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ICW Etiquette (*#%&! Powerboats)

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Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/12/2002 : 15:38:45

While sailing down the ICW yesterday, a couple different large powerboats passed me close aboard (within 15-20 yards) at high speed and their wakes came up my stern and poured into the cockpit through the swim ladder side of the transom.<img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle> It felt like I'd lost all control of my boat until the wake passed.

Isn't there some unwritten rule, or even written rule for that matter, concerning good seamanship with regard to swamping a small boat in a narrow channel. The other power boaters we encountered all slowed as they passed to reduce their wakes.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

Shelby
Navigator

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USA
155 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2002 : 18:10:38

Tray,

Some folks just buy a boat without the common sense to drive it and don't ask them to read the books about rules. Probably the same folks who cut you off in traffic.

Shelby on "Third S" '82 C25 #3208 SKSR

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n/a
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163 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 09:11:04

It is against the rules, but I don't have my copy here to give you the cite. That said, some people are just jerks who think rules only apply to other people. With so many people like that out there, it's amazing to me that proctology isn't the leading medical specialty.

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 12:28:31

Hi Gang,

I experienced the same thing while at the Catalina rally in Pensacola.

I didn't bring My c-25 but instead our little speedboat a 17' Catavelle.

These Macho A*&**%%SS790968H09097O--08L*(*(^*ES in big sportfisherman yachts would go right by us at about 12 to 17 knots making HUGE wakes.

This too was in the ICW.

One of these buttheads almost swamped us. It's a good thing the Caravelle is so manuverable that I was able to use the throttle to ride it out. We were not speeding either. Just putting around boat watching.

Paul

Edited by - on

n/a
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29 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 14:04:40

George Carlin used to have a very funny routine about the people who drive too fast on the highway ("Man, did you see that guy?") and about the people who drive too slow ("Man, do you believe this guy?"). On the whole, I think to obey all the rules of the road to the letter annoys more people than the other way around.

Andy P.
#5708

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 20:25:33

All vessels are responsible for both the real and potential damage that their wakes may cause. Depending on where you are at the time of the incident there may be local laws/rules(no wake zone, reduced speed area,..etc) that also apply. Hopefully in the future the government will pass a law banning a**holes, but until then, we will have to keep a very watchful eye out for them.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 20:33:37

we can all relate to that. some are worse than others. i can just tell that we are going to have a rough spring on our slip. every year, in any marina you are going to get new neighbors. well, guess what we got. A HUGE CIGARETTE BOAT RIGHT BEHIND US.... that jerk started that thing up the other night at midnight and scared us all to death. he let it run and shut if off and started it again and again. EVERYBODY came running out of their boats screaming !!@@##$%^&*(&^^%%$$##@@! ...he took off out of his slip and swamped us all...the complaints are rolling in...I DONT THINK HE WILL MAKE IT THROUGHT HE SUMMER!!!

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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Bristle
Admiral

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USA
834 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 21:13:34

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
A HUGE CIGARETTE BOAT RIGHT BEHIND US.... I DONT THINK HE WILL MAKE IT THROUGHT HE SUMMER!!!
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Yep--if a guy is a little insecure about his, uhhhh, manhood, there's nothing like a Cigarette to make him a "real man"! But notice that the Cigarette (1) is very stern-heavy (it looks half-swamped when standing still), and (2) has lots of things protruding through the transom--outdrives, exhaust pipes, etc. It all just looks VERY VULNERABLE to me....... <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle> Just waiting to become a little point sticking straight up out of the slip!

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2002 : 21:30:59

you hit the nail on the head. you should see this guy. his wind breaker matches the boat (which is white and yellow and PURPLE!!) he shows up with his GQ outfit. every hair in place. puts on his white wind breaker, carefully so his hair does not get messed up, while talking on his cell phone. his hose is white with a yellow nozzle. and the name is sex sea fountain? as my fiance said, its not about boating (for him) its about being SEEN in the boat. what a joke...

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2002 : 20:40:29

The following is an article from Sailnet that was posted today:

Sailing Conquers Waters

This sailor has reasons to smile as he is less likely to see the waters around him being disturbed by the wake of a powerboat.

WASHINGTON, DC—According to IBI Magazine, sailors in the US can expect a more enjoyable season this year as their numbers grow in relation to powerboaters. The inference stems from a study conducted by the National Sporting Goods Association indicating that participation in boating was up in some of its most quiet segments during 2001, but down in others more instrusive upon the environment.

