Super speed boat rant

[Warren Milberg]

In over 30 years of sailing....

...I've had just a few close calls with other boaters who did not seem to know either the Rules of the Road or how to handle their particular boat. These incidents were divided about equally between rag haulers and stink potters....I keep being astounded by the fact that any ordinary moron who can plunk down enough money can drive/sail away a boat of any size without ever having to demonstrate any knowledge or competence about operating said boat.... Silly me.

 

[tweitz]

Powerboats

Hey, I have no objection to power boats. Every summer I go out fishing several times with my friend on his Blackfin 32 and I love getting the striped bass or fluke, getting to the fishing grounds quickly, etc. And there are discourteous sailors who clog up channels or assert right of way, whether they have it or not. But the reason the reverse of my original argument doesn't hold is that I never remember reading or hearing about a powerboat being sunk because it was run down by a sailboat at 90 knots, or the wake of a sailboat causing damage. I did not propose any new rules, because the existing rules (like you are responsible for your wake) are probably enough if people didn't ignore them. Also, someone who doesn't know what he is doing is a lot less likely to cause harm to others at 4 or 5 knots than at 90. If he harms himself, that's his issue, not mine (though I will help him if I see him and he wants me to). If he harms innocent bystanders, that's a problem. Finally, I do think there are some differences between sailors and powerboaters -- people who sail pretty much never mistake their boat for a car, and understand they have to learn at least something about boats just to leave the dock. Some people who have powerboats make that mistake, and we all see them on the water. And people who sail are just about always interested in the sailing part of their life. For a lot of powerboaters, the boat is a means to an end, so they are less interested in the details of the boat part. And I acknowledge there are plenty of courteous smart powerboaters and powerboating well requires plenty of skill and seamanship.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Warren , I agree

Waren, you wrote.." I keep being astounded by the fact that any ordinary moron who can plunk down enough money can drive/sail away a boat of any size without ever having to demonstrate any knowledge or competence about operating said boat....". Totally agree. If you start a separate thread about 'licensing vs. non-licensing' you will not start a rant....it will be an all out war with a life expectancy on this site of about 5 mins before it would be moved to the "Sails Call Lounge" .Tony B

 

[Dave from Mi.]

Snobs?

Peggy and Tony B;Let me make something clear about my rant earlier. I was refering ONLY to the Cigarette type go fast boats, with unmuffled engines. Our Marina is close to 50/50 power to sail, slightly more power. Our yacht clubs rules require that the commodore position alternate between power and sail each year. In our 200 odd slip marina, all of the power boaters with one or two exceptions, are excellent boaters, the same for our sailors, know the rules and and we all help each other out. On a windy day, you will be assisted by a power boater as quickly as a sailboater in docking. We play and boat together, even doing some cruising together. We leave in the early AM, they leave after lunch and we arrive about the same time at an anchorage.My complaint is the huge, unmuffled, power boats that don't have a clue of proper operation of a water vessel. More often than not, they approach a dock with no lines available, screaming at the bikini clad blond on the fore deck trying to grab a piling with her hands, while he is reving his engines to announce his arrival, all the time with the CD blasting some unintelligent balther. Unfortunatly, this is not an extreame example. We do have a couple of high powered cigarette type boats with slips in our marina, but they have mufflers, use them and know what boating is all about, I welcome those guys anytime.So to restate, not all power boaters, just the Jerks. And yes, we have a few Rag Baggers who fall into the same catagory, but not in the same percentage.Fair windsDave

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Dave

What gave you the idea that Peggy or myself singled you out as a snob. Also note that I started this as a tongue in cheek reversal, playing devils advocate to read this from a powerboaters perspective. It was not intended to piss anyone off. If anyone should feel offended, then you now feel what a part time powerboater feels by reading the original post. This was not intended to be anything but fun. BTW, I do agree with your feelings about "screaming at the bikini clad blond on the fore deck". That is best reserved for the bubba type deckhand. Tony B

 

[Bob V]

As Dave said it's not power vs sail

It only becomes offensive because it is such a ridiculous extreme. I drive a car with an infernal combustion engine but I still think NASCAR is a stupid waste of resources. It's not about snobbery rather it is or should be peer pressure. I would like such obvious waste of resources to go out of style for the good of us all. Now if someone comes up with an alternative energy for NASCAR or Go-Fast boats, I would be pretty impressed. It's like we're all in a liferaft together and some inconsiderate jerk is using our fresh water to wash his hair.

