boat license question
 

Hello all,

I was hoping that soneone could answer a question for me. In the near
future I will be in the market for a boat that I can take out onto the
ocean. my plan is to travel from NY to FL along the eastren us. I do
not have any experience driving a boat.

That being said, I am looking for information on any license that may
be needed. I have been told that a open water pilot license is
required. Is this true ? If so how do I go about getting one. If
not is there someplace that offers training ?

I would like to have a good idea of what I am doing before I make any
purchase. I have spent enough time at/on the ocean to know this much,
the minute you stop respecting it, it kills you. I would like to ovid
that.

boat license question
 

gmar wrote:

Hello all,

I was hoping that soneone could answer a question for me. In the near
future I will be in the market for a boat that I can take out onto the
ocean. my plan is to travel from NY to FL along the eastren us. I do
not have any experience driving a boat.

Uh, before you attempt that sort of voyage, you probably ought to get a
few years of experience in boat handling in your local waters, and not
out of sight of land, at least not the first year.

You also ought to take a USCG boating safety course and some more
advanced courses, too. For anything other than the initial course, I'd
look to the commercial schools.


That being said, I am looking for information on any license that may
be needed. I have been told that a open water pilot license is
required. Is this true ? If so how do I go about getting one. If
not is there someplace that offers training ?

No captain's license is necessary to drive your own pleasure boat down
the eastern seaboard, unless you are carrying passengers for hire. Some
states are now requiring you take and pass a simple boating course and
test, but that's not the same thing.


I would like to have a good idea of what I am doing before I make any
purchase.


You're not really going to learn how to pilot a boat safely in the ocean
if you don't have a boat to pilot. You can learn some in classes, but
without some years on the open ocean, you cannot learn to read it.


--
* * *
email sent to will *never* get to me.

boat license question
 

On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:28:42 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

gmar wrote:

Hello all,

I was hoping that soneone could answer a question for me. In the near
future I will be in the market for a boat that I can take out onto the
ocean. my plan is to travel from NY to FL along the eastren us. I do
not have any experience driving a boat.

Uh, before you attempt that sort of voyage, you probably ought to get a
few years of experience in boat handling in your local waters, and not
out of sight of land, at least not the first year.

You also ought to take a USCG boating safety course and some more
advanced courses, too. For anything other than the initial course, I'd
look to the commercial schools.


That being said, I am looking for information on any license that may
be needed. I have been told that a open water pilot license is
required. Is this true ? If so how do I go about getting one. If
not is there someplace that offers training ?

No captain's license is necessary to drive your own pleasure boat down
the eastern seaboard, unless you are carrying passengers for hire. Some
states are now requiring you take and pass a simple boating course and
test, but that's not the same thing.


I would like to have a good idea of what I am doing before I make any
purchase.


You're not really going to learn how to pilot a boat safely in the ocean
if you don't have a boat to pilot. You can learn some in classes, but
without some years on the open ocean, you cannot learn to read it.

Amen!

John
On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD

boat license question
 

I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

Another boater lost in the Bermuda Triangle?

boat license question
 

Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc. In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

"JohnH" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:28:42 -0400, Harry Krause

wrote:

some stuff cut out
Uh, before you attempt that sort of voyage, you probably ought to get a
few years of experience in boat handling in your local waters, and not
out of sight of land, at least not the first year.


I could not agree more. You really don't want to even start trying to plan
a long trip till you and your crew know your boat inside and out, as well as
the electronics, backup navigation methods, and how your boat handles
weather. Not to mention learning the rules of the road, and getting some
experience dealing with idiots who ignore them. Also, you will have a
better idea of how you and your crew enjoy spending the day on the water.
It's very easy to sit down and take your cruising speed, multiply by however
many hours, and think you will really be able to maintain that. Probably
not realistic.

Dave

boat license question
 

You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on the
Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator, and
some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The tow-boat
guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude told Mr.
Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

Dave

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least
two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc. In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice
run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

I believe it. I stayed at an Adirondacks resort this summer, and anytime I
came back to the dock after night fishing, one particular meat head would
come out to the dock to "help" me by shining one of those zillion
candlepower flashlights at my boat. Of course, by the time the beam goes
100', it's 10' wide AT LEAST, meaning it was shining right into my eyes.
After two nights of this, I politely yelled "turn off that f__king light,
please!" Would you believe she asked me why, after the boat was tied up? And
this was a 65 year old woman with a boat of her own.

