On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

On 1/20/2007 9:33 PM, Frogwatch wrote:
Took my newly built 20' Tolman Skiff out today to test new instruments.
Hauled her from N. Tallahassee down to St. Marks River where there
were already about 30 other boat trailers parked.
As soon as I got out of my truck, this older guy walks up in a sorta
blue uniform that said U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and asked if I
wanted a free "courtesy safety inspection". Being proud of my boat and
knowing she is in excellent shape and sorta wanting to show her off I
said "OK". He did say he was not empowered to issue any tickets for
anything. It turns out that he goes to the same church my wife attends
so he sorta knows us. However, during the short "inspection", I
started to feel kinda put-off by it. It was all very friendly and he
did give some good advice on problems with the launch area but I really
began to feel odd about the whole thing.
My boat was still on the trailer so I wonder about his authority and in
reality NOBODY would refuse to get such an inspection. After all, if I
refused he coulda radioed to someone on the water to give me a ticket
for something. Mostly the inspection was insignificant and didnt tell
me anything at all but he made a big deal about paperwork. He wanted
to see my title and since I dont think anybody has such a right except
for law enforcement types and he had no cause to ask I was sorta
put-off. Even worse, he was confused by the lack of a vessel ID number
on a home-built boat and fact that the title did not look like a
standard one.
He gave me a sticker that he insisted on putting on my new paint saying
I had been inspected and said something about this preventing me from
getting stopped by the CG (Really?) What really got me was he
paperwork he filled out with my name, vessell ID stuff and other
things; what the hell is all that for?
It was all very friendly and it was not till I got home later that it
began to gnaw at me that it seemed very weird to be forced to do this.



You're under no obligation to deal with these people. The few times I
have been "encountered" by USCGA types wanting to inspect, I have told
them no. I think they get brownie points in their clubs for turning in
completed inspection forms.

That's good to know. Have to say this reminded me of "Hand of God"
which I saw last night and the thought of the USCGA having the same
effect as pedophile Catholic priests agave me second thoughts about
buying a boat. Thanks Harry, I'm no longer afraid.
Frogwatch, can you point to some pics of your Tolman?
Sounds like a fun project.

--Vic

Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

On 1/20/2007 9:33 PM, Frogwatch wrote:
Took my newly built 20' Tolman Skiff out today to test new instruments.
Hauled her from N. Tallahassee down to St. Marks River where there
were already about 30 other boat trailers parked.
As soon as I got out of my truck, this older guy walks up in a sorta
blue uniform that said U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and asked if I
wanted a free "courtesy safety inspection". Being proud of my boat and
knowing she is in excellent shape and sorta wanting to show her off I
said "OK". He did say he was not empowered to issue any tickets for
anything. It turns out that he goes to the same church my wife attends
so he sorta knows us. However, during the short "inspection", I
started to feel kinda put-off by it. It was all very friendly and he
did give some good advice on problems with the launch area but I really
began to feel odd about the whole thing.
My boat was still on the trailer so I wonder about his authority and in
reality NOBODY would refuse to get such an inspection. After all, if I
refused he coulda radioed to someone on the water to give me a ticket
for something. Mostly the inspection was insignificant and didnt tell
me anything at all but he made a big deal about paperwork. He wanted
to see my title and since I dont think anybody has such a right except
for law enforcement types and he had no cause to ask I was sorta
put-off. Even worse, he was confused by the lack of a vessel ID number
on a home-built boat and fact that the title did not look like a
standard one.
He gave me a sticker that he insisted on putting on my new paint saying
I had been inspected and said something about this preventing me from
getting stopped by the CG (Really?) What really got me was he
paperwork he filled out with my name, vessell ID stuff and other
things; what the hell is all that for?
It was all very friendly and it was not till I got home later that it
began to gnaw at me that it seemed very weird to be forced to do this.



You're under no obligation to deal with these people. The few times I
have been "encountered" by USCGA types wanting to inspect, I have told
them no. I think they get brownie points in their clubs for turning in
completed inspection forms.

That's good to know. Have to say this reminded me of "Hand of God"
which I saw last night and the thought of the USCGA having the same
effect as pedophile Catholic priests agave me second thoughts about
buying a boat. Thanks Harry, I'm no longer afraid.
Frogwatch, can you point to some pics of your Tolman?
Sounds like a fun project.

--Vic

I appreciate the CG and CGA, but something just doesnt seem right about
this but I am not sure what it is. Being a very long time sailor, I
have only been stopped by law enforcement types 3 times over 20 years
so I am not used to it happening. Maybe they stop powerboats more.