 

[Dave from Mi.]

No Offense taken;-))

Hi Tony B;No problem here, I was not offended, but I wanted to make sure that you and everyone else did not think I was making a blanket indictment of all power boaters. I recognized your tongue in cheek response. I often take that tack myself. When I reread my original post, I did not think I made the point clear enough that I was not bashing all "stink boaters" just those with boorish behavior. ;-))Fair windsDave

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Ross, I have a 2nd Edition of Chapman's,

Copyright 1917, which was right in the middle of WW I. It's titled "Practical Motor Boat Handling, Seamanship and Piloting." It's a wonderful look back nearly 100 years to another era. The title page describes it as "A handbook containing information while every motor boatman should know. Especially prepared for the man who takes pride in handling his own boat and getting the greatest enjoyment out of cruising. Adapted for the yachtsman interesting fitting himself to be of service to his Government in time of war." In addition to the expected chapters devoted to charts, ATONs, navigation laws (International and Inland Rules) etc, it includes a chapter on navy signalling--semaphore, lights, flags, and Morse code. There's even a chapter "Equipment, Provisions and Supplies (navigation equipment not included)" that's an exhaustive list of every possible piece of equipment, tools, even galley utensils, the Navy's recommended first aid kit, and food staples...followed by a chapter of suggested menus. But my favorites are the chapters "Flags and Colors" and "Yachting Etiquette." In those days, YC Commodores commanded RESPECT! I've never been able to find a copy of the first edition, but would love to.

 

[Ross]

Peggie, Times do change! You might remember when a girl could be sent home from

wearing slacks. All business stopped on Sundays and most stores closed at noon on Wednesday. I see a lot of "Chapmans" but have never seen one as old as yours.

 

[Tom S]

Tony B it's not 'licensing vs. non-licensing'

its having to show that you passed a Boaters safety exam to be allowed to own and operate a boat that matters.I hope people don't confuse the two and using the correct terminology. I have no problem making sure people are knowledgable of the basics of boating if they are going to be in charge of a vessel.States could charge boaters every year for a license or registration and not even require a boater to have shown any competance to handle a boat (take NY State for instance. They take your money every year to register a boat, but they don't care if you knew the difference between your port and your starboard). Or you could be like Connecticut (and now they are phasing it in NJ) is that you need to show that you passed an authorized Boaters Safety course to operate a boat. Its not a money making or control things, its a safety thing in those states.I am not for more government or more bureacracy, but I do not mind the idea that every boater (of a certain size type, not trying to include kyaks, etc) has to pass a safety exam at least once in their lives. I wouldn't even mind a nationalized test who's certificate of completion was good in all states

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Tom

I am in 100% agreement in whatever you choose to call it. Its the intent that counts. I also believe there should be a fairly young age limit. If a child can pass the course, then he/she should be able to operate a boat. Just basic rules of the road, responsibilities and courtesies. A big target area for this should be the jet skiers. Dont get me wrong, I am not picking on jet skis, they are a blast, but I think jet skiers should be more aware of there actons and subsequent consequences. I think they got themselves banned from most Nat'l Parks and their operations/speeds have been severely limited in some areas.Tony B

 

[Tom S]

Yes agree to the younger the better when it comes to boat education

Just got my Girlfriends 13 y/o daughter passed through the Boating Safety course and got her certificate.I think she's allowed to skipper anything up to a 10 hp boat alone and when she's 16 she can 'legally' skipper practically anything on her own. That will be way before she's driving a car.I think its good to get kids involved early. That way they get lots of good experience for when they are older and on their own they'll be less likely to just get a boat and do stupid things with it.BTW -- another reason I ranted was NJ was charging an fee ($$) for a license endorsement to be allowed to operate a boat in non-tidal waters. Nope -- no test involved, just pay the state more money for the 'priviledge' to run a boat in NJ. Total BS just call it what it is. A tax http://www.nj.gov/njsp/info/pdf/marine/non-tidal_license-021606.pdf

 

[swampcreek]

I love a loud big block!

