George: This is becoming a real problem. To many power boaters with to little knowledge or brains. (There are some that are considerate) I run into this in Naragansett Bay, on the Sakonnet river and the worst was in Watch Hill two weeks ago. Narrow shallow channel with power boats going fast with large wakes. I do not have an answere. Len Fagan "Tale Winds"
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Rick Ellis
Yes and Jet Skis are whorse yet.
Yup all that is required is to put down the money and drive off. Pretty scarey really.
Yup all that is required is to put down the money and drive off. Pretty scarey really.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
If it's any comfort...
sailboats are NOT the ONLY victims of wake. It's just as upsetting (literally) to other powerboats, especially small ones. But small boats aren't the only victims either...I've been tossed around hard enough in an anchorage to knock things off my galley counters. Nor is cluelessness limited to powerboats and PWCs any more. More and more people who've never owned so much as a rowboat before, or even spent more than an afternoon aboard a boat, are buying 30'+ and even 40+ plus sailboats. Though they don't make wakes, they certainly can make life on the water "interesting" in plenty of other ways for the rest of us, both power and sail. There are just too damn many people on the water today in all kinds of craft who shouldn't be there--at least not until they get some instruction in safe operation and learn the Rules.
sailboats are NOT the ONLY victims of wake. It's just as upsetting (literally) to other powerboats, especially small ones. But small boats aren't the only victims either...I've been tossed around hard enough in an anchorage to knock things off my galley counters. Nor is cluelessness limited to powerboats and PWCs any more. More and more people who've never owned so much as a rowboat before, or even spent more than an afternoon aboard a boat, are buying 30'+ and even 40+ plus sailboats. Though they don't make wakes, they certainly can make life on the water "interesting" in plenty of other ways for the rest of us, both power and sail. There are just too damn many people on the water today in all kinds of craft who shouldn't be there--at least not until they get some instruction in safe operation and learn the Rules.
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Bill Hall
Most don't know
I run into this problem all the time in our shallow channel in the Chesapeake where the trough of a large wave drops me hard on the bottom. Generally, when I see them coming, I call and ask them to please slow down as their wake will drop me on the bottom. 50% do slow. When they get close, I explain the reason that it is not the wake we are concerned about but the trough in the shallow water. Most never know this. All have thanked me for the information and generally apologize. Catch a lot of flies with honey.
I run into this problem all the time in our shallow channel in the Chesapeake where the trough of a large wave drops me hard on the bottom. Generally, when I see them coming, I call and ask them to please slow down as their wake will drop me on the bottom. 50% do slow. When they get close, I explain the reason that it is not the wake we are concerned about but the trough in the shallow water. Most never know this. All have thanked me for the information and generally apologize. Catch a lot of flies with honey.
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Jim Anzalone
You are responsible for your wake
What I hate worst is almost get sumped by a big power boats and then the family pointing and laughing at me and my crew. More than once I have curst out the crew of a large rude power boat. It is funny to see the faces of there girlfriends as 4 letter words come flying out of my mouth. Don't bother calling to report dangerous boats to the coast guard or state police. The don't want to be bothered! We need more slow speed no wake buoys in small channels.... LOTS MORE!!!!! State police need to start doing their jobs and enforcing slow speed no wake zones.
What I hate worst is almost get sumped by a big power boats and then the family pointing and laughing at me and my crew. More than once I have curst out the crew of a large rude power boat. It is funny to see the faces of there girlfriends as 4 letter words come flying out of my mouth. Don't bother calling to report dangerous boats to the coast guard or state police. The don't want to be bothered! We need more slow speed no wake buoys in small channels.... LOTS MORE!!!!! State police need to start doing their jobs and enforcing slow speed no wake zones.
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Jack
Money
Unfortunately, the water patrols are more interested in checking for boat registrations than chasing down complaints of improper operation of a boat. They can write tickets for registration violations and fines can be collected.. To be fair, they will pull over obvious violaters that they personaly observe but if they spend all of their time checking a registration they are not on patrol. By the way , I don't buy the theory that people are that ignorant of their wakes, just inconsiderate. They can blast by with no reprecussions.
