no one at the helm. Needless to say, we did a lot of insurance work. Most of these types thought that the daysailor they used in their Academy days gave them all the experience they needed to captain their yacht. I'm telling you, it was a circus at times. If you recognize yourself here, please ask or hire someone to take you out and walk you through your boat. Money cannot buy respect on the docks, much less pay for human pain, but it will pay for a tow back.
Having worked in a large marina/dealership, I was often amazed at the "antics" that new boat owners pulled. I've watched zero-to-boating sailors on new 45 foot sailboats take off with absolutly no idea what they were in for. Not meaning to step on toes here, but the biggest offenders were the guys with lots of money, used to having people do all their work for them and too proud to ask for assistance. I watched boats leave the marina sideways, snagging biminis, grills, and other stuff. One "captain" ran forward to help his S.O. fend off a collision, leaving the boat in gear and no one at the helm. Needless to say, we did a lot of insurance work. Most of these types thought that the daysailor they used in their Academy days gave them all the experience they needed to captain their yacht. I'm telling you, it was a circus at times. If you recognize yourself here, please ask or hire someone to take you out and walk you through your boat. Money cannot buy respect on the docks, much less pay for human pain, but it will pay for a tow back.
Churchill
My favorite quote from Winston Churchill is,"The only purpose for saving fools from themselves, is to further populate the world with fools!" But it is too bad these fools threaten the rest of us as well. I am afraid there is no real answer. Licensing would eliminate some of the problems of ignorance, but there are lots of informed, but inconsiderate or just plain stupid folks out there. Someone once said that one's level within the gene pool was the inverse of the number of horsepower in one's boat.....but I will leave that alone....and give them a wide berth.
My favorite quote from Winston Churchill is,"The only purpose for saving fools from themselves, is to further populate the world with fools!" But it is too bad these fools threaten the rest of us as well. I am afraid there is no real answer. Licensing would eliminate some of the problems of ignorance, but there are lots of informed, but inconsiderate or just plain stupid folks out there. Someone once said that one's level within the gene pool was the inverse of the number of horsepower in one's boat.....but I will leave that alone....and give them a wide berth.
David, There is an upside to people like this.
Usually you can buy their very nice boat at a good price from them next year !!. Hell buy it , hold it, and sell it for a profit. I bought a '99 Catalina 36 w/only 50 hours on the engine from someone who sold it a year after they bought it. I got a great deal, it was like new. There was still packing in the microwave and Oven and the Asym Spinnaker was still flaked new in the bag. (hell, I doubt he even pee'd in the head). I figured this guy got the boat and then realized he was way over his head. I think he got a divorce an had one of those mid life crisis's. I asked him about his prior sailing experience and he said he sailed boats in college (this guy had to be about 50. I think he said dingy sailing, but it was probably a Sunfish ;-). I was moving up from 9 years on a big 27 foot boat and I was concerned it was too much for me (that lasted about 3 weeks....Now I'd love to have the Cat 400 ;-). As for "training" there is nothing like on-the-water experience AND humility (No Ego's). And sorry Peggy, I still contend that motorboater ARE the ones that are *scaring* me on the water......Just this past weekend 4 more people were killed on 2 motorboats on Greenwood lake in NY...plus read previous stories...."Speed Kills"
Usually you can buy their very nice boat at a good price from them next year !!. Hell buy it , hold it, and sell it for a profit. I bought a '99 Catalina 36 w/only 50 hours on the engine from someone who sold it a year after they bought it. I got a great deal, it was like new. There was still packing in the microwave and Oven and the Asym Spinnaker was still flaked new in the bag. (hell, I doubt he even pee'd in the head). I figured this guy got the boat and then realized he was way over his head. I think he got a divorce an had one of those mid life crisis's. I asked him about his prior sailing experience and he said he sailed boats in college (this guy had to be about 50. I think he said dingy sailing, but it was probably a Sunfish ;-). I was moving up from 9 years on a big 27 foot boat and I was concerned it was too much for me (that lasted about 3 weeks....Now I'd love to have the Cat 400 ;-). As for "training" there is nothing like on-the-water experience AND humility (No Ego's). And sorry Peggy, I still contend that motorboater ARE the ones that are *scaring* me on the water......Just this past weekend 4 more people were killed on 2 motorboats on Greenwood lake in NY...plus read previous stories...."Speed Kills"
Interesting responses
We have seen everything from defense of the newbie to the firing squad here. The original purpose of my post was to point out that no matter what type boat a person gets, it is usually more to handle than they bargained for. It just concerns me that anyone can get access to the water with little or no training and possibly endanger others. I know that it can happen in a car, or plane or where ever. I just thinks it's a situation that we take for granted. I'm sorry to have stirred up such a comotion. I hope that everyone will grant me and aquittal on this one and I will never mention it again.
We have seen everything from defense of the newbie to the firing squad here. The original purpose of my post was to point out that no matter what type boat a person gets, it is usually more to handle than they bargained for. It just concerns me that anyone can get access to the water with little or no training and possibly endanger others. I know that it can happen in a car, or plane or where ever. I just thinks it's a situation that we take for granted. I'm sorry to have stirred up such a comotion. I hope that everyone will grant me and aquittal on this one and I will never mention it again.
Glad you brought it up!
I'm not going to throw fuel on the fire, but the particular area Dave mentions is one of the busier channels I have seen. It is a combination of a huge volume of boats, and a tiny canal that they all must share as they get funnelled out to the Gulf. This is no place for amatuers, and I think that may be part of what was behind Dave's post. In aviation, most airspace is conrolled. I certainly don't think "waterspace" should be, but then again.... By the way Dave, you ever see one of those big 45's come roaring through that narrow channel under full sail? It's a sight. Rob p.s. - Discussions like these are the reason I keep coming back to this site. Complete agreement would be terribly boring.
I'm not going to throw fuel on the fire, but the particular area Dave mentions is one of the busier channels I have seen. It is a combination of a huge volume of boats, and a tiny canal that they all must share as they get funnelled out to the Gulf. This is no place for amatuers, and I think that may be part of what was behind Dave's post. In aviation, most airspace is conrolled. I certainly don't think "waterspace" should be, but then again.... By the way Dave, you ever see one of those big 45's come roaring through that narrow channel under full sail? It's a sight. Rob p.s. - Discussions like these are the reason I keep coming back to this site. Complete agreement would be terribly boring.
Don't be sorry
What I'm really impressed with here is that everyone has voiced their opinion without resorting to personal jabs at others. I think that shows a tremendous amount of respect. Keep questions like this coming cuz they're challenging and interesting. LaDonna
What I'm really impressed with here is that everyone has voiced their opinion without resorting to personal jabs at others. I think that shows a tremendous amount of respect. Keep questions like this coming cuz they're challenging and interesting. LaDonna
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