Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

[wgoodhoofd]

On the weekend we took a 4 - 5 hour trip up the waterway in our 2006 Four Winns 180 Horizon. This is different for us because our lake is landlocked, so we don't often get out to water where the boats range in size from 14' aluminum fishing boats to +40' Carvers. Long story shorter, the wakes that these boats put out at high speed differ substantially. We came across a very large yacht at speed that put out an enormous wake that gave our 17' bowrider a serious shudder (probably because I didn't hit it properly). But I ask you, responsible boaters of iBoats, isn't this just as dangerous as having a highway where drivers drive at all different levels? Do you think there should be more restraints about larger vessels in smaller waterways?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

We already have lakes like that here. Unfortunately what they do is restrict the horsepower thus restricting the size of the boat. If the water where you go it too rough because of the boats that are on it find another waterway. There a several lakes around here I won't take my 18 ft boat on, but many I will.

 

[Devious]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

i live on a river where you have everything from kayaks and rowboats, to 200' barges, tugs, and naval destroyers. if youre in a smaller than 20-21' you have to be extremely careful of getting dumped over.

 

[zeusmt]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

Obviously, each boater is responsible for his/her own wake, but, common sense must prevail. If a boat cannot handle the conditions, then it should not be out on the water. I'm whole heartedly against any type speed restrictions on open water ways. I can almost buy such restrictions on a lake, but not on open water.

 

[57whitehouse]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

understanding that it was a smaller waterway, i would think the larger boats would take more precaution. However, they have the right to run, and smaller boats must take responcibilty to yield to larger boats.

 

[EricR]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

Good points taken here- but say you had a 50' cruiser, and were cruising along at cruising speed in a non restricted waterway, and I was out there in my 15' old Glasspar- I would not expect you to slow down for me, I would operate my boat in a way to quarter your wake and minimize the hit- such as I do in the Savannah river with the wakes from the large tugs I work on once in awhile. Now, If I'm in a no wake area, or near a launch, yeah I expect them to leave no wake!

 

[bass buster]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

understanding that it was a smaller waterway, i would think the larger boats would take more precaution. However, they have the right to run, and smaller boats must take responcibilty to yield to larger boats.

Yeah,this is the law, according to the US Power Squadron manual.
The smaller craft must yield, to a large ship or barge.

If it were me coming upon a large ship, I would certainly keep my distance!
Just common sense.

 

[tommays]

Re: Assortment of watercraft: recipe for disaster?

This no wake thing is coming up a LOT

I have a small 19' boat

Down here on LI a normal day on the bay is worse than almost any boat wake

Along with the wake rules there are rules about keeping a seaworthy vessel and the ability to operate the seaworthy vessel


If your boat OR ability cannot handle the normal LEGAL water traffic in your area then it is your responsibility to make that decision and NOT go out

I have decided that in my area a closed bow boat is needed to go out safely

We have learned to deal with Nuke Subs, Oil Tankers, BIG fishing boats, water taxies, All manner of crab and lobster pots, net fishing areas (you really don't want to do through one in the dark)

And in general watch out for the many people who don't know any of the rules



Tommays