Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising, and
shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of downed
skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to shoreline
and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen seem
to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to ruin their
day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is far enough
away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I cruise by with
speed on my mind?

I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule. I
just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and boating faster
than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.

If you swamp one of their boats, your fun could (and should) include
spending the rest of the day in handcuffs.




How far is far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being
inconsiderate when I cruise by with speed on my mind?

There's no way of knowing that except by being observant, and experimenting
when there are NOT other boats around. Go fast, then make a wide U-turn and
figure out where your wake begins to fade.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.

If you swamp one of their boats, your fun could (and should) include
spending the rest of the day in handcuffs.

Uh, Doug, does the tone of my post come anywhere near suggesting that
possibility?


How far is far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being
inconsiderate when I cruise by with speed on my mind?

There's no way of knowing that except by being observant, and
experimenting when there are NOT other boats around. Go fast, then make a
wide U-turn and figure out where your wake begins to fade.


Great idea! That will be a fun experiment. It will really help me
understand the effects my boat has, Now if they will just fix the dock so I
can put the boat in the water.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
et...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy
some speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the
only fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.

If you swamp one of their boats, your fun could (and should) include
spending the rest of the day in handcuffs.

Uh, Doug, does the tone of my post come anywhere near suggesting that
possibility?

Well, you said "but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.", which
suggests you have about a 50/50 chance of making the wrong choice.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
et...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing,
cruising, and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy
some speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the
only fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.

If you swamp one of their boats, your fun could (and should) include
spending the rest of the day in handcuffs.

Uh, Doug, does the tone of my post come anywhere near suggesting that
possibility?

Well, you said "but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.", which
suggests you have about a 50/50 chance of making the wrong choice.


What a cynic! ;)

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is
far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I
cruise by with speed on my mind?

I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule. I
just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and boating faster
than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective.



I consider myself a very courteous boater except when traveling the ICW and
trying to properly pass a blow-boater who, after 10 minutes, continues to
ignore your radio calls and horn signals and continues to putt-putt down the
middle of the channel. Then, I wake the hell out of him.

RCE

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
et...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing,
cruising, and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy
some speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're
the only fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The
fishermen seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I
don't want to ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun
either.

If you swamp one of their boats, your fun could (and should) include
spending the rest of the day in handcuffs.

Uh, Doug, does the tone of my post come anywhere near suggesting that
possibility?

Well, you said "but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.", which
suggests you have about a 50/50 chance of making the wrong choice.


What a cynic! ;)


Not really, Bryan. More like a very experienced observer of what really
happens on the water.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is
far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I
cruise by with speed on my mind?

I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule. I
just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and boating faster
than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective.



I say go fast! If their boats are crappy and over turn because of a wake,
then they need new bigger boats. New boats are good for the economy - so you
are doing the right thing :)

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
et...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Bryan" wrote in message If you swamp one of
their boats, your fun could (and should) include spending the rest of
the day in handcuffs.

Uh, Doug, does the tone of my post come anywhere near suggesting that
possibility?

Well, you said "but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.", which
suggests you have about a 50/50 chance of making the wrong choice.


What a cynic! ;)


Not really, Bryan. More like a very experienced observer of what really
happens on the water.


I'm a rec.boats participant. Doesn't that count for something?

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Dan J.S." wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is
far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I
cruise by with speed on my mind?

I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule.
I just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and boating
faster than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective [and
experience].



I say go fast! If their boats are crappy and over turn because of a wake,
then they need new bigger boats. New boats are good for the economy - so
you are doing the right thing :)




I love how you (plural) have interpreted my question. There's not even a
remote possibility of causing them enough trouble that they would even think
of holding on, let alone getting swamped or overturned. Geez, the drama in
this group! I guess I'm just going to have to motor up to one of these
fishermen and ask their opinion. I was more concerned with not scaring
their fish away and with not making them feel like I'm intruding. I'm
pretty sure the answer to my question is to follow the advice to make some
runs followed with U Turns to get a better feel for my wake effects on a
relatively quiet lake.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

On Fri, 3 Feb 2006 13:50:00 -0500, "RCE" wrote:

when traveling the ICW and
trying to properly pass a blow-boater who, after 10 minutes, continues to
ignore your radio calls and horn signals and continues to putt-putt down the
middle of the channel. Then, I wake the hell out of him.

Yep, what else to do?

And there are other guys who don't have the foggiest idea of what a
"slow pass" is all about or how it should be executed.

