Rant

[LuzSD]

ok, we talked about this here fairly recently when I was told by someone that it is standard to use the horn when leaving a slip or entering a main channel.... can't recall what that circumstance was but I remember Stu told me that was not a standard thing to do and we quickly decided that we would not do that, and also found that it was not as necessary as we thought............ UNTIL NOW!!! Our swell marina has now docked a big fat powerboat on a side tie right across from an old sailboat that never leaves and we now have a very very narrow entrance into the main channel. There is no way for us to see what is about to cross our finger until we are really out there and its dangerous. This marina is loaded with standup paddlers, kayaks, dinks, etc. and I feel like its just a matter of time before there is trouble. I hate the horn but worry when I don't use it..... even so, not using it yet.
Honestly, I think it is the marina's liability when they set things up to restrict our safe view as we exit!!!

 

[cephius (Dave)]

There is no tranquility in my marina. Very busy BNSF main line runs adjacent to it. Because of the town crossings, their horns are blasting day and night. Also my usual departure time is close to noon, which the town of Pepin signals with Civil Defense sirens. There are over 100 boats in this marina.

Since major railroads run on both banks of the Mississippi, none of the marinas are tranquil.

 

[centerline]

If you want to leave then leave. Please don't disturb the peace and tranquility of the marina .

Ross, your statement should be posted as a sign at all marinas everywhere.....

my opinion is, if anyone feels the need to warn everyone for a quarter mile around you before you make a move, maybe its time to rethink the move.... or at the very least, do something spectacularly stupid that makes it worth drawing everyones attention to it.

 

[Sail123]

My 32 came with a lovely signal bell. Seems like there would be a rather pleasant way to sound that when needed.

 

[centerline]

Anyone else ever bought one of those darned signal horns from Attwood, test it a few months later, only to find it's completely depressurized?:cussing:

I suspect I'll be going with the one you can pump up yourself.

other than the onboard horn, these loud little attwood (and other brands) horns are all I have ever used for many years... and for many years they have always held pressure. I had one fail once, but replaced the canister and then it held pressure....armed and ready for 10 years plus.... I dont use them much but a horn is required and the onboard horns I ever had were too quiet if there was any real need for a horn. the attwood style one I have with my current boat is at least 6 years old according to the PO.... and works fine. I think they are ok..... but because I did have one fail in 35 years, I do carry a spare canister. they are affordable and it will get you thru an inspection if the one in use fails.....

 

[Joe]

I'll use the horn when entering a blind channel on a busy day, or foggy day..... but I've never, ever blasted the horn when backing out of my slip.... that's rude to your neighbors! What I have done is blast someone who's started to back out without looking.... while I'm moving down the fairway... but that's a lot different from just blowing the damn horn to tell everyone in the marina you're leaving your slip.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I disagree Joe. Singling your intentions when the marina is busy is no different than letting other boats know you are there.

I feel I am a considerate boater. My horn is not obnoxious and I certainly don't blast away on quiet mornings. I watch for moving masts before slipping my lines, and check again before engaging the engine. I've still been surprised by boats moving too fast down the marina channel.

My Attwood Bellows horn:

 

[Benny17441]

Would not know, the one I have is like the goldfish that would not die. The cannister is all rusty but for the past 8 years it has been blasting away when needed. Does'nt get much use. I also have a pump up one but that one lost air pressure a long time ago. I'm sure it still works but have not had the need to pump it up with old reliable next to it.

 

[zeehag]

i have a plastic ear killer i donot use except in dire emergency pp-thank gods as i have never had to use it--pain in ears big time. i donot use when i am leaving slip, and i do not use in fog. i have great respect for my ears.. i used to use the canned horn in my hornless 300zxturbo car......