"DaveH" wrote in message
...
You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on the
Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator, and
some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The
tow-boat
guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude told
Mr.
Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

boat license question
 

Dave,
I'll second that, good advice. A power squadron class wouldn't hurt
either.
Paul

"DaveH" wrote in message
...


"JohnH" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:28:42 -0400, Harry Krause

wrote:

some stuff cut out
Uh, before you attempt that sort of voyage, you probably ought to get a
few years of experience in boat handling in your local waters, and not
out of sight of land, at least not the first year.


I could not agree more. You really don't want to even start trying to
plan
a long trip till you and your crew know your boat inside and out, as well
as
the electronics, backup navigation methods, and how your boat handles
weather. Not to mention learning the rules of the road, and getting some
experience dealing with idiots who ignore them. Also, you will have a
better idea of how you and your crew enjoy spending the day on the water.
It's very easy to sit down and take your cruising speed, multiply by
however
many hours, and think you will really be able to maintain that. Probably
not realistic.

Dave

boat license question
 

We have these ice fishermen on Lake Saint Clair that insist on going on the
ice when thin ice warnings are posted, invariable the Coast Guard has to
come out on rescue them when the ice they're fishing on breaks away from the
mainland and they're cast adrift. IMO they should be charged for the
expense for air lifting them out.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least
two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc. In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice
run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

Doug,
I'd have done it different, after the first time I'd have asked her not
to shine the light because it also blinded me. I'd have thanked her for her
effort and consideration for trying to help.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I believe it. I stayed at an Adirondacks resort this summer, and anytime I
came back to the dock after night fishing, one particular meat head would
come out to the dock to "help" me by shining one of those zillion
candlepower flashlights at my boat. Of course, by the time the beam goes
100', it's 10' wide AT LEAST, meaning it was shining right into my eyes.
After two nights of this, I politely yelled "turn off that f__king light,
please!" Would you believe she asked me why, after the boat was tied up?
And
this was a 65 year old woman with a boat of her own.

"DaveH" wrote in message
...
You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on
the
Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator,
and
some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The
tow-boat
guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude told
Mr.
Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

boat license question
 

Getting some experience on local waters is a good idea. I live where
the Mohawk and Hudson rivers meet, so that won't be a problem. Plus I
can take the canal system right into NYC :) or Canada. Thanks for
the replay. I guess my next step is to contact the coast guard.



Harry Krause wrote in message ...
gmar wrote:

Hello all,

I was hoping that soneone could answer a question for me. In the near
future I will be in the market for a boat that I can take out onto the
ocean. my plan is to travel from NY to FL along the eastren us. I do
not have any experience driving a boat.

Uh, before you attempt that sort of voyage, you probably ought to get a
few years of experience in boat handling in your local waters, and not
out of sight of land, at least not the first year.

You also ought to take a USCG boating safety course and some more
advanced courses, too. For anything other than the initial course, I'd
look to the commercial schools.


That being said, I am looking for information on any license that may
be needed. I have been told that a open water pilot license is
required. Is this true ? If so how do I go about getting one. If
not is there someplace that offers training ?

No captain's license is necessary to drive your own pleasure boat down
the eastern seaboard, unless you are carrying passengers for hire. Some
states are now requiring you take and pass a simple boating course and
test, but that's not the same thing.


I would like to have a good idea of what I am doing before I make any
purchase.


You're not really going to learn how to pilot a boat safely in the ocean
if you don't have a boat to pilot. You can learn some in classes, but
without some years on the open ocean, you cannot learn to read it.

boat license question
 

"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
Doug,
I'd have done it different, after the first time I'd have asked her
not
to shine the light because it also blinded me. I'd have thanked her for
her
effort and consideration for trying to help.
Paul

Not if you knew THIS lady. :-)

boat license question
 

Now...for guys like you just described, could there be any reason in U.S.
law why it would be wrong to put them in pillories in a public place,
perhaps a mall entrance, and let children throw rotten tomatoes at them for
an afternoon? :-) For every time a kid under 12 hits them from a certain
distance, the dummies have to donate a buck to a worthwhile charity.