The annual study showed that participation in power boating had declined 6.7 percent to 22.6 million participants. That's down from 24.2 million in 2000. A participant, according to the study, is anyone seven or older who takes part in the activity more than once a year.

While power boating was down, other non-power sports were up. Sailing rose 9.9 percent to 2.7 million participants in 2001, compared to 2.5 million a year earlier. Canoeing was up 9.2 percent to 6.8 million participants, compared to 6.2 million in 2000. And kayaking and rafting were up 12.5 percent to 3.5 million participants, compared to 3.1 million in 2000. These numbers should translate to less tumultuous wakes in the waters around us this sailing season.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

Bristle
Admiral

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USA
834 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2002 : 22:03:32

Well, all I know is I can already hear the Cigarettes, Fountains, and Donzis on Long Island Sound from my deck half a mile away... The sounds of Spring. <img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2002 : 22:31:53

Their only redeeming feature is that they attract babes in bikinis<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2002 : 07:08:28

they only attract them for a minute. who wants to go for a ride in a boat that you have to SCREAM to be heard and have to hang on for dear life while bouncing off the water until you get a headache. they would much rather lay on the bow of a sailboat getting a great tan.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2002 : 10:21:27

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
A HUGE CIGARETTE BOAT RIGHT BEHIND US.... I DONT THINK HE WILL MAKE IT THROUGHT HE SUMMER!!!
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Yep--if a guy is a little insecure about his, uhhhh, manhood, there's nothing like a Cigarette to make him a "real man"! But notice that the Cigarette (1) is very stern-heavy (it looks half-swamped when standing still), and (2) has lots of things protruding through the transom--outdrives, exhaust pipes, etc. It all just looks VERY VULNERABLE to me....... <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle> Just waiting to become a little point sticking straight up out of the slip!

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
It'd be a shame if he left a waterhose running in his bilge. Might assist with one of the docks many hoses.
Val

Val Bisagni

Edited by - on

Dennis Pierce
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 08:06:52

Thought a little balance to this tirade might be in order. As I recovering power boater, I can recount a number of times when stupid sailors would jibe in front of me or tack with no regard for safety or common sense. These are usually the guys (and some gals) racing family fleet that respond to the call "room at the mark" with the retort "no insurance".

Power boaters don't have an exclusive when it comes to incompetitent boobs on the water.

Now, if you want to talk about sea kayaks and the problems they create.....

Dennis Pierce
Gypsy Witch #1719

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 08:42:20

thats almost as bad as the jimmy buffett comment! how long have you been "recovering?" lol

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 13:30:37

Why should there be "balance"? This is a sailboat website! If you want balance go to "boatus.com". And as for the sailboat jibing or tacking in front of you - they have the right of way over you if you're in a powerboat.
----------------
"Rule 18 states that certain vessels have the right-of-way over other vessels by virtue of their ability to maneuver.

A power driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of the following:

A sailing vessel, under sail only, and vessels propelled by oars or paddles. (Note: when a sailboat has its motor running, it is considered a power driven vessel).
A vessel engaged in fishing, whose fishing equipment restricts its maneuverability. This does not include a sport fisher or party boat and generally means a commercial fishing vessel.
A vessel with restricted maneuverability such as a dredge or tow boat, a boat engaged in work that restricts it to a certain area, or a vessel transferring supplies to another vessel.
A vessel not under command – broken down."
 

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 15:05:28

Sorry guys, but I got to stick up for some of Dennis' "balance" here.

I think all people (and their chosen watercraft) have a right to our "public" waterways. Through the years I have enjoyed immensely all sorts of watercraft: canoes, rubber rafts, flat bottom sleds (for drifting down or motoring up whitewater rapids), Mackensie River driftboats, kayaks (whitewater and sea), small rowing/sailing dinghies, driftwood rafts which we tied together and paddled out into the Columbia River to see if they could withstand the large wakes of barges/container ships (usually they broke up requiring us to swim back to shore trying not to drown while laughing so hard), runabouts for fishing, crabbing and waterskiing, offshore speed boats (yes -- Cigarette boats), pontoon boats, house boats, lobster boats, large cabin cruisers and fixed keel sailboats (my C25 is the first sailboat I've owned). One true consistency is my love for the water and being on it, no matter how or where that may be.