We find ourselves constantly waving motoryachts and sportfish by us
because they feel obligated to slow down. In reality we've got the
stabilizers on and would rather they'd go by quicker, and with a
flatter wake.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

On Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:08:32 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote:

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

A lot depends on the size of your wake on full plane. Some fast,
relatively light boats leave almost no wake at all at full speed. On
the other hand if you've got a 10,000 lb express cruiser you're going
to need to slow down almost to idle speed to pass a small open boat
safely if they are close by.

As somebody else mentioned, do a few tests crossing your own wake and
try to imagine yourself in a 14 ft rowboat. That said, a couple of
hundred yards is usually more than enough unless you really do have a
killer wake.

I try to be especially vigilant for people standing up in boats,
canoes, and boats with children hanging off the bow.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:08:32 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote:

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

A lot depends on the size of your wake on full plane. Some fast,
relatively light boats leave almost no wake at all at full speed. On
the other hand if you've got a 10,000 lb express cruiser you're going
to need to slow down almost to idle speed to pass a small open boat
safely if they are close by.

As somebody else mentioned, do a few tests crossing your own wake and
try to imagine yourself in a 14 ft rowboat. That said, a couple of
hundred yards is usually more than enough unless you really do have a
killer wake.

I try to be especially vigilant for people standing up in boats,
canoes, and boats with children hanging off the bow.


Thanks, Wayne. One of my boats problems, according to my son, is that it
doesn't create enough wake for high level wakeboarding. And when I'm up on
a plane, my boat seems to float across the water. So, with my concern for
others, I'm probably doing just fine. I will try out the wake experiment
though; sounds like a reason to find water!

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:08:32 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote:

How far is far enough
away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I cruise by
with
speed on my mind?

if they are close to my line of travel, i will slow down or alter my
course to give the wake a chance to belly out or to give them a chance
to see it coming.

however, if they are on the other side of the lake, tough.

I'm probably being a little to sensitive and overprotective (explained by
being raised in California, I think).

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 03 Feb 2006 20:59:31 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:08:32 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote:

How far is far enough
away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I cruise by
with
speed on my mind?

if they are close to my line of travel, i will slow down or alter my
course to give the wake a chance to belly out or to give them a chance
to see it coming.

however, if they are on the other side of the lake, tough.

I'm probably being a little to sensitive and overprotective (explained by
being raised in California, I think).

there is an extra added aspect to this - if they are fishing close to
shore or in a shallow area, then slow down to zero wake - the shallow
areas cause fishermen the most problems.

The shallow areas are no problem with this lake. They are all no wake
zones. I'll keep the near shore idea in mind. With the responses I got to
this query, I'm convinced I've been doing right by 99.9% of the fishermen
(there's always going to be one grumpy old codger - probably a rec.boats
patron).

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"keith_nuttle" wrote in message
. com...

I don't know where you are on the ICW but in the Wilmington NC area there
is significant shoaling in some parts of the waterway. A sailboat because
of their draft may not have the depth to be able move to the side of the
channel to allow a stinkpot to pass



Good point and well taken. But not the case in the cited instance.

RCE

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

I don't know where you are on the ICW but in the Wilmington NC area
there is significant shoaling in some parts of the waterway. A sailboat
because of their draft may not have the depth to be able move to the
side of the channel to allow a stinkpot to pass

RCE wrote:
"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...

The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is
far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I
cruise by with speed on my mind?

I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule. I
just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and boating faster
than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective.




I consider myself a very courteous boater except when traveling the ICW and
trying to properly pass a blow-boater who, after 10 minutes, continues to
ignore your radio calls and horn signals and continues to putt-putt down the
middle of the channel. Then, I wake the hell out of him.

RCE

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

Bryan wrote:
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising, and
shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of downed
skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to shoreline
and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen seem
to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to ruin their
day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is far enough
away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I cruise by with
speed on my mind?


Depends on the wake you leave. It's likely that if your boat
is relatively small & fast, it doesn't really make a very
big wake at WOT, but makes it's biggest wake when getting up
on plane.


I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule.

Not at all. And it's more than just "the golden rule"
although that's an excellent principle.

The issue here is that your wake is deliberately caused by
you, and it has the potential to injure people and damage
property. You are as responsible for your wake as a person
who enjoys target shooting is responsible for where his
bullets end up. That is both a moral & legal responsibility.


... I
just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and boating faster
than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective.


Most motorboaters have no clue about their wake since it's
effects are so far behind them. I didn't realize this myself
until we bought a large motorboat and I spent some time &
effort figuring out 'no-wake' and 'low-wake' RPMs.

One way to observe your own wake is to have somebody else
drive the boat while you can fully watch astern. Pass by a
floating dock at varying distances & varying speeds, and see
how high & steep the waves are. A floating dock is good
because it's heavy enough to not bob madly & distort the
apparent violence of your wake, but will show how high the
waves or reflect them back into the body of water like a
solid bulkhead will.