"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
We have these ice fishermen on Lake Saint Clair that insist on going on
the
ice when thin ice warnings are posted, invariable the Coast Guard has to
come out on rescue them when the ice they're fishing on breaks away from
the
mainland and they're cast adrift. IMO they should be charged for the
expense for air lifting them out.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least
two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of
small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc.
In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for
the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by
the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they
have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice
run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

When my family cruised up the Hudson from NY to (eventually) the Montreal
worlds fair in 1967, the river was full of "sticks", many the size of 50 yr
old Sycamores. I understand it hasn't changed much. You'll want to get the
family used to watching for them. They're the same color as the water and
they hide just beneath the surface. Big fun for propellors.

"gmar" wrote in message
om...
Getting some experience on local waters is a good idea. I live where
the Mohawk and Hudson rivers meet, so that won't be a problem. Plus I
can take the canal system right into NYC :) or Canada. Thanks for
the replay. I guess my next step is to contact the coast guard.

boat license question
 

After two nights of this, I politely yelled "turn off that f__king light,
please!" Would you believe she asked me why, after the boat was tied up?
And
this was a 65 year old woman with a boat of her own.

#1 - Obviously the person was trying to help, but ignorant. No need to
swear.

#2 - Why wait for three nights, why not simply explain to her that the light
blinds you...on the first night. By not explaining you were
probably
leading her to believe it was helping.

#3 - The person is a woman and 65. Ok, maybe it shouldn't make a difference
but do you really need to yell obsenities at a 65 year old woman?

#4 - Yes, I can believe "she asked why." She was trying to help and was
unaware
that it wasn't helping. Stupid & uninformed, yes. But at least
she's asking
what the problem is so she can learn.

Sounds to me like you knew more but she had the right attitude AND was
willing to learn more.

boat license question
 

"Gary Warner" wrote in message
...

After two nights of this, I politely yelled "turn off that f__king
light,
please!" Would you believe she asked me why, after the boat was tied up?
And
this was a 65 year old woman with a boat of her own.

#1 - Obviously the person was trying to help, but ignorant. No need to
swear.

She talks that way the moment she stumbled out of her cabin each morning!
When in Rome....


#2 - Why wait for three nights, why not simply explain to her that the
light
blinds you...on the first night. By not explaining you were
probably
leading her to believe it was helping.

I have limited patience for people doing obviously stupid things when they
should know better. I save ALL of that patience for my 14 yr old son,
because he's testosterone-crazed and doesn't know what's happening to him
and I love him. Everyone else gets the drill sergeant part of my
personality.


#3 - The person is a woman and 65. Ok, maybe it shouldn't make a
difference
but do you really need to yell obsenities at a 65 year old woman?

See #1. I'm not kidding. When we first went to this resort, we wouldn't let
my son near her until we talked to her about her language. Now, he's 14 and
it's hopeless anyway.

boat license question
 

Subject: boat license question
From:

I have been told that a open water pilot license is
required. Is this true ?

No.

If so how do I go about getting one. If
not is there someplace that offers training ?

Start with the Coast Guard Aux. boating courses and then look into the Chapmans
School of Seamanship.
http://www.chapman.org/

Capt. Bill

boat license question
 

Doug,
Sounds like a plan. :-)
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Now...for guys like you just described, could there be any reason in U.S.
law why it would be wrong to put them in pillories in a public place,
perhaps a mall entrance, and let children throw rotten tomatoes at them
for
an afternoon? :-) For every time a kid under 12 hits them from a certain
distance, the dummies have to donate a buck to a worthwhile charity.

"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
We have these ice fishermen on Lake Saint Clair that insist on going on
the
ice when thin ice warnings are posted, invariable the Coast Guard has to
come out on rescue them when the ice they're fishing on breaks away from
the
mainland and they're cast adrift. IMO they should be charged for the
expense for air lifting them out.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at
least
two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of
small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc.
In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for
the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by
the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they
have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first
practice
run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for
the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar
things?

boat license question
 

On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 11:38:58 -0500, "Keith"
wrote:

Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the hour
if they possibly can.

--

the CG doesn't charge. if the call is a hoax, that's a different
matter.

---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

boat license question
 

First, take the USCG boating safety course. Wait a while before taking
the trip until you get some experience with the boat. I have been "up
the coast" to the Hudson many times. It is a favorite October trip.