It is my opinion that stupid and/or inconsiderate boaters come in all sizes, colors, religions, sexes (gender or orientation), countries of origin, and/or type of watercraft ownership (whether or not they like Jimmy Buffet music).

As for the "rules of the road", I have my own which for me supercedes all others and applies in all watercraft: don't hit anyone and don't allow anyone to hit me.

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

Edited by - RichardG on 05/16/2002 15:33:42

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 15:32:07

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Their only redeeming feature is that they attract babes in bikinis<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Derek,

You should know by now,

Stink(y) Boats attract Stinky Women!!!

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 National Assn.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 15:34:50

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Thought a little balance to this tirade might be in order. As I recovering power boater, I can recount a number of times when stupid sailors would jibe in front of me or tack with no regard for safety or common sense. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Only thing is Dennis the rules of the road allow us to do that. The rules don't allow for stink boaters to wake us.

Additional note added during editing: Morons on the water however should not fall into either category (power or sail boater) and they should not have right of way over either.

Edited by - Duane Wolff on 05/17/2002 08:43:17

Edited by - on

n/a
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163 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 16:31:43

I may have right of way over a bulk carrier coming through the Race, but I'm not going to insist on it: the Prudential Rule applies. Also, though I almost always sail off and on to my mooring, I use my outboard in channels to avoid tacking in front of people because it is the courteous thing to do. Jerks are not relegated to any boat type or socioeconomic class - they come in all flavors. I must admit I have been tempted to fire a flare into the cockpit of the boobs who come out the very narrow channel around Sandy Point in Stonington at 30+ kts on a Sunday afternoon, with the surplus of traffic of all sizes; however, sanity prevailed. 'nuf said.

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John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 17:06:19

That's just the problem, the "Rules of the Road" exist so everyone will be following the SAME rules, not their own made-up rules that no one else is aware of.

And if you learned them, Charles, you would know that you don't have the right of way over a bulk carrier. Has to do with the "vessels with restricted maneuverability" category.

No one is saying certain groups don't have a right to our "public" waterways. But ALL have a legal responsibility to know and obey the "Rules of the Road", not make up their own rules.

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 17:39:38

"I may have right of way over a bulk carrier.." - Charles Wall

I believe you don't have right of way over the bulk carrier. If operating a boat under sail, you must give way to:

- Any boat not under command

- Any boat restricted in its ability to manuever

- A boat engaged in commercial fishing

A bulk carrier falls under a boat with restricted manueverability.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 17:59:07

Remember the following rule...

If it becomes apparent that the actions taken (or not taken) by the give-way vessel are dangerous or insufficient, the stand-on vessel must act to avoid collision. 

The Rules are not black and white, but actually many shades of gray. In the unfortunate event of a collision where the "sailor would jibe in front of me or tack with no regard for safety or common sense", the Rules do not entirely "allow us to do that". In such a case, the court would most likely find both parties at fault to some significant extent. Call me crazy -- but to me that makes sense.

Boaters who stubbornly point to one Rule, while ignoring others, do so at their possible peril both onboard and in court.

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 20:16:31

who is this richard guy? no one is saying that a sailboat SHOULD sail right into the path of anyone...and of course under certain circumstances we can all make a mistake. but there ARE rules of the road. and as already been stated above, if we all followed them as much as we can, we would all be safer. WE the sailors, are dependant for the most part, on the wind. unlike a powerboat that can easily steer away from us. we are not perfect, and dont claim to be, and can sometimes misjudge and make a mistake. but if those powerboats did not come as close to us as they do, there wouldnt be a problem. this started out as a fun topic with light hearted comments. but because of a few, has turned nasty. there is a philosophy (sp) to sailing that a powerboater does not and cannot know. amen!

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

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Bristle
Admiral

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USA
834 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2002 : 23:48:10

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
...this started out as a fun topic with light hearted comments. but because of a few, has turned nasty.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Coldducks: This discussion arises at least once a year--usually from another one, as it did here. It's good for all of us to review (1) the rules of the road, and (2) the rules of common sense. Even Charles Wall will benefit from learning that he is not the stand-on vessel relative to a container ship. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> (Sorry Charles--is Teasel in?) The rest of us can reflect on the need to assume that the stinkpotters (especially) probably don't have a clue--nor do some ragpotters.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT

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