Strange Encounter

[Steve Di.]

I just got back into boating after a 15 year hiatus. This summer, by far, was the worst I have seen on the big Lake for inattentiveness, disregard for the 150 foot rule, and other foolishness. I suspect the very strong economy has allowed certain types of people to join the boating world who weren't in it 15 years ago.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Steve Di.

I just got back into boating after a 15 year hiatus. This summer, by far, was the worst I have seen on the big Lake for inattentiveness, disregard for the 150 foot rule and other foolishness. I suspect the very strong economy has allowed certain types of people to join the boating world who weren't in it 15 years ago.

Judging by the difficulty getting a place to dock/store boats, waiting lists, etc., these days, I think you're right that there are more boats out there. During the recession, fewer boats and those who had boats used them less.
I hear the Mount blowing her horn more frequently too. Earlier this summer: a blast, and about a minute later, another, then a third and quicker now, 5 short blasts. I would love to have heard the conversation in the wheelhouse that day.

[jbolty]

People seem to be getting more clueless and oblivious all the time.

I do a similar thing when driving in the car and coming up to a 4 way stop. If it's clear another car and I will converge at the stops at about exactly the same time I slow down a little to make it very clear that the other guy got there first and has the right of way. Otherwise 90% chance they will do it wrong anyway.

[Cal Coon]

I'm so glad this subject has finally come up. It hasn't been discussed for about 24hrs now...

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

I'm so glad this subject has finally come up. It hasn't been discussed for about 24hrs now...

It's been six days since discussing auto-piloting among boaters.

https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ad.php?t=25009

[Weekend Pundit]

I have noticed the same thing all of you have. It's been one of the worst years I've seen in regard to a bigger than normal number of Cap'n Boneheads and their companion Cap'n Oblivious.

This past weekend I had a similar experience when I realized an overtaking boat did not/could not see me. He was bow high and I could not see the person at the helm which told me they could not see me either. I didn't have a lot of room to maneuver because I was in the channel north of The Witches. I bent on the throttle to clear The Witches and the bonehead in the overtaking boat did likewise, closing the gap even more quickly than before. I went as far starboard as I could without crossing to the inside of the buoys and hit my horn 5 times. His response?

Nothing.

It wasn't until he passed within 10 feet of my port side that he even noticed I was there. His response then?

He yelled something I couldn't hear. (I could read his lips as he was quite deliberate in his enunciation - "Get the f**k out of my way!" ) He then waved at me, but only with one finger, then rolled more power and went on his way.

I have no idea what his problem was. It wasn't like I was dawdling along at headway speed, but I guess it was my fault he wasn't paying attention. That's the closest I've come to a collision in years. The yahoo in the other boat was totally clueless and apparently didn't give a damn.

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

I have noticed the same thing all of you have. It's been one of the worst years I've seen in regard to a bigger than normal number of Cap'n Boneheads and their companion Cap'n Oblivious.

This past weekend I had a similar experience when I realized an overtaking boat did not/could not see me. He was bow high and I could not see the person at the helm which told me they could not see me either. I didn't have a lot of room to maneuver because I was in the channel north of The Witches. I bent on the throttle to clear The Witches and the bonehead in the overtaking boat did likewise, closing the gap even more quickly than before. I went as far starboard as I could without crossing to the inside of the buoys and hit my horn 5 times. His response?

Nothing.

It wasn't until he passed within 10 feet of my port side that he even noticed I was there. His response then?

He yelled something I couldn't hear. (I could read his lips as he was quite deliberate in his enunciation - "Get the f**k out of my way!" ) He then waved at me, but only with one finger, then rolled more power and went on his way.

I have no idea what his problem was. It wasn't like I was dawdling along at headway speed, but I guess it was my fault he wasn't paying attention. That's the closest I've come to a collision in years. The yahoo in the other boat was totally clueless and apparently didn't give a damn.

I think this post shows reason to have an adequate horn on your boat.
My 2015 Bennington,which,in my opinion is a quality boat, came with a horn that cost $8 on Amazon and is not even loud enough to get attention of my neighbors when I pass their homes and give them a toot.
I replaced it with a 110dbl duel blaster that will almost take you out of your seat.
Bit of an overkill but nice to know it's there for an emergency.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

I think this post shows reason to have an adequate horn on your boat.
My 2015 Bennington,which,in my opinion is a quality boat, came with a horn that cost $8 on Amazon and is not even loud enough to get attention of my neighbors when I pass their homes and give them a toot.
I replaced it with a 110dbl duel blaster that will almost take you out of your seat.
Bit of an overkill but nice to know it's there for an emergency.

A second hand-held air horn is also a good accessory. It can be more directional than your fixed horns, and also act as a good backup.

If I were to get another boat on Winnipesaukee, it would probably be a decommissioned fire boat, with the water canon in good working order

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

A second hand-held air horn is also a good accessory. It can be more directional than your fixed horns, and also act as a good backup.

If I were to get another boat on Winnipesaukee, it would probably be a decommissioned fire boat, with the water canon in good working order

Now that is an idea that might beat sign language

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

If I were to get another boat on Winnipesaukee, it would probably be a decommissioned fire boat, with the water canon in good working order

What does one of those cost? I'm thinking we can do a Winni Forum GoFundMe, and you can go around drilling rule breakers. It's time Winni had some good ole'fashioned vigilantism!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

I have noticed the same thing all of you have. It's been one of the worst years I've seen in regard to a bigger than normal number of Cap'n Boneheads and their companion Cap'n Oblivious.

This past weekend I had a similar experience when I realized an overtaking boat did not/could not see me. He was bow high and I could not see the person at the helm which told me they could not see me either. I didn't have a lot of room to maneuver because I was in the channel north of The Witches. I bent on the throttle to clear The Witches and the bonehead in the overtaking boat did likewise, closing the gap even more quickly than before. I went as far starboard as I could without crossing to the inside of the buoys and hit my horn 5 times. His response?

Nothing.

It wasn't until he passed within 10 feet of my port side that he even noticed I was there. His response then...

Once again, we see the value of a 360 degree watch.

[ursa minor]

Originally Posted by Descant

Once again, we see the value of a 360 degree watch.

Head on a swivel constantly checking for “targets”. That’s how I was taught and how all my young helmspersons are too.

That Witches incident sounds a lot like the guy in the “open letter to another captain” post from last year. Some individuals are just special I guess.

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by Descant

Once again, we see the value of a 360 degree watch.

I don't have a rear view mirror on the boat. Guess that I should fix that.

" Alert weaselly bugger bearing 180, ready the aft water cannon"

[Descant]

I recall an episode of Ship Shape TV about pirates in the Caribbean. It is almost impossible to fire your shotgun at the engine and be successful. BUT, if you aim for the waterline, you can poke a hole, and with luck, it will come out through the hull under water with two holes as a result, thus disabling the pirate. NEVERMIND. I guess water cannons, balloons, eggs, etc are all forms of assault, and can get you in trouble.
Since most Capt Boneheads just aren't paying attention, perhaps there is an attention grabber?
Ladies?