You may want to look at my website about the abandon ship and life
jacket page.

Capt. Frank Hopkins

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks



gmar wrote:

Hello all,

I was hoping that soneone could answer a question for me. In the near
future I will be in the market for a boat that I can take out onto the
ocean. my plan is to travel from NY to FL along the eastren us. I do
not have any experience driving a boat.

That being said, I am looking for information on any license that may
be needed. I have been told that a open water pilot license is
required. Is this true ? If so how do I go about getting one. If
not is there someplace that offers training ?

I would like to have a good idea of what I am doing before I make any
purchase. I have spent enough time at/on the ocean to know this much,
the minute you stop respecting it, it kills you. I would like to ovid
that.

boat license question
 

What's wrong with this country? Why don't we have pillories any more? If we
used them in weather which wouldn't hurt the offender (frost, lightning), I
don't think they could be considered cruel. Perfect for people who water
their lawns when reservoirs are 60% below capacity. Or, the knuckleheads who
leave a driveway at 2:00 AM and say goodbye to the people in the house by
honking their horn. Small crimes...but the kind that should be repaid with
embarrassing penalties. Anyone want to add to the list?


"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
Doug,
Sounds like a plan. :-)
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Now...for guys like you just described, could there be any reason in
U.S.
law why it would be wrong to put them in pillories in a public place,
perhaps a mall entrance, and let children throw rotten tomatoes at them
for
an afternoon? :-) For every time a kid under 12 hits them from a
certain
distance, the dummies have to donate a buck to a worthwhile charity.

"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
We have these ice fishermen on Lake Saint Clair that insist on going
on
the
ice when thin ice warnings are posted, invariable the Coast Guard has
to
come out on rescue them when the ice they're fishing on breaks away
from
the
mainland and they're cast adrift. IMO they should be charged for the
expense for air lifting them out.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at
least
two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of
small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time,
etc.
In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced,
for
the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you
by
the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never
tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if
they
have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first
practice
run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for
the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar
things?

boat license question
 

Doug,
Littering, no reason for it.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
What's wrong with this country? Why don't we have pillories any more? If
we
used them in weather which wouldn't hurt the offender (frost, lightning),
I
don't think they could be considered cruel. Perfect for people who water
their lawns when reservoirs are 60% below capacity. Or, the knuckleheads
who
leave a driveway at 2:00 AM and say goodbye to the people in the house by
honking their horn. Small crimes...but the kind that should be repaid with
embarrassing penalties. Anyone want to add to the list?


"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
Doug,
Sounds like a plan. :-)
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Now...for guys like you just described, could there be any reason in
U.S.
law why it would be wrong to put them in pillories in a public place,
perhaps a mall entrance, and let children throw rotten tomatoes at
them
for
an afternoon? :-) For every time a kid under 12 hits them from a
certain
distance, the dummies have to donate a buck to a worthwhile charity.

"Paul Schilter" paulschilter@comcast,dot,net wrote in message
...
We have these ice fishermen on Lake Saint Clair that insist on going
on
the
ice when thin ice warnings are posted, invariable the Coast Guard
has
to
come out on rescue them when the ice they're fishing on breaks away
from
the
mainland and they're cast adrift. IMO they should be charged for
the
expense for air lifting them out.
Paul

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at
least
two
news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple
of
small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time,
etc.
In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced,
for
the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...
Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you
by
the
hour
if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never
tried
before.
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if
they
have
to
rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first
practice
run
should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them
for
the
expenses
incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar
things?

boat license question
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
What's wrong with this country? Why don't we have pillories any more? If
we
used them in weather which wouldn't hurt the offender (frost, lightning),
I
don't think they could be considered cruel. Perfect for people who water
their lawns when reservoirs are 60% below capacity. Or, the knuckleheads
who
leave a driveway at 2:00 AM and say goodbye to the people in the house by
honking their horn. Small crimes...but the kind that should be repaid with
embarrassing penalties. Anyone want to add to the list?

snip
Road rage inducing traffic violation: Cutting in - illegal passing, etc.
Speeding in a school zone
Operating a Boom Boom car.
Walking a dog that craps on my lawn

