wake... by definition

[H20Rat]

Re: wake... by definition

I used to keep a Spyder-Xtra semi paint-ball gun handy. With a full hopper. And have had to go pick it up from the ranger station once.............The drunk boater went to jail tho, sans a few large red whelps.
I was not proud of myself after that incident and was told in no uncertain terms, if I was caught with it in the boat again, I'd be wearing the braclets next time...

paintball guns are considered firearms, so all rules (including concealed carry in a vehicle) apply... Charges for maliciously shooting someone could potentially range up to about the same as with a real gun. (and yes, you can actually kill someone with a paintball gun.)

(disclaimer, I play paintball, a lot. The markers get as much respect as a regular loaded firearm if there are any people without masks on in the immediate area. But as soon as everyone has their gear on, its game on!)

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wake... by definition

Best one from this weekend was a guy in a brand new Searay coming under a bridge in the channel at 15+ MPH (no wake zone). I saw him coming soon enough to yell at him and avoid getting flushed into the bridge supports, guy behind me in a little bitty speed boat just barely avoided a nasty crash.

I'm rarely in favor of increased regulations, but I'm starting to think that a boating license (with lake test) might not be such a bad idea.

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: wake... by definition

Best one from this weekend was a guy in a brand new Searay coming under a bridge in the channel at 15+ MPH (no wake zone). I saw him coming soon enough to yell at him and avoid getting flushed into the bridge supports, guy behind me in a little bitty speed boat just barely avoided a nasty crash.

I'm rarely in favor of increased regulations, but I'm starting to think that a boating license (with lake test) might not be such a bad idea.

I agree jeep. Regulations suck, but these days with so many morons who, have not a clue. It may not be a bad idea.

 

[scipper77]

Re: wake... by definition

I'm rarely in favor of increased regulations, but I'm starting to think that a boating license (with lake test) might not be such a bad idea.

I have no issues with increased regulations. The problem I have is when these sort of things are done as a source of revenue. Around here for jet ski's you have to take a boaters safety course. I like this because a boating license would no doubt be another expense. A certificate from the boaters safety course serves the same role as a license in my opinion.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: wake... by definition

We were anchored in a cove and started packing it in when a 12 year old girl left a dock pulling 2 little boys on a tube. She ran circles around our toon and a few minutes later as we tried to idle out of the cove she cut right in front of us. I knew this was going to happen so I stayed at idle speed. I saw 2 adults watching them from the shore and approached their dock. When I got there I asked them if those kids belonged to them and they said yes and continued to tell me if I didn't like the way they were acting I could leave their cove. Hmmmm pretty sure the electric company owns the cove but anyway. I pulled away and used my radio to call DNR. After a 30 minute visit to their dock the DNR officer pulled me to thank me. They got several tickets. The Jetski had no mirrors and there was no spotter on it. The girl driving was under 16 and had not taken a safety course and they cited the parent with negligence due to allowing the child to create a wake within 20' of an anchored boat. The sad part is all I wanted to do was talk to the parents and let them know that their kids are going to get hurt if they are not more careful.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wake... by definition

We were anchored in a cove and started packing it in when a 12 year old girl left a dock pulling 2 little boys on a tube. She ran circles around our toon and a few minutes later as we tried to idle out of the cove she cut right in front of us. I knew this was going to happen so I stayed at idle speed. I saw 2 adults watching them from the shore and approached their dock. When I got there I asked them if those kids belonged to them and they said yes and continued to tell me if I didn't like the way they were acting I could leave their cove. Hmmmm pretty sure the electric company owns the cove but anyway. I pulled away and used my radio to call DNR. After a 30 minute visit to their dock the DNR officer pulled me to thank me. They got several tickets. The Jetski had no mirrors and there was no spotter on it. The girl driving was under 16 and had not taken a safety course and they cited the parent with negligence due to allowing the child to create a wake within 20' of an anchored boat. The sad part is all I wanted to do was talk to the parents and let them know that their kids are going to get hurt if they are not more careful.

Some folks are too dumb to know when you are giving them a break. Can't fix stupid - but you can fine them

 

[45Auto]

Re: wake... by definition

I'm rarely in favor of increased regulations, but I'm starting to think that a boating license (with lake test) might not be such a bad idea.

And just how would this cure stupid behavior? They're ignoring no wake signs, etc, maybe a license would teach them how to read?

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: wake... by definition

And just how would this cure stupid behavior? They're ignoring no wake signs, etc, maybe a license would teach them how to read?

Who's to say they know what "No Wake" means? For all we know, they think it means don't wake people up .

If they have to take a written exam that they need to pass to get a license, hopefully some of that information will be retained. If they have a boaters license, and get yanked over by the fuzz for being morons, the "I didn't know" excuse is no longer an option.

