1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

[JoLin]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Not trying to hijack the thread, check with your local municipality to confirm what I said. The law is poorly defined and thus subject to much debate. Just thought I share this with new boater and maybe save him couple $$$ down the road.

That ruling doesn't apply to standing inside the cockpit. In four years of boating I've spent maybe a half hour sitting at the helm when underway. It's aimed at dopes who sit on the bow, gunwales, transom or other 'unenclosed' areas of the boat, while underway. Even with a full handrail (as I have) I don't let anyone on the bow unless we're stopped or running dead slow, i.e., preparing to dock or anchor. The crew member (generally my wife) must wear a PFD.

My .02

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

That ruling doesn't apply to standing inside the cockpit. In four years of boating I've spent maybe a half hour sitting at the helm when underway. It's aimed at dopes who sit on the bow, gunwales, transom or other 'unenclosed' areas of the boat, while underway. Even with a full handrail (as I have) I don't let anyone on the bow unless we're stopped or running dead slow, i.e., preparing to dock or anchor. The crew member (generally my wife) must wear a PFD.

My .02

Exactly!!!

No sense in putting information out there that simply isn't true. Appreciate your insight.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: 1st time out as a boat owner, ?'s and observations!

Agree on the utility versus asthetics of the modern boat windhields.

One other item with using PDF or throwables as cushions. Sitting on them regularly will crush the floation material and impair its effectiveness. Find a proper cushion to stick under your butt.