Bridge collision

Went out yesterday. It started out well, but didn't end well. I was flying along on a reach about to go through a raised railroad tressel channel when this guy in a Zodiac decides to cross in front of me. I alter course enough to miss him, but notice as I get closer that he's trolling. In order to miss all his tackle, I had to parallel the bridge. I go to tack away from the bridge and miss the tack! I was close enough to the bridge that the wind characteristics had changed. Couldn't get the bow around onto the other tack and the wind and current pushed me into the bridge. My new paint job is no longer new! Scrathed hulls on the pilings and ripped the main up pretty good. I tried swimming it off, to no avail. Had to have a power boat pull me of. Next time, I'm running down the tackle. Learned some stuff anyway.

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Mims, FL

Sorry to hear. In that situation you have the right of way. Under the rules that doenst count as a vessel fishing or trolling.

The only time a fisherman has the right of way is if he did not have a motor running.

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Bodhisatfa

Right of way on paper is one thing, but experience has shown that avoiding the situation all together is the best policy. Size and power always seem to trump all else.

Assume the other guy doesn't have a clue, and be prepared to stop or take avoiding action if you haven't made eye contact and/or received a signal from the driver of the other boat. Always leave yourself an out.

I wouldn't recommend sailing over any fishing lines being trailed by a boat. Something about steel hooks being dragged across my boat just doesn't sound enticing.

And last of all, remember that bridges ALWAYS have the right of way...

sm

Even though I fish, I have to believe that a lot of fishermen are total Morons!

I have snagged tackle numerous times while sailing cats and even bigger boats. These guys think they own the waters and are not shy about bullying other boaters.

It is a nice feeling when you snag a really nice rig that you can then add to your tackle box. Under no circumstances should you give way to your own peril. This only encourages them into being bolder the next time. They need to have consequences to their lack our courteous behavior.

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Jack Woehrle
Wave #100
H20 #287 "Tallahassee Lassie" (down in FLA)

If the guy cut in front of you just run over his line, take a bunch off his reel, give him a thrill then lift your rudders and give him his lure back if you are feeling nice. Lastly, return his hand signal as required. Joisey style.

Yep!

I totaly agree, I am also an avid fisherman, and I see other guys fishing bully other guys fishing much less a hobie sailor, so cross the lines and hope to score a wally diver.

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Bodhisatfa

The guy fishing was a senior citizen who was cheerily waving as I went by. I just think he was oblivious, and didn't understand what was what. I would have just run over the rig, it wouldn't have been the first time, but he had so much line out it was going to come across the sail and conceivably me. At the time, avoidance seemed the best bet. I had no inclination the tack wasn't going to go well. I've gotten very proficient at getting it around and had been doing it all that day without the first stumble. Heres what I learned....

1) the wind characteristics change a good bit close in to the bridge.
2) when you are caught in irons, you can't manuever the boat backwards with the rudders if a strong current is in the same direction as the wind.
3) sometimes the rescue boat does more damage to you than what he's rescuing you from. Take control of the rescue process and direct the events proactively.

Oh, and btw, anyone have a few square feet of white Dacron laying around(used)? My rip is 3-4' long and I need some material for the repair. I'll gladly pay for it and the shipping. [email protected]. Thanks for all the input

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Mims, FL

sounds like you did great considering the situation, and your #3 is the best advice!
With that big of a rip I would have it fixed by a sail pro.

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Bodhisatfa

Nobody has a small piece of sail to sell me?

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Mims, FL

Ill +1 on number 3.

I don't have any sail cloth to sell but you can buy it by the yard at many places. One is www.defenderus.com Search on 'dacron sailcloth yard' Its about 10 bucks for a square yard. Plus shipping.

Narrowed it down a bit more, www.defenderus.com then search on 'insignia fabric'. I think this is what you may want. Otherwise the previous search will cover it. Defender is a great place with great prices. I have been using them for years. Top shelf.

Thanks for the dacron source info. I'm Jones-n to get back out there asap so I'm having a local sail guy repair it. The piece of mind knowing it'll be done right will be nice too.

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Mims, FL