On Fri, 01 Jul 2005 23:07:20 GMT, "Marty" wrote:

My wife and kids want to take the boat to our local lake (45 minutes away)
on Saturday and our friends lake (2 hours away) on the 4th this weekend.
I've never ventured out on a July 4th weekend for boating on LAKES. Do you
folks really enjoy boating on such a popular weekend? What's it take to
have a good time under extremely crowded conditions? Patience, and lots of
it, I assume. And sobriety until the boat and car driving are done for the
day, is my other assumption. And, finally, being with good family or good
friends or both, is my last first-to-mind assumption.

I don't, but then I'm something of a straight arrow - I'd rather not
be put into a situation by somebody who can't control themselves. And
I've had my share of bad experiences including searching all night,
three dives and towing divers on a body recovery from a boat accident.

All that boat traffic on the big local lakes, Narragansett Bay and
Fisher's Island Sound makes me nervous.

What are your tips and tricks that increase the odds of having a good time
on such a high-density weekend?

Stay alert, stay alert, stay alert. If you think a situation is
developing, shut it down and wait for it to pass. Keep a 360º watch
because it's the idiots behind you that will cause you the most
problems. Don't drink anything alcoholic until you are finished
boating for the day and keep the sun exposure down to a minimum.

Wear your life jackets when under power. It looks dorky, but it can
save a life.

What's the latest you would get to your launch ramp each morning this
weekend?

Certainly before 9 AM, but that's a local thing.

Have a great, safe, sane, and fun 4th of July weekend!

Back at 'cha.