There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

On 20 Jan 2007 19:52:08 -0800, "Frogwatch"
wrote:


Vic Smith wrote:

Frogwatch, can you point to some pics of your Tolman?
Sounds like a fun project.



There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

Thanks. Neat boat. Kudos to you for your efforts.
Must feel particularly good boating in your own handiwork.

--Vic

On 20 Jan 2007 19:52:08 -0800, "Frogwatch" wrote:


Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

I appreciate the CG and CGA, but something just doesnt seem right about
this but I am not sure what it is. Being a very long time sailor, I
have only been stopped by law enforcement types 3 times over 20 years
so I am not used to it happening. Maybe they stop powerboats more.

There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

The courtesy inspection is just that - something being done for you. I've
had several. They don't hurt, no one's out to get you or your boat.

Some folks are a little paranoid. Deservedly so.
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

"JohnH" wrote in message
news
On 20 Jan 2007 19:52:08 -0800, "Frogwatch" wrote:


Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

I appreciate the CG and CGA, but something just doesnt seem right about
this but I am not sure what it is. Being a very long time sailor, I
have only been stopped by law enforcement types 3 times over 20 years
so I am not used to it happening. Maybe they stop powerboats more.

There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

The courtesy inspection is just that - something being done for you. I've
had several. They don't hurt, no one's out to get you or your boat.

Some folks are a little paranoid. Deservedly so.
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

Not paranoid, but I have been inspected by a real asshole. I am in my 14'
aluminum boat and I have more than the required equipment. GPS, fire
extinguisher, throwable cushion. He first complains that there is not a
complete 3" between the CF and the first number of the registration numbers.
There is only 2". Then makes other nasty remarks and askes where the extra
lifejackets are after he stepped in the boat. Informed him I am the only
one aboard and I am wearing my PFD. He stated he was aboard. I informed
him to get his ass out of my boat and never get near it again. I should
have called over his co workers and blasted him again for being a dickhead.

On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:14:45 GMT, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"JohnH" wrote in message
news
On 20 Jan 2007 19:52:08 -0800, "Frogwatch" wrote:


Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

I appreciate the CG and CGA, but something just doesnt seem right about
this but I am not sure what it is. Being a very long time sailor, I
have only been stopped by law enforcement types 3 times over 20 years
so I am not used to it happening. Maybe they stop powerboats more.

There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

The courtesy inspection is just that - something being done for you. I've
had several. They don't hurt, no one's out to get you or your boat.

Some folks are a little paranoid. Deservedly so.
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

Not paranoid, but I have been inspected by a real asshole. I am in my 14'
aluminum boat and I have more than the required equipment. GPS, fire
extinguisher, throwable cushion. He first complains that there is not a
complete 3" between the CF and the first number of the registration numbers.
There is only 2". Then makes other nasty remarks and askes where the extra
lifejackets are after he stepped in the boat. Informed him I am the only
one aboard and I am wearing my PFD. He stated he was aboard. I informed
him to get his ass out of my boat and never get near it again. I should
have called over his co workers and blasted him again for being a dickhead.


This is a story about the USCGA? I've never seen them inspecting boats on
the water. It has always been at the ramp or in the marina. I've never been
boarded by them. Anytime I've been boarded, the individual was already
wearing a vest, both Coasties, DNR, and local police. I've seen many USCGA
courtesy patrol boats on the water, but the crew has always been wearing
vests.

Maybe your experience was a San Francisco thing?
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

"JohnH" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:14:45 GMT, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"JohnH" wrote in message
news
On 20 Jan 2007 19:52:08 -0800, "Frogwatch"
wrote:


Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

I appreciate the CG and CGA, but something just doesnt seem right about
this but I am not sure what it is. Being a very long time sailor, I
have only been stopped by law enforcement types 3 times over 20 years
so I am not used to it happening. Maybe they stop powerboats more.

There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

The courtesy inspection is just that - something being done for you.
I've
had several. They don't hurt, no one's out to get you or your boat.

Some folks are a little paranoid. Deservedly so.
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

Not paranoid, but I have been inspected by a real asshole. I am in my 14'
aluminum boat and I have more than the required equipment. GPS, fire
extinguisher, throwable cushion. He first complains that there is not a
complete 3" between the CF and the first number of the registration
numbers.
There is only 2". Then makes other nasty remarks and askes where the
extra
lifejackets are after he stepped in the boat. Informed him I am the only
one aboard and I am wearing my PFD. He stated he was aboard. I informed
him to get his ass out of my boat and never get near it again. I should
have called over his co workers and blasted him again for being a
dickhead.