Very excellent thread BTW. Thanks!

Fair Skies
Doug King

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

when traveling the ICW and
trying to properly pass a blow-boater who, after 10 minutes, continues to
ignore your radio calls and horn signals and continues to putt-putt down the
middle of the channel. Then, I wake the hell out of him.


Wayne.B wrote:
Yep, what else to do?


Pull up closer and give him the horn signal again. And as
somebody else mentioned, he may not be sticking to the
middle of the channel out of hoggishness, it may be a
necessity. Still, it is a very stupid ICW sailor who won't
slow and let you pass at a good low-wake speed.


And there are other guys who don't have the foggiest idea of what a
"slow pass" is all about or how it should be executed.


Agreed. We get this daily from people who call up and
probably think they're being very gracious & curteous to
slow to max-wake speed as they pass us about 5' abeam. For
this I moved over and slowed down???


We find ourselves constantly waving motoryachts and sportfish by us
because they feel obligated to slow down. In reality we've got the
stabilizers on and would rather they'd go by quicker, and with a
flatter wake.


You wouldn't believe how hard some wakes hit a 10 ton 36'
trawler. We've had stuff hurled against the lockers so hard
it busted the latches. At one point, we had an oncoming boat
leave a wake that came solid over our bow rail.

OTOH most people become amazingly careful and curteous when
you aim a video camera at them. I sent some pictures to
property owners along the ICW of a boat that sent a wake
rolling up over their bulkheads & across their lawns,
literally leaving a wake of destruction. It would be
interesting to see what that guy got.

DSK

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"DSK" wrote in message
.. .
Bryan wrote:
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising,
and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy some
speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're the only
fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The fishermen
seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I don't want to
ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun either. How far is
far enough away that you don't feel like I'm being inconsiderate when I
cruise by with speed on my mind?


Depends on the wake you leave. It's likely that if your boat is relatively
small & fast, it doesn't really make a very big wake at WOT, but makes
it's biggest wake when getting up on plane.


I'm pretty sure that I'm overcompensating by the very fact that I worry
about how my actions effect others and try to practice the golden rule.

Not at all. And it's more than just "the golden rule" although that's an
excellent principle.

The issue here is that your wake is deliberately caused by you, and it has
the potential to injure people and damage property. You are as responsible
for your wake as a person who enjoys target shooting is responsible for
where his bullets end up. That is both a moral & legal responsibility.


... I just never bobbed about on a lake that allowed fishing and
boating faster than a no wake speed so I'm lacking in perspective.


Most motorboaters have no clue about their wake since it's effects are so
far behind them. I didn't realize this myself until we bought a large
motorboat and I spent some time & effort figuring out 'no-wake' and
'low-wake' RPMs.

One way to observe your own wake is to have somebody else drive the boat
while you can fully watch astern. Pass by a floating dock at varying
distances & varying speeds, and see how high & steep the waves are. A
floating dock is good because it's heavy enough to not bob madly & distort
the apparent violence of your wake, but will show how high the waves or
reflect them back into the body of water like a solid bulkhead will.

Very excellent thread BTW. Thanks!

Fair Skies
Doug King


Your floating dock idea adds some usefulness to my intended wake experiment.
Thanks for the idea.

Lake Etiquette: Mixed Recreation
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Bryan" wrote in message
et...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Bryan" wrote in message
. net...
The other thread, about the new Gatlin Gun, motivates this question.

Mixed use lake: skiing/wakeboarding/tubing, swimming, fishing,
cruising, and shoreline camping.

Some things are obvious: no wake in the no wake zones; stay clear of
downed skiers/boarders/swimmers; ski boats don't need to stay close to
shoreline and shoreline campers with anchored boats

How far away is far enough, when cruising at WOT, or trying to enjoy
some speed , to get from one end of a lake to the other, and you're
the only fishing boat (or two) bobbing about.

I like to go fast from one end of the lake to the other. The
fishermen seem to prefer floating about where the lake narrows. I
don't want to ruin their day, but I also don't want to ruin my fun
either.

If you swamp one of their boats, your fun could (and should) include
spending the rest of the day in handcuffs.

Uh, Doug, does the tone of my post come anywhere near suggesting that
possibility?

Well, you said "but I also don't want to ruin my fun either.", which
suggests you have about a 50/50 chance of making the wrong choice.


What a cynic! ;)

No. I'm a seasoned observer of what REALLY happens on the water. For some
reason, people do things in boats that they'd never dream of doing in cars.