Docking/Anchoring

[Pricestavern]

Kayaking and especially swimming near public docks when busy is an extraordinarily bad idea. You are in major peril of being run over because you cannot be seen (even in a kayak). This is an absolute case of Don't Do It!

[HellRaZoR004]

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

Kayaking and especially swimming near public docks when busy is an extraordinarily bad idea. You are in major peril of being run over because you cannot be seen (even in a kayak). This is an absolute case of Don't Do It!

Huh, swimming maybe. But if you hit me in a NWZ b/c you can't see me you best have a good lawyer.

Out in the middle of a high traffic channel where boats are up on plane is a completely different story.

[Phantom]

The other question to consider ..... do you REALLY want to leave your boat unattended off a Public dock just swinging off a hook ?

On extremely busy days, I simply run my bow to the end of one of the Public docks -- let my wife (and whomever) off and then simply drift well off in the Bay until the cell phone rings ... quite peaceful .... and comes with a show ... watching everyone jockey for position trying to get a slip


.

[Woodsy]

I don't think there is rule that says you cannot anchor.. as long as you are far enough away to not be a navigational hazard or impede public access to the town docks.

You def cannot anchor off the Weirs during bike week..... The fun police put an end to that!


Woodsy

[Pricestavern]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

Huh, swimming maybe. But if you hit me in a NWZ b/c you can't see me you best have a good lawyer.

Out in the middle of a high traffic channel where boats are up on plane is a completely different story.

I maintain that it's an extremely hazardous and a very bad idea. Yes, you might sue me if I hit you in a kayak because I couldn't see you, but then you run the risk of being knocked over and chopped to fish bait by someone's propeller. Sometimes being 'right' isn't worth the argument.

[HellRaZoR004]

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

I maintain that it's an extremely hazardous and a very bad idea. Yes, you might sue me if I hit you in a kayak because I couldn't see you, but then you run the risk of being knocked over and chopped to fish bait by someone's propeller. Sometimes being 'right' isn't worth the argument.

So let me get this straight, you don't want me kayaking in Meredith Bay?

[LastonBoard]

I think he is just saying to use common sense. In even light chop a kayak can disappear behind waves making it even harder to see. In these situations kayaking down the middle of the lake is not the brightest thing to do.

One can be right and still be stupid.

[Pricestavern]

Kayaking around the town docks on a very busy weekend where boats are coming into and out while others mill around waiting for their turn is a hazardous endeavor.

Kayaking in and around Meredith Bay was not part of your originally proposed question, only around the town docks.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

Kayaking around the town docks on a very busy weekend where boats are coming into and out while others mill around waiting for their turn is a hazardous endeavor.

Kayaking in and around Meredith Bay was not part of your originally proposed question, only around the town docks.

They rent kayaks and SUPs at the Town Docks!

[Pricestavern]

Do what you wish.

In my opinion, kayaking around the town docks during a busy weekend is foolhearty. Nothing says you can't, though. As a person who's done much kayaking over the years, I would not venture into an area where there is a lot of boating traffic. You're just asking for trouble.

Enjoy!

[noreast]

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

I maintain that it's an extremely hazardous and a very bad idea. Yes, you might sue me if I hit you in a kayak because I couldn't see you, but then you run the risk of being knocked over and chopped to fish bait by someone's propeller. Sometimes being 'right' isn't worth the argument.

If you think you might hit a kayak when you are at no wake speed I suggest for all our sake that you turn in your permit.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by noreast

If you think you might hit a kayak when you are at no wake speed I suggest for all our sake that you turn in your permit.

I'll take it one step further...if you think your going to hit a kayak going wide open throttle and I don't care where you are on the lake...please turn in your permit...

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by noreast

If you think you might hit a kayak when you are at no wake speed I suggest for all our sake that you turn in your permit.

Nobody really *thinks* they are going to hit a kayak (IMO). But I would agree that kayaking around the docks on a busy weekend is creating undue risk for all involved with no gain (other than a kayaker trying to prove "I can be here").

When the docks are full and there is a line-up of boats, peoples sight lines are generally looking 5-6' above the water. Eyeing the docks, the other boats, catching eye-contact with other captains, etc. It would be very easy for a kayaker to wind up in a sort of blind-spot as a boat starts moving. The risk increases as you get closer to the docks, I've seen people throttle back/forward hard (too hard, really) to keep from hitting docks, other boats, etc.

Yes, of course you should be aware of everything around you, but I'd be shocked if even the most responsible and experienced boaters here haven't had at least one "Oh ****! That was close!" incident in their time on the lake.

I'm not saying the kayaks don't have a right to be there, and I'm not saying anyone should really "expect" to hit a person in the water, but *purposefully* doing some anchor-and-kayak-in maneuver is creating undue risk for a lake that already has too many stupid restrictions. Don't give the nanny-law people another bit of ammunition to use to further limit what is permissible.