I have watched people act like idiots on ALL kinds of craft. I've been cut off by snobby sailers (under power non the less) when I had a cabin cruiser. I've had fishermen either by intent or stupidity cross the bow of my old catamaran while trolling (It was wild watching those treble hooks dance across my boat!). I almost been broadsided by many a jet ski. I've had power boaters go out of their way to cross my bow and throw a wake at my current Hobie 16. These are all idiots! It's not the boat they're in. It's stupidity, ignorance and maybe overcompensating for some sort of shortcoming. As far as loud boats go well...I had a 1979 Glastron/Carlson CVX-20 with an unmuffled 460 Ford big block and a Berkly jet drive until last year. I got disgusted after sinking $3000 into the motor and getting only 20 hours out of it. BUT I used to LOVE to put that jet drive all the way up while idling and then dump the throttle, she would ROAR to life, stand almost straight up and then blast accross the water throwing a 200' rooster tail. I was VERY carefull of others AND my boat. As a kid back in the 1970's I would go to bed hearing those big blocks screaming up and down the creeks...It meant summer was here. My supervisor used to say boats such as mine should be illeagal. My response to him was that there was probably a hippie in a kayak saying the same thing about his boat....nothing against kayaks.

 

[r.w.landau]

Elk Rapids Dave, Two of those noisy boats belong

to my x-inlaws that I still have fun with. As you walk onto the main catwalk of Elk Rapids Harbor, out to the docks from the shelter area, their boats are the first two, side by side, on the right. The right most one hauls boats for a living. Most of them very large sailboats!I helped them dock on Harbor Days last summer. They make noise going out, they swim and have a few then make noise coming back. They actually sink alot of money into that noise making power. They are harmless but noisy, fun kind of guys. It is fun because it may take them over an hour to get off the dock!Yeh, they make noise but it is not like that shrill that jet skis make!r.w.landau

 

[Dave from Mi.]

Elk Rapids

Hi RW'If they have a permenant slip there, I probably know them. Send me their names via e-mail and I will say "Hi" for you.I am at westwind6371 at comcast dot net.If they were just there for Harbor Days I probably have not met them. It gets pretty hectic then. We at at the end of the first dock in slip 87. Stop by and next time you are in the areaFair windsDave

 

[r.w.landau]

Dave, I visit twice a year.

I visit my daughter and her husband and all the x-in-laws. I am amazed that the fireworks at Harbor Days provided by Zambelli of Pittsburgh, puts on a display better than anything I have seen in Pittsburgh!Elk Rapids, Great place!I visit there twice a year to see my children, their spouses and the x-in-laws. I am heading up there March 21- the 24th to see my first Grandson born on the best day of the year, Ground hogs day, this year, a PA tradition!Are you Elk Rapids 12 months a year, or a down stater?I will look you up at Harbor Days this year.r.w.PS. my x was Miss Elk Rapids 1976. She road in the swan that sits in front of the Chamber of Commerce next to elk lake on 31. My two daughters have also been Miss Elk Rapids. My X wifes Family holds almost all the other Miss Elk Rapids crowns! The X wife had 11 sibs. There are now about 60 grandchildren and 30 great grand children to her living mother. My one grandson Feb 2, is one of many great grand children.r.w.landau

 

[Dave from Mi.]

Elk Rapids

Hi R.W,Shhhhhhhh! Don't tell anybody about ER, it is getting to popular already;-))We are down-staters. Live aboards from May 1st to Sept. 15. Love the area, Been there since 1993, and I believe I know your relatives up there, nice folks. Look forward to meeting you at Harbor days, unless we are cruising.Fair windsDave

 

[Landsend]

Ross, exactly my point...complaining on the forum does squat.

A law is only as good as the ability to inforce them, plus the punishment prohibitive enough. And last knowledge of the rules which is a whole different matter.

 

[Ross]

Lansend , I think you missed my point. I tired to suggest that you

under estimate a bunch of old women. ;D

 

[Stillraining]

We do that here

Washington has always taken our money for required licencing or our watercraft ...and are just now entering into the required boaters course requirement which I think is a good thing... I still have power boats..All will get up on a plane but other then the Ski boat we seldom do preferring to play trawler...even at that 7 kt speed i got hollered at for not yielding right of way to a real trawler a couple years ago...I was not paying attention out in a wide open channel and a steaming trawler was not happy with me...There's idiots out there going 7 kts also..