This is a story about the USCGA? I've never seen them inspecting boats on
the water. It has always been at the ramp or in the marina. I've never
been
boarded by them. Anytime I've been boarded, the individual was already
wearing a vest, both Coasties, DNR, and local police. I've seen many USCGA
courtesy patrol boats on the water, but the crew has always been wearing
vests.

Maybe your experience was a San Francisco thing?
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

I was tied up to the dock by the ramp.

JohnH wrote:



This is a story about the USCGA? I've never seen them inspecting boats on
the water. It has always been at the ramp or in the marina. I've never been
boarded by them. Anytime I've been boarded, the individual was already
wearing a vest, both Coasties, DNR, and local police. I've seen many USCGA
courtesy patrol boats on the water, but the crew has always been wearing
vests.

the aux doesn't have authority to board a vessel. even the CG can't
board a vessel unless there is a 'boarding officer'...someone trained
in the use of force...aboard the CG vessel. of course, since the CG is
also military, it CAN board a vessel under 'rules of engagement', but
that's a military issue, not a law enforcement one.

if they board your vessel under the rules of engagement you better do
pretty much what they say.

No good deed goes unpunished, as they say.

A volunteer giving of his own time offers to perform a useful service for
free. No matter who we are it's often useful to have another set of eyes
looking at the safety aspects of our boats.

The inspectors work off a check list which includes looking at the vessels
documents.

Some of the guys doing these courtesy, repeat, courtesy inspections are no
longer youngsters and may lack the kind of flexibility that can be useful
when dealing with the public. Still, they do their best which is pretty
good almost all the time.

I'll probably do one this year as it's been a while for my boat.

I personally believe the USCGAux folks are the bee's knees,

Butch
"JohnH" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:14:45 GMT, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"JohnH" wrote in message
news
On 20 Jan 2007 19:52:08 -0800, "Frogwatch"
wrote:


Vic Smith wrote:
On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 22:03:18 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

I appreciate the CG and CGA, but something just doesnt seem right about
this but I am not sure what it is. Being a very long time sailor, I
have only been stopped by law enforcement types 3 times over 20 years
so I am not used to it happening. Maybe they stop powerboats more.

There are pics of my Tolman on the Fishy Fish site. I am David OHara
and the pics are under my name there. It is a 20' Standard Tolman with
a 90 hp Yamaha and 9.9 hp kicker. I built it as a center console.
This is my first foray into power boating and even though I have been
boating all my life I had never piloted a power boat until December
2006 when I launched my Tolman.

The courtesy inspection is just that - something being done for you.
I've
had several. They don't hurt, no one's out to get you or your boat.

Some folks are a little paranoid. Deservedly so.
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

Not paranoid, but I have been inspected by a real asshole. I am in my 14'
aluminum boat and I have more than the required equipment. GPS, fire
extinguisher, throwable cushion. He first complains that there is not a
complete 3" between the CF and the first number of the registration
numbers.
There is only 2". Then makes other nasty remarks and askes where the
extra
lifejackets are after he stepped in the boat. Informed him I am the only
one aboard and I am wearing my PFD. He stated he was aboard. I informed
him to get his ass out of my boat and never get near it again. I should
have called over his co workers and blasted him again for being a
dickhead.


This is a story about the USCGA? I've never seen them inspecting boats on
the water. It has always been at the ramp or in the marina. I've never
been
boarded by them. Anytime I've been boarded, the individual was already
wearing a vest, both Coasties, DNR, and local police. I've seen many USCGA
courtesy patrol boats on the water, but the crew has always been wearing
vests.

Maybe your experience was a San Francisco thing?
--
***** Have a super day! *****

John H

On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:14:45 GMT, "Calif Bill"
wrote:



Not paranoid, but I have been inspected by a real asshole. I am in my 14'
aluminum boat and I have more than the required equipment. GPS, fire
extinguisher, throwable cushion. He first complains that there is not a
complete 3" between the CF and the first number of the registration numbers.
There is only 2". Then makes other nasty remarks and askes where the extra
lifejackets are after he stepped in the boat. Informed him I am the only
one aboard and I am wearing my PFD. He stated he was aboard. I informed
him to get his ass out of my boat and never get near it again. I should
have called over his co workers and blasted him again for being a dickhead.

LOL. Sounds like a Monty Python skit, but you weren't playing along.
When he said he was aboard probably you were supposed to say "No,
you're not." Then he could say "Yes, I am." And so forth.

--Vic