Unfortunately, the water patrols are more interested in checking for boat registrations than chasing down complaints of improper operation of a boat. They can write tickets for registration violations and fines can be collected.. To be fair, they will pull over obvious violaters that they personaly observe but if they spend all of their time checking a registration they are not on patrol. By the way , I don't buy the theory that people are that ignorant of their wakes, just inconsiderate. They can blast by with no reprecussions.
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Andy
Does the Power Sqdron teach anything about sail?
I agree with Bill, most do not know. Although the redneck who roared by me while I was at the pump out dock should have seen one of at least two large NO WAKE warnings. After almost two years on Lake Erie I have not been purposefully attacked but I am very sure that many power types do not know the dynamics of sailboats undersail or under power. I would hope the USCG aux or PS classes spend at least 15 minutes on the subject. Peggy's point about some instruction is important. I had a powerboat pull up beside me a week or two ago and ask how to get to Kelley's Island. If it was not a hazy day he would have seen it. I asked if he had a compass. He looked around and finally said yes. I said head 325 or so and you will find it. He asked which way that was. This made me wish I had said directly north and when you hit land tell anyone you see that Canada is rotten and they will buy you a beer, I assure you this would have been a motivation for this group. Anyway, he said thanks and told me he had just bought the boat today. I would have never guessed. Andy BAROQUE
I agree with Bill, most do not know. Although the redneck who roared by me while I was at the pump out dock should have seen one of at least two large NO WAKE warnings. After almost two years on Lake Erie I have not been purposefully attacked but I am very sure that many power types do not know the dynamics of sailboats undersail or under power. I would hope the USCG aux or PS classes spend at least 15 minutes on the subject. Peggy's point about some instruction is important. I had a powerboat pull up beside me a week or two ago and ask how to get to Kelley's Island. If it was not a hazy day he would have seen it. I asked if he had a compass. He looked around and finally said yes. I said head 325 or so and you will find it. He asked which way that was. This made me wish I had said directly north and when you hit land tell anyone you see that Canada is rotten and they will buy you a beer, I assure you this would have been a motivation for this group. Anyway, he said thanks and told me he had just bought the boat today. I would have never guessed. Andy BAROQUE
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Steve
Yes, USPS teaches sail, but...
Yes, USPS teaches sail, but the fools have to actually take the course. It is covered in basic boating as part of rules of navigation, and there are actual two sail courses for sailing dynamics. Check out the related link for all courses offered.
Yes, USPS teaches sail, but the fools have to actually take the course. It is covered in basic boating as part of rules of navigation, and there are actual two sail courses for sailing dynamics. Check out the related link for all courses offered.
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Rick Webb
For Andy
I teach the class for the Auxiliary and spend well more than 15 minutes on the subject. Down here the biggest problem is with the $60,000 twin 225 outboard fishing boats. Gues they do not have time to slow down to pass and that is why they need all of that power. Just wait till they show up in my class or ask for the Courtesy Vessel Safety Check.
I teach the class for the Auxiliary and spend well more than 15 minutes on the subject. Down here the biggest problem is with the $60,000 twin 225 outboard fishing boats. Gues they do not have time to slow down to pass and that is why they need all of that power. Just wait till they show up in my class or ask for the Courtesy Vessel Safety Check.
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Rick Webb
Interesting, Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Just took a couple of the test at the Power Squadron Website Steve pointed out. One of the questions dealt with wakes and 99% of those who took the exam knew the right answer to: Constantly watch the wake of your boat, because: you are responsible for injuries or damage to property caused by the wake of your boat. So are they 1. Stupid B. Ignorant Three. Apathetic? I think it is because they are morons who do not know and who do not care.
Just took a couple of the test at the Power Squadron Website Steve pointed out. One of the questions dealt with wakes and 99% of those who took the exam knew the right answer to: Constantly watch the wake of your boat, because: you are responsible for injuries or damage to property caused by the wake of your boat. So are they 1. Stupid B. Ignorant Three. Apathetic? I think it is because they are morons who do not know and who do not care.