Mark Browne

boat license question
 

Anchoring one's boat in the middle of a bunch of others, all of whom are
enjoying a quiet cove, and then cranking up your stereo. They get the metal
pillories during a lightning storm. :-)

boat license question
 

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats blew through 2
anchorage's "no wake zone", 1 manatee zone, and a fuel dock area, and an
"idle speed only" while tossing impressive rooster tails. Once they
cleared the bridge, the lead boat encountered the wake of a large
vessel, went airborne, and ejected the passenger, whom was then run over
by the following boat. He lost his arm to a prop.
USCG to the rescue with a chopper and boat. And, all of it un-necessary.
Now, who should pay the bill on that one? The boater, the tournament, or
you and I?

Capt. Frank

DaveH wrote:

You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on the
Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator, and
some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The tow-boat
guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude told Mr.
Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

Dave

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least

two

news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc. In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...

Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the

hour

if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried

before.

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have

to

rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice

run

should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the

expenses

incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

Capt. Frank Hopkins wrote:

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats blew through 2
anchorage's "no wake zone", 1 manatee zone, and a fuel dock area, and an
"idle speed only" while tossing impressive rooster tails. Once they
cleared the bridge, the lead boat encountered the wake of a large
vessel, went airborne, and ejected the passenger, whom was then run over
by the following boat. He lost his arm to a prop.
USCG to the rescue with a chopper and boat. And, all of it un-necessary.
Now, who should pay the bill on that one? The boater, the tournament, or
you and I?

Capt. Frank

Hey, we've got a new contributor to this newsgroup who took his 16'
Bayliner out into 8' waves on Lake Erie because he didn't want to be
late to a party his girlfriend was having.

Stupidity isn't limited to your part of the waterways.


--
* * *
email sent to will *never* get to me.

boat license question
 

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats

A responsible BASS would rewrite the rules to take the boat race factor out of
the "fishing" tournament. It is ridiculous to inflict 250 hp bass boats on the
residents of small lakes just because Bill Dance has one and "we all want to be
like Bill".
If you just want a boat that goes 60MPH, buy one, but don't try to tell us it
is because you need it to catch fish on a small lake.

boat license question
 

Gfretwell wrote:

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats

A responsible BASS would rewrite the rules to take the boat race factor out of
the "fishing" tournament. It is ridiculous to inflict 250 hp bass boats on the
residents of small lakes just because Bill Dance has one and "we all want to be
like Bill".
If you just want a boat that goes 60MPH, buy one, but don't try to tell us it
is because you need it to catch fish on a small lake.


I agree, but...

It isn't really bill dance or roland martin or most of the other "names"
with tv shows who are fueling the horsepower race in BASS tournaments.
It is, as you stated, the rules at many of these events that require the
participants to have very high speed boats to cover large areas on the
bigger lakes and rivers.

Bill and Roland are often out in very small boats on their television
shows, Dance especially, and you hardly ever see them racing around.
Most of the working guides on these lakes also use boats suitable for
their waters.

Ever been in one of those 80 mph bass boats at WOT? I have. NOT a
pleasant ride and, even in the best-designed boats, dangerous and scary.




--
* * *
email sent to will *never* get to me.

boat license question
 

Capt. Frank,

I hear what you're saying. These guys should have been fined big time.
But in this case it was the passenger that got hurt, who probably wasn't
responsible for the operation of the vessel. Should the pilot of the vessel
be charged for negligent operation? Sounds like it. On the other hand I
wouldn't want every Coast Guard rescue operation to become a trial to
determine guilt. I guess sometimes each of us can get in over our heads and
need help and I hate to get to the point to where we get into deeper trouble
asking for that help. On the other hand, the truly stupid or arrogant who
totally ignore common sense should be held accountable. Now, if only the
wisdom to know the difference between the two.

Paul

P.S. I checked out your web site, very nice. You seem to have outfitted your
boat like the proverbial brick outhouse, nice job. Only thing I didn't see
was a windless.

"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
link.net...
And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats blew through 2
anchorage's "no wake zone", 1 manatee zone, and a fuel dock area, and an
"idle speed only" while tossing impressive rooster tails. Once they
cleared the bridge, the lead boat encountered the wake of a large
vessel, went airborne, and ejected the passenger, whom was then run over
by the following boat. He lost his arm to a prop.
USCG to the rescue with a chopper and boat. And, all of it un-necessary.
Now, who should pay the bill on that one? The boater, the tournament, or
you and I?

