Jerks or just stupid?

My wife, boy and I took our Hobie 18 out for the 4th of July. I knew the wind wasn't going to be very good and the boat traffic too heavy, but a chance for the 3 of us to get out together is somewhat rare. What's more, the urge to get on the water on the 4th is ingrained, so off we went.

My question is, are the other boaters jerks or just stupid?

Of the 30 boats that came within a distance/course demanding attention maybe 8 actually altered their course. Most just ignored us and took their cabin cruisers and speed boats straight across our bow (one 3 deck cabin cruiser would have swamped us if we weren't a closed hull boat). On 3 occasions I had to turn drastically to avoid potential impact (twice with skiers as the boat went in from of us and then turned into us). Even the State Trooper boat didn't bother to alter their course any and passed 20 yards off our bow.

Am I expecting too much? Clearly most of the 30 boats were just within a non-courteous distance and not a real danger (common courtesy is a larger vessel alters slightly to go behind the smaller one, particularly if under sail!). But at least 10 were just oblivious to me and I'm convinced would have taken a broadside if I could manage it. Of the vessels, it seems the fishing boats were the most courteous, and the wanna-be go fasts (Tahoe's) were the worst. Jet skiers were of course all idiots.

For the safety men, I understand my safety is my problem. We stayed alert and held our course steady to give others an idea of where we were going. I made damn sure not to tack in front of people, life vests worn at all times, etc. Just wanted to vent.

So... are people stupid (don't know they are supposed to move) or jerks (I have a $25,000 boat, screw this kid and his little sail)?


/venting, still a good time was had by all. 2 separate people came when we were breaking down to tell us how much they missed their Cats.

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Proud new owner of a 1991 Hobie 18.

Yes.

Both! Motorboaters are the most uneducated operators on the water. They could care less about the RULES that sailors adhere to.

And among the worst of them are PWC operators. I happen to also have a powerboat (used rarely now that I have my Wave) and belong to a group of friends who are all very aware of the rules of 'the road' on water, as well as other safety aspects. I realize that to be the exception unfortunately.
The problem stems from the perception that 'sail botes' (as they like to call them) are slow moving vessels. That and lack of any formal training. About 15 years ago my buddies and I took a Coast Guard Boating Safety course, and I have to say I learned alot. Not too mention, we benifitted by the bonus of a 10% reduction in boat insurance.
I think that some sort of boating safety and awareness program should be a requirement to register any craft. Just like showing your proof of insurance when registering your car.

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Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

Here on Clear Lake, the 4th is an excuse for anyone who has EVER made a boat payment to bring it, their kids, in-laws and every possible floating device up to MY LAKE and go as fast as they can. You don't actually need a licence to drive a boat, funny really. There is a 300 ft from the docks rule that people for some reason ignore. My beautiful wife and insane youngest child were sitting on the end of MY DOCK and felt in danger from some baboon waterskiing while his most-likely-drunk girlfriend was driving the boat.
Morons on parade.

maybe I've been lucky but on clear lake Northern California I never had a problem with recreational motor boaters. They have even come straight over to offer help the few times we have dumped it.
But bass fishermen are the complete opposite, absolute A-holes

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Bruce
78 Hobie 18
#1159

stupid jerks

We had a great time at Clinton this weekend. Of course not many were waiting under cover for four hours, for the sound of thunder to go away, to then hoist sails and shove off. That lasted for a few hours, just us and the fisherman. Sunday was pretty crazy as the sun and temperature lured everyone out. The powerboaters hug the windward shore and tree line for smooth water leaving us and the fisherman in the wide open main pool where the wind builds. An amicable coexistence.

Must not be many Bass at Clinton, the fisherman are always friendly, but there not going to leave their spot to render assistance!

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Well the good news is that The State of Washington now does have a mandatory boating training program. See http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/index.htm
As this program is phased in and enforced, we will all be safer.

BTW, we are offering a qualifed boating class at Sail Sand Point in Seattle, see www.sailsandpoint.org

Caleb Tarleton

In Canada, boaters need to take and pass an exam to get their boaters license. It's being phased in but by Sept. 2009 everyone operating a powered boat or PWC will have to be licensed. Don't get me wrong, I don't think for a moment that it will stop all the people from crossing in front of me, however it might educate a few.

Maple - will that rule apply to the few Yankees that still go up North from time to time? I go to a cabin in Ontario every Victoria Day weekend only accessible by boat. Just curious...

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Proud new owner of a 1991 Hobie 18.

Cannon - this is what I found...

Q. What if I don’t live in Canada, but boat there?
A. Non-residents only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if they are operating a powered boat in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days (this includes rented boats) or if the boat they are operating is registered or licensed in Canada. Boater Education Cards or equivalent certifications are recognized in Canada. Proper identification should be kept on board at all times to provide proof of residency.

I hope that helps.

Cheers

Saling on the 4th weekend is like taking a night drive on new years eve.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Here in Michigan is seems like everyone and their brother has a boat, and very few know the proper "rules of the road". Unfortunately the boating companies recently started a campaign to get more people out on the water.... this should be great.

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Dave

Truth is treason in the empire of lies.

Campaign for Liberty

You are fooling yourself if you expect powerboaters to yield right-of-way to a sailboat. Most people drive their powerboat worse than they drive their car (which is pretty sad, especially for New Jersey...). Personally, I think it's an issue of I'm bigger and I've gotta motor, let's play chicken.

My latest "incident" occured last week when a bunch of yahoo's in a ski boat came cruising up through a no-wake zone, cut right in front of me (on the Hobie) and then looked back and called me an a$$hole. I guess I screwed up somewhere...but I like to think that they got a little dose of their own Karma because shortly after that a storm kicked up, they beached their boat on some rocks and then they ended up getting towed home by a jetski.

sm

I love a story with a happy ending.