My woes at the boat ramp

[greenbush future]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

Boating, water and a nice weekend day on the water really do encourage, an environment that can lead to a few cold ones while out on the boat. I have 0 issues with passengers that want to cut loose and catch a buzz. I don?t want any help unloading or loading my boat, I?m a bit of a control freak on that subject. None of my passengers ever get so lit that they are acting poorly, ever. This is one of many ways to use the boat, and at the end of the day I use my boat for fishing (alone or with others) and we never drink as another example, or tubing, or just floating. But if you plan on hitting the sand bar(personal choice), drinking kind of goes with that activity, and I would never tell anyone what they can and can?t do. I encourage my passengers to enjoy the time out on the water, and if that means they get drunk, I have no issues, none. I won?t do it because I am in charge, and in control. I get a kick out of showing friends a great time on the water, just pick your guest?s accordingly, to what works for you and your wife.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

I agree with JB, no booze on the boat till we come in from fishing.

On my charters you can have one to two beers no liquor allowed you are here to fish.

I need no help launching or bringing my boat to the dock, others are just in the way.

Anyone that needs booze to have a good time(fun) is not welcomed.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

LOL that is a good idea.......guess better than getting on edge and telling the to get away...

+1 to both. I think you could actually look forward to having a little fun. You and the other boaters could have a good laugh.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

There's 2 things I hate in life.

1. A drunk man when I'm sober

2. A sober man when I'm drunk.


I never drink and drive/boat, I save the alcohol for when the truck and boat are parked safely in the driveway and I'm in the house.

We have an open container on the water law here in 'Bama just like on the road.

I have one friend I let bring beer on my boat, he only goes out once or twice a year during Crappie season and he knows if we get ticketed he pays both tickets. He never gets drunk and we always have a good time.

I personally couldn't handle a bunch of drunks on or near my boat.

Where did you get that Alabama has an open container law?

This is off of outdooralabama.com

Boating Under the Influence

No person shall drive or be in actual physical control of a vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or any other marine transportation device while:

There is 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in the blood.
Under the influence of alcohol.
Under the influence of a controlled substance.
Under the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance.
Under the influence of any substance which impairs the mental or physical faculties of the person.


All of this said, I drink on my boat all the time. I never get drunk on it though.

 

[12vMan]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

ha, I like the idea about giving them something to keep them 'busy' thinking they're involved. That's a great idea, and it can be applied to other parts of life's little encounters with people wanting just to be involved with ever it is you're in to, then just do your thing.

 

[Red_BOFUS]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

I always run my boat with friend/family on it as if it is a charter and I am paid to let them have a fun, safe trip. I do all the work and most know/understand that the boat is my baby.

I feel for ya man, but don't let your friends drive ya from your hobby.

 

[Bounce19712]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

The one who said you have too many rules would be ancient history.

If you have some return friends that can walk the boat down the ramp and tie it up at the end of the dock while you park...or be trained to do so.... good for you...

otherwise...are they gonna pay for any damage they drunkenly cause? no.

but it sounds like you need to put your captain's hat on and re-assess which friends go out in the boat.

And I think I'm just like you in that I prefer to do all launch and recover myself....I'd rather meet friends at the dock and have them jump in the boat than have them distracting me at the ramp...necessitating some form of training or direction.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

Where did you get that Alabama has an open container law?

This is off of outdooralabama.com

Boating Under the Influence

No person shall drive or be in actual physical control of a vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or any other marine transportation device while:

There is 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in the blood.
Under the influence of alcohol.
Under the influence of a controlled substance.
Under the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance.
Under the influence of any substance which impairs the mental or physical faculties of the person.


All of this said, I drink on my boat all the time. I never get drunk on it though.

I suppose you were talking about my post---it is Mississippi and don't think it is an official law-but the Corps of Engineers are very strict. They treat it like driving a car--sure you could have one open and be within your rights but it is not worth it. I have seen them ticket people who had open containers (3 people, 3 different cans of beer). I am sure they fought it--but I don't have the money to hassle with it every week

 

[Eddie Ray]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

The ocean is unforgiving ,a small mistake can be your last. I take friends out and let them have fun. I personally never drink on the boat . Had a best friend,his girl ,her mom and brother die in a boat accident. Too fast,and a little drink was all she wrote. He was not a big drinker,and wasn't hammered. I often have friends who insist they are fine to drive when they are not.the drink makes you not think. That said,I enjoy a cold beer. But not on the boat where I can endanger the live of others. The ocean is unforgiving .

 

[Mel Taylor]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

Sounds like you are more a boater, and they are sandbar drunks.

Rarely do people from these 2 groups get along for long.

I'll stop by friends that are rafted up, spend 20-30 minutes chatting. Then I'm outa there.

Boating or fishing is my thing.

I'll maybe have a drink when we get back to camp or the hotel.
Actually, alcohol - sun - waves - make me kind of sick.

Perhaps your "friends need to buy their own boats, instead of relying on you to provide one, along with livery service to their drinking hole.

Roscoe said it right. BUT, it also looks to me like these so-called friends are playing you for a sucker. Probably because you don't act like the Captain. You are the owner and the Captain and you should set the rules. If you can't bring yourself to make rules and enforce them then you probably don't have any business owning a boat. As for the idiot who said you have too many rules, the first time he (or she) said that to me that person would be barred from my boat forever. MY boat, My rules! Either follow them or leave.

BTW, I love that term "sandbar drunks". How graphically descriptive. I'm going to add that one to my lexicon of insults.

 

[mudbug141poppy]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

i have been boating for25 year,i love my beer probly more than most,but have never drank a beer while on my boat,or on the water always waited tell off water for the day,so u know who the sucker is,just my 2 cents

 

[dirtymike]

Re: My woes at the boat ramp

well drunk people always tend to seem annoying when you're sober. Have a few drinks then you won't mind. I have no problems with people drinking on my boat, and once we drop anchor I'll join in. The beauty of a boat is that if you need to chill and sober up, you're on the water and in a boat, so it's a great relaxing place to be. I usually just lounge around or swimming and by the time we head back my buzz is gone, and my friends get to finish my beer. I have a few friends that know the routine for launching and loading, and I let them help. All others just stay in the boat the whole time and out of my way.