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Jack
San Diego Bay
Hi all, The large fishing boat operators do not seem to be a problem thay are real pro's. It seems to be the power boat renters in a lot of case's I wonder if thay get some kind of check out, before thay turn them loose? I can't belive more of them do not kill themselfs or others. On memorial day I took my little 22 Catalina out, all most half the boats in the marina where gone it looked like a ghost town all the boats out for there once a year day on the water what a circus! I was going to sail next day one day was enuve for me I stayed home! As I returned up our channell to my slip I looked to my starboard rear here comes a large power sailer pinching me to his port ,under power I keep turning to port to get out of his way, he is BIG 40 + feet he keeps pinching I cant see bridge be hind all that faded plastic, I keep moving over , He is going to run me down Its just like I am not there I cut my little 3hp out board I am all most stoped now , he goe,s past my bow , I look up in to huge cockpit area ,there are the ladys cocktails in hand ,looking at me bouncing in wake , and admiring Grandma's little 12 year old pride ,his little round face all smiles like he is smeling his own farts. Just then the skipper returns from below, he must have been taking a shit or something very importand like checking his chart. WRONG he is also has in hand a freash cocktail. He starts yelling at the first mate (the KID) I am just happy to get to my slip. Happy sailing to all, Jack San Diego
Hi all, The large fishing boat operators do not seem to be a problem thay are real pro's. It seems to be the power boat renters in a lot of case's I wonder if thay get some kind of check out, before thay turn them loose? I can't belive more of them do not kill themselfs or others. On memorial day I took my little 22 Catalina out, all most half the boats in the marina where gone it looked like a ghost town all the boats out for there once a year day on the water what a circus! I was going to sail next day one day was enuve for me I stayed home! As I returned up our channell to my slip I looked to my starboard rear here comes a large power sailer pinching me to his port ,under power I keep turning to port to get out of his way, he is BIG 40 + feet he keeps pinching I cant see bridge be hind all that faded plastic, I keep moving over , He is going to run me down Its just like I am not there I cut my little 3hp out board I am all most stoped now , he goe,s past my bow , I look up in to huge cockpit area ,there are the ladys cocktails in hand ,looking at me bouncing in wake , and admiring Grandma's little 12 year old pride ,his little round face all smiles like he is smeling his own farts. Just then the skipper returns from below, he must have been taking a shit or something very importand like checking his chart. WRONG he is also has in hand a freash cocktail. He starts yelling at the first mate (the KID) I am just happy to get to my slip. Happy sailing to all, Jack San Diego
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Keith K.
All too common...
Jack, you have a unique style of writing that lets me picture the scene exactly. I boat on a small inland lake with my C22. It's about 12 sq. miles with two marinas. And everytime I'm on my boat in the marina (cleaning, fixing, etc.), idiots will launch their powerboats from the marina launch, turn around, and gun their boats like their hair was on fire and their asses were catching, screaming past the marina at 20 or 30 mph. This rocks ALL of the docked boats. Once is annoying, but boat after boat after boat gets a little old. I also like to anchor in quiet spots near fisherman because they are out of the lane of most travel, and the motorheads will shoot through the anchorage full tilt. This is not a rare occurrance. In fact, just today on the St. Croix River (about 50 miles east of my house), two powerboats collided killing one person. Three years ago to the day another collision killed five. I hate government overregulation but maybe it's time to require boat operators training. It's absurd to think that everyone with a valid drivers license has to take separate training to drive a semi or a motorcycle but not for a boat. Ok I've ranted enough for now. I'm just glad I'm not the only one who is frustrated with this phenomenon. -Keith K. S/V Vesta
Jack, you have a unique style of writing that lets me picture the scene exactly. I boat on a small inland lake with my C22. It's about 12 sq. miles with two marinas. And everytime I'm on my boat in the marina (cleaning, fixing, etc.), idiots will launch their powerboats from the marina launch, turn around, and gun their boats like their hair was on fire and their asses were catching, screaming past the marina at 20 or 30 mph. This rocks ALL of the docked boats. Once is annoying, but boat after boat after boat gets a little old. I also like to anchor in quiet spots near fisherman because they are out of the lane of most travel, and the motorheads will shoot through the anchorage full tilt. This is not a rare occurrance. In fact, just today on the St. Croix River (about 50 miles east of my house), two powerboats collided killing one person. Three years ago to the day another collision killed five. I hate government overregulation but maybe it's time to require boat operators training. It's absurd to think that everyone with a valid drivers license has to take separate training to drive a semi or a motorcycle but not for a boat. Ok I've ranted enough for now. I'm just glad I'm not the only one who is frustrated with this phenomenon. -Keith K. S/V Vesta
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Nick
San Diego Collision . . .