 

[scipper77]

Re: wake... by definition

And just how would this cure stupid behavior? They're ignoring no wake signs, etc, maybe a license would teach them how to read?

I rarely go against you 45 because you can support your positions with fact better than anyone I know but...

I think many boaters do not realize that they are responsible for and damage, injury, etc.. that is a result of there wake (no wake zone or not). A no wake sign does nothing to address this.

I know there are boaters out there that simply do not care but the way the system is set up now there is nothing in place to ensure that boaters have even a basic competency on the water. You only need to make sure that your boat is coast guard compliant (flares, pfd's, extinguishers etc.).

As far as competent operation of the vessel goes, it's up to the individual and many individuals prefer on the water learning over preparedness.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: wake... by definition

Rick you did exactly the right thing by first trying to talk to the parents and then calling it in. In that case I think the parents are worse than the children b/c they sent them out there, "supervised" and probably encouraged them. However, i don't think I'd go back to that cove!

I live on the same tidal river I grew up on, and things have changed little in 45 years, except that the "small boats" are bigger and faster--the 13' whaler with a 33 is now a 19' Grady with a 150.
Among the careless boaters, then and now, are those too young who don't know, the teenagers of both sexes who are too distracted by hormones to be able to think (and who are driving boats way too big for them), the young adults who blew all their money on a hot boat but don't care to learn how to use it, and the middle aged adult who bought his first boat, a big one, and thinks that because he can afford it, he knows how to run it. And of course some stubborn old men here and there.
But for every bad one in each age group there are dozens who are careful and responsible. And among the transgressors, many are usually good boaters who have a lapse in judgment at times.

There's one jerk on land: he lives on a small creek that has been a haven for waterskiing since the 1950's. Any ripple and he calls the cops, claiming shore damage or damage to his stuff on his dock. Sits out there and takes pictures of boaters going by. If the wave action from a boat is the same as the waves from a typical blow, he shouldn't complain, but should upgrade his crappy floating dock and secure his stuff better, or move.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: wake... by definition

Yeah, that was the first and last time in that cove. Know if I can figure out how to keep the boats pulling tubes from throwing huge wakes while we are anchored and the kids are trying to swim. An entire lake of open areas and they have to keep passing us LOL.

Maybe a big remote control Alligator...

 

[45Auto]

Re: wake... by definition

I think many boaters do not realize that they are responsible for and damage, injury, etc.. that is a result of there wake (no wake zone or not).

That could be. If true, some kind of licensing may enlighten them to what they're responsible for. But don't most states have requirements now that if you weren't born in the dark ages (like me) then you have to take a boating course before you operate a boat? I believe most of the stupid actions are already addressed in the required boating classes, and just giving them a license after the class doesn't seem like it would gain anything.

EDIT:

If you're in Louisiana and under 27 years old you already have to have a "vessel operator's certificate" (sounds like a license to me), but it seems there are at least as many stupid young people as ever!

From LA Dept of Wildlife & Fisheries:

http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses

Boating Safety Classes
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries offers a free boating class that lasts between 6 and 8 hours that is usually completed in a day. The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements, many navigation rules, navigation charts, trailering, sailboats, and related subjects that include canoeing, personal watercraft and more. Completion of the course will result in the student being issued a vessel operators certification card.
Boating Classes with LDWF are offered year-round but are most popular in the spring and summer. These classes are offered free of charge to the public. LDWF classes are offered in the following areas:
Registration for classes - It is not required that students pre-register for all classes listed. You only need to register for classes that request pre-registration as part of their notice.

Mandatory Boating Education - All persons born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating education course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower. The person may operate the boat if accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who if required has completed the course.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wake... by definition

That could be. If true, some kind of licensing may enlighten them to what they're responsible for. But don't most states have requirements now that if you weren't born in the dark ages (like me) then you have to take a boating course before you operate a boat? I believe most of the stupid actions are already addressed in the required boating classes, and just giving them a license after the class doesn't seem like it would gain anything.

WI has a cutoff date but MN does not have any sort of certificate requirement unless you are under 18. Even with the certificates they are just an online course/test, there is no classroom required or "road test" or on water instruction.

There are places that sell on water instruction, but none of it is required.

 

[scipper77]

Re: wake... by definition

@ 45Auto,
In NY there is only a requirement for a safe boating class if you are operating a jet ski or under the age of.... (16?? somewhere around there at least). I see you edited your post to add factual information in support of your point. I would expect nothing less from you .

I think for the most part we agree. You can't expect for a class or license to fix everything but there should be some provisions to educate boaters in some way before they hit the water. Help the ones who want to be helped.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: wake... by definition

when I was growing up on the river, we water skiied but tubes weren't invented yet. you searched out the glassiest water, and that was in the coves. So it surely caused some consternation among the bank dwellers, but I was that teenager who didn't care! But a 15' tri-hull on a plane with a skiier made a lot less wake than today's wake boat or the big boats people ride behind these days.