Capt. Frank

DaveH wrote:

You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on
the
Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator,
and
some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The
tow-boat
guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude told
Mr.
Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

Dave

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least

two

news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of
small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc.
In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for
the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...

Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the

hour

if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried

before.

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have

to

rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice

run

should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the

expenses

incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

Gfretwell,
Comes down to bragging rights as far as I can figure. Sort of like a
gun, it comes with responsibilities.
Paul

"Gfretwell" wrote in message
...
And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats

A responsible BASS would rewrite the rules to take the boat race factor
out of
the "fishing" tournament. It is ridiculous to inflict 250 hp bass boats on
the
residents of small lakes just because Bill Dance has one and "we all want
to be
like Bill".
If you just want a boat that goes 60MPH, buy one, but don't try to tell us
it
is because you need it to catch fish on a small lake.

boat license question
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message ...
Anchoring one's boat in the middle of a bunch of others, all of whom are
enjoying a quiet cove, and then cranking up your stereo. They get the metal
pillories during a lightning storm. :-)

Anybody named Chad or just sailboaters in general. Although I doubt
the effectiveness of putting a sailboater somewhere where he did not
move for a long time. Seems most of them are already quite used to it!
Scotty ;) just kidding Steve

boat license question
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Gfretwell wrote:

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats

A responsible BASS would rewrite the rules to take the boat race factor
out of
the "fishing" tournament. It is ridiculous to inflict 250 hp bass boats
on the
residents of small lakes just because Bill Dance has one and "we all
want to be
like Bill".
If you just want a boat that goes 60MPH, buy one, but don't try to tell
us it
is because you need it to catch fish on a small lake.


I agree, but...

It isn't really bill dance or roland martin or most of the other "names"
with tv shows who are fueling the horsepower race in BASS tournaments.
It is, as you stated, the rules at many of these events that require the
participants to have very high speed boats to cover large areas on the
bigger lakes and rivers.

Bill and Roland are often out in very small boats on their television
shows, Dance especially, and you hardly ever see them racing around.
Most of the working guides on these lakes also use boats suitable for
their waters.

Ever been in one of those 80 mph bass boats at WOT? I have. NOT a
pleasant ride and, even in the best-designed boats, dangerous and scary.



The real ****er is those of us who own so called performance boats (Baja,
Checkmate, Pantera, Cigarette, Scarab, etc) pay big assed insurance premiums
because of the speed (or perception of them as fast) of our boats while the
assholes in the 84 MPH bassracers pay squat in comparison. It's scary to
watch those idiots fly along like they are Miss Budwieser in their little
flat bottom hull with a 225 HP OB screaming along...... and then the ****
hits the fan when they hit a sailboat wake.....

boat license question
 

Amen!

C.F.

Harry Krause wrote:
Capt. Frank Hopkins wrote:


And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats blew through 2
anchorage's "no wake zone", 1 manatee zone, and a fuel dock area, and an
"idle speed only" while tossing impressive rooster tails. Once they
cleared the bridge, the lead boat encountered the wake of a large
vessel, went airborne, and ejected the passenger, whom was then run over
by the following boat. He lost his arm to a prop.
USCG to the rescue with a chopper and boat. And, all of it un-necessary.
Now, who should pay the bill on that one? The boater, the tournament, or
you and I?

Capt. Frank


Hey, we've got a new contributor to this newsgroup who took his 16'
Bayliner out into 8' waves on Lake Erie because he didn't want to be
late to a party his girlfriend was having.

Stupidity isn't limited to your part of the waterways.

boat license question
 

This particular tournament was in fact sponsored by a dockside bar and
package store. The booze doth flow freely as the river. As far as I
know, the tournament was not sanctioned.

Capt. Frank

Gfretwell wrote:

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats


A responsible BASS would rewrite the rules to take the boat race factor out of
the "fishing" tournament. It is ridiculous to inflict 250 hp bass boats on the
residents of small lakes just because Bill Dance has one and "we all want to be
like Bill".
If you just want a boat that goes 60MPH, buy one, but don't try to tell us it
is because you need it to catch fish on a small lake.

boat license question
 

I had a great one this weekend.... Diving off of Pompano beach....A 38'
Sea ray HITS OUR FLOATING Dive flag.... upon surfacing we asked him "Do
you know what the red and white flag means?" His answer... sure...
divers down below.... We then asked why he came so close as to hit
it.... his answer..."Cause it means there is a good dive spot below
it... maybe even lobsters!!!"