I'm lucky in that I have two days during the week when I can sail. San Diego Bay is large enough to accomadate everyone, if they knew what they were doing. But they don't . . . Last night in Mission Bay two power boats collided at high speed and there were injuries and one boat sank. This incident occured in a zone marked "5 MPH." Nick "Julia Bell" C-27 #86
I'm lucky in that I have two days during the week when I can sail. San Diego Bay is large enough to accomadate everyone, if they knew what they were doing. But they don't . . . Last night in Mission Bay two power boats collided at high speed and there were injuries and one boat sank. This incident occured in a zone marked "5 MPH." Nick "Julia Bell" C-27 #86
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Rick Webb
Culling The Herd?
These are good examples of "Social Darwinism". The problem is when they harm an unsuspecting innocent bystander or a kid who does not yet know any better.
These are good examples of "Social Darwinism". The problem is when they harm an unsuspecting innocent bystander or a kid who does not yet know any better.
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Carol
wake zone
At my marina (Kentucky Lake) There are only slips occupied by sailboats. And they really do cater to sailors. No gas or diesel is available for purchase. "thank god" However there is a public launch. The other day I was at dock preparing to leave and a pontoon, you know a small party barge, was coming in leaving a pretty good size wake. As he reached my stern, they looked as though they were having fun..he waved and I spoke up and said "you need to slow that down, this is a no wake zone ya know" Anyway he did slow down, but looked puzzled maybe cuz I am a female he was surprised I spoke up...who knows? A slip neighbor was walking down the dock and said "he probably is to stupid to know that, anyone can have a powerboat"....then we kinda chuckled. Burns me up when those power boats think they own the place!! Smooth sailing
At my marina (Kentucky Lake) There are only slips occupied by sailboats. And they really do cater to sailors. No gas or diesel is available for purchase. "thank god" However there is a public launch. The other day I was at dock preparing to leave and a pontoon, you know a small party barge, was coming in leaving a pretty good size wake. As he reached my stern, they looked as though they were having fun..he waved and I spoke up and said "you need to slow that down, this is a no wake zone ya know" Anyway he did slow down, but looked puzzled maybe cuz I am a female he was surprised I spoke up...who knows? A slip neighbor was walking down the dock and said "he probably is to stupid to know that, anyone can have a powerboat"....then we kinda chuckled. Burns me up when those power boats think they own the place!! Smooth sailing
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sean
fatality
About two weeks ago we had a 17yr. old boy die and two other teenagers injured when their small fishing boat was run over by a blue hulled "speedboat." Little more is known about the incident as the driver of the craft never slowed down and left the scene. An APB is out for any and all information regarding the incident. I'm not putting all power boaters in this category......but
About two weeks ago we had a 17yr. old boy die and two other teenagers injured when their small fishing boat was run over by a blue hulled "speedboat." Little more is known about the incident as the driver of the craft never slowed down and left the scene. An APB is out for any and all information regarding the incident. I'm not putting all power boaters in this category......but
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John New
Darwin and PBers
>>>>Submitted by Rick Webb of Long Beach, These are good examples of "Social Darwinism". Actually, it's an example of natural selection.
>>>>Submitted by Rick Webb of Long Beach, These are good examples of "Social Darwinism". Actually, it's an example of natural selection.
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