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Accidents, no matter how big or small, are always tragic. I think all of them involving two watercraft could be avoided. I continue to be amazed at the number of boaters, of all classes, that dont know or follow the Coast Guard “rules of the road”. In our world of high speed boats, seconds count. Sometimes split seconds. I believe that as we travel from one spot to the next, our concentration on what we are going to do when we get there over shadows whats between point A and point B. Or maybe whats behind us. It doesnt hurt to review them, even though other boaters may not. Giving way to an idiot is not a bad thing, even though it may raise your hackles.Comments?Martin
Martin very good post. I am the first to admit that I am thinking about what pattern to try at next spot more than I am the trip there. I am glad you brought this up to remind guys like me to take a minute to observe the things around us and then worry about the pattern once we drop the trolling motor. I am always looking at spots to fish while driving and think should I stop there or up there and not looking at where I am going as much as I should. Thansk for the eye opener.
We spend so much time in our cars, and most of us use cell phones while driving……..then BAM! Accident.I have thought about this as well. Why ruin your day, your life, or someone elses by getting in a boating accident? Take a boater safety course, or at least be familiar with Coast Guard regs, like Mountain Cat suggested.I have been driving boats for 30yrs, and recently took the boater ed course in Arkansas with my son(mandatory for him). I feel better by doing it, and showing how important safety is to my son. Not just all about hunters ed anymore.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
I always try to drive the boat like I do my car (defensively). I always assume the “other guy” is an idiot, and I be careful about what Im doing when close to another boater. I always try to be aware of who is in front, behind, or beside me. I can trust myself, but I dont trust the other guy. Defensive driving works well for me. Heck, I cant catch a fish anyway, no need to think about it while driving. Just kidding.KentKent Charles 2002 Pantera Classic & 200 Yamaha VMax
Most boating accidents are due to two things.1) alcohol2) poor visibilityEliminate those and youll remain safe for the most part.
My MottoDrive like you want to fish tomorrow.ElwoodElwood…..Bass Cat Proud
There I was, driving down river on the right side of the channel…. Out of a fog bank less than 1/2 (more like 1/4 )mile ahead comes a boat cooking. Head on. I turn right to avoid. He turns left into me. I start coming off power and turn left to avoid. He turns right and comes off power. Now in a right turn again our noses pass within feet of each other. Its not worth it. After a mild cleanup I had a wonderful tournament but Ive never forgotten this lesson. Better safe than sorry. Youve got to get to em before you can catch em.Catallacin in Dat Cat,BCC
I can tell you from first hand experience that these thing are life altering events. I was in a terrible accident in which 2 friends of mine were in one boat and me and another friend in mine. We were fishing a club tourney shortly after blast-off he tried to pass me on the right while I was making a right turn. His partner(one of my friends) was ejected, hit a bridge piling and died. Turns out they thought we were going to the same fish. I always thought I was a good driver, safe, etc. Even though I was not at fault in the accident the effects were tramatic for me and my fellow club members as well as all the families involved. No alcohol,No drugs, Just too much adrenline and testostorne. I am sure Jim Hebert and some of the guys from Gonzales, La. can attest to what I am telling you. Been 10 Years and just like it was yesterday. I can say I am much more contious of what others are doing now and have a new appreciation of what can happen. I do know now stuff like this doesnt just happen to others. Please keep what I have told you here in mind and believe me when I say it can happen to you!Doug Mcgee
A real tradgedy….and I feel for you. Those kinds of things never go away. I know, but in different circumstances. Every one should know in cars or boats; at 60mph 2 seconds equals approx 60 yards. At any age how fast can you react in 2 seconds?Martin
I hate government intervention probably more than anyone else, but I am at a point in my life where I do believe anyone buying a boat should be required to attend coast guard classes.Lake of the Ozarks is insane. People get killed there every year. Pleasure boaters cutting points short and passing my boat w/the trolling motor down – within 20 yards is a common occurance. I hold on the butt seat to keep from being ejected. You dont have to even be driving fast to get killed…Timp.s. Lake Ozark has a great Basscat dealer!
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