So I'm not 100% on your side. Just because you choose to anchor somewhere doesn't mean everyone has to stay away (same discussion comes up with fishermen). However, if all things being equal they can stay out of your hair, they should-it's just good manners.

Yeah, that was the first and last time in that cove. Know if I can figure out how to keep the boats pulling tubes from throwing huge wakes while we are anchored and the kids are trying to swim. An entire lake of open areas and they have to keep passing us LOL.

Maybe a big remote control Alligator...

 

[emoney]

Re: wake... by definition

Instead of a boater's license I think it's time we starting mandating a "Parenting License". There are too many ignorant people out there who've had children. This particular case is a prime example of that. What parent, of any worth whatsoever, has another adult come up to mention an issue with their child, immediately assumes his/her little baby was in the right? I know I'm starting to sound like my father (which I swore would never happen), but even at 46 I'm starting to think a lot about the "old days". You remember; if we were that 12 year old pulling the tube, ANY adult would've pulled us over, spanked us, called our mothers who would've spanked us and THEN told our dads when he got home to spank us again. Guess what though; it would've been the ONLY time we committed that particular offense anyway.

 

[DJ]

Re: wake... by definition

"Drivers Licenses" keep idiots off the road? I don't think so.

With that said, the boating community is a heck of a lot smaller and much easier managed. One caviet is that we simply do NOT need another government behemoth to support.

I would gladly take a course and test and become, for lack of a better term; "sponsor".

The boating community is quickly alienating themselves from the rest of society. With economic issues at hand, boating is deemed as; "luxury". While that is NOT true, "perception is REALITY". There are many boaters out there that need the ability to boat to secure their livelihood.

This has to be a "grass roots" movement, In other words, boaters policing themselves, with some authority.

How that is done, I have no clue. Ideas?

 

[rrhodes]

Re: wake... by definition

when I was growing up on the river, we water skiied but tubes weren't invented yet. you searched out the glassiest water, and that was in the coves. So it surely caused some consternation among the bank dwellers, but I was that teenager who didn't care! But a 15' tri-hull on a plane with a skiier made a lot less wake than today's wake boat or the big boats people ride behind these days.

So I'm not 100% on your side. Just because you choose to anchor somewhere doesn't mean everyone has to stay away (same discussion comes up with fishermen). However, if all things being equal they can stay out of your hair, they should-it's just good manners.

While I agree that I do not own the area I am in, the cove I was in is huge and very wide. There was no reason for this particular boat to get anywhere near me and we had kids in the water. He was throwing a wake that rocked the boat so hard my wife fell off of the front bench and we were in a 25' Tri-toon. All I ask is a little common sense. He could have passed us and then turned but he decided the place to turn was right next to us. about 50' and he was in a 26' boat so the wake was insane. others tube in the same area and there are no issues at all.

 

[DustyJoe]

Re: wake... by definition

First of let me say that I like to Fish and I love to go in a cove and swim with my kids and I really enjoy tubing and Wakeboarding.

I do however realize that while on the water I am not the only one out there trying to enjoy their family time. Its kinda like driving on the street I love to drive fast but I know I have to watch out for other drivers.

Back to Topic WAKE BY DEFINITION????

Could someone please define Wake??

I thought I knew what wake meant and what a NO WAKE zone was and I have always tried to respect that. I actually have my boat in a slip with no lift in it so I know how hard it is on a boat when you buzz by with a wake.

This past weekend I was going into a marina to get some gas and I always put the boat into neutral and then bump it back into gear when Im inside the bouy line. I was at idle speed and heard a shreal voice hollar slow about three times before I realized she was hollaring at me. I shut my engine off and got my paddle out and proceded to paddle on thru. and then she went on to fuss and inform me that I was in a no wake zone which I already knew. and of course I got upset and out of line with the old hag. LOL

So what is the proper procedure for idling thru a no wake zone?

I hope I dont offend anyone.

Thanks

 

[emoney]

Re: wake... by definition

That's the problem, there's so much "subjectivity" involved. People on the hard are constantly "nagging" boats, that are following the letter and intent of the law, but because of size, hull design, etc. they still create a "wake" in their minds. From what you've described, you've done exactly what any of us would've done: throttle down, into neutral, bumped into gear, "idle" through the area. The only thing that could be "iffy" is how close to the sign where you when you got her off plane?

Now, I'll also agree with the other side of the coin a little too. I've been on my boat, tied up in my slip, doing some work and someone comes by "going slow" and the next thing you know, I've been slung across the cabin or something similar. Technically, I think you're supposed to be able to pass a stationary boat without causing it to roll?