Capt. Frank Hopkins wrote:
And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats blew through 2
anchorage's "no wake zone", 1 manatee zone, and a fuel dock area, and an
"idle speed only" while tossing impressive rooster tails. Once they
cleared the bridge, the lead boat encountered the wake of a large
vessel, went airborne, and ejected the passenger, whom was then run over
by the following boat. He lost his arm to a prop.
USCG to the rescue with a chopper and boat. And, all of it un-necessary.
Now, who should pay the bill on that one? The boater, the tournament, or
you and I?

Capt. Frank

DaveH wrote:

You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on the
Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator,
and
some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The
tow-boat
guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude
told Mr.
Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

Dave

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least


two

news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of
small
town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time,
etc. In
both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced,
for the
terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...

Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the


hour

if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried


before.

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have


to

rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice


run

should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the


expenses

incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?

boat license question
 

Good point Paul. I often say a prayer for the same wisdom. As it stands,
the attorneys are having a field day! I wish more attorneys were serious
boaters. In these overprotected, wild life sanctuaries, polluted, over
crowded waters, we need a ray of hope.

Capt. Frank

Paul Schilter wrote:

Capt. Frank,

I hear what you're saying. These guys should have been fined big time.
But in this case it was the passenger that got hurt, who probably wasn't
responsible for the operation of the vessel. Should the pilot of the vessel
be charged for negligent operation? Sounds like it. On the other hand I
wouldn't want every Coast Guard rescue operation to become a trial to
determine guilt. I guess sometimes each of us can get in over our heads and
need help and I hate to get to the point to where we get into deeper trouble
asking for that help. On the other hand, the truly stupid or arrogant who
totally ignore common sense should be held accountable. Now, if only the
wisdom to know the difference between the two.

Paul

P.S. I checked out your web site, very nice. You seem to have outfitted your
boat like the proverbial brick outhouse, nice job. Only thing I didn't see
was a windless.

"Capt. Frank Hopkins" wrote in message
link.net...

And then there is the incident during the "poor boy's fishin'
tournament" where the pack of go-fast bass boats blew through 2
anchorage's "no wake zone", 1 manatee zone, and a fuel dock area, and an
"idle speed only" while tossing impressive rooster tails. Once they
cleared the bridge, the lead boat encountered the wake of a large
vessel, went airborne, and ejected the passenger, whom was then run over
by the following boat. He lost his arm to a prop.
USCG to the rescue with a chopper and boat. And, all of it un-necessary.
Now, who should pay the bill on that one? The boater, the tournament, or
you and I?

Capt. Frank

DaveH wrote:


You should hear some of the incompotent nonsense that happens here on

the

Chesapeake. Recently I heard an exchange between a tow-boat operator,

and

some guy who'd piloted his boat up onto some rocks, about 2AM. The

tow-boat

guy told the boater to attach the tow-hook to the D-ring on his transom.
The boater asked for help locating his transom. Then the tow-dude told

Mr.

Stranded to shine his light where the tow-hook was attached to the boat.
Then, he said "Don't shine the light on me, shine it where the line is
attached to YOUR boat." I kid you not.

Dave

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...


Well, sometimes it's justified. In the case of hikers, I recall at least

two


news stories which mentioned that the searches had cost a couple of

small

town police departments a few hundred grand for helicopter time, etc.

In

both cases, the hikers were woefully unprepared and inexperienced, for

the

terrain and weather they were trying to tackle. That's wrong.

"Keith" wrote in message
...


Yep. Your tax dollars are no longer enough... they'll charge you by the

hour


if they possibly can.

--


Keith
__
If you must pick between two evils, pick the one you've never tried

before.


"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...


I'm curious: The park service and other agencies say that if they have

to


rescue people incompetent backpackers who think their first practice

run


should be in January in North Dakota, they will charge them for the

expenses


incurred. Has anyone heard of the Coast Guard saying similar things?