My first stranded boater

[KDAVID1]

I had a good fishing day today but had to tow a jon boat today. I had just moved to reset for a drift and heard some hollering (thought someone just caught a lunker) I noticed it was a boat I had been watching for the last two hours (thought they were just trolling crank baits) Well I realized they were having some problems. I motored over to them. It was a 14ft jon boat with a 9.9 on it and three fairly large guys in it. They were about 2 miles from the launch and had been trolling and sculling in a 15 to 18mph wind (when I first saw them they were about 4 miles out. Their fuel line had failed and the trolling motor battery had died. The wind was so bad it took about 10 minutes to get close enough to get their rope. So I tied off and away we went. Then the rope broke--this time it took about 5 minutes to get hooked back up. I finally got them back to the ramp--unhooked (they said thank you-and I told them no problem as they would have done the same (I would hope) and I went back to fishing. One thing I did mention to them as they should get a horn or whistle as the hollering may not get them help next time (I often do the same when I land a good fish) So for my first time towing it went pretty well. Hope this wasn't too long of a post.

 

[Cal195]

Re: My first stranded boater

That was a very nice thing to do... I remember being in Indian River Bay with a overheating problem and had no one offer any assistance....hope they don't ever find themselves in that postion....it was not pleasant. Good Job KDavid.

 

[bigdee]

Re: My first stranded boater

You done the right thing by helping another boater. Here in NC it is required that you carry a horn or whistle.....it is also the law that you MUST assist another boater in distress.

 

[dingbat]

Re: My first stranded boater

....it is also the law that you MUST assist another boater in distress.

Where is the text to this law?

 

[southkogs]

Re: My first stranded boater

In most of the places I've ever boated, it's an unwritten law that one render's assistance. For lack of a better term, it's kinda' boating "Karma." I've gotten stranded twice where no one offered help and we had to bring it in the hard way (paddles once, and swimming the other).

Good job.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: My first stranded boater

Most states have laws regarding helping someone in an emergency/life threatening situation. This does not necessarily mean a stranded boater. And most the time even in a life threatening situation you are only required to do what is within your means without risking your own life and those lives of the persons on board your boat.

All that being said, I will help a boater out anytime I can regardless. Good job op!

 

[bigdee]

Re: My first stranded boater

Where is the text to this law?

I witnessed a wild life officer chase down a boater who passed by a boat with engine problems and a person was waving for help. I don't know whether that person got ticketed or not. I never researched for "text" because this is the human thing to do anyway.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: My first stranded boater

Where is the text to this law?

Its the law that you have to !! as there is NO harm to you or your boat in doing so

Read your state laws on boaters in distress. :facepalm:


KDAVID1 , I hope that person pays forward for your good deed.

 

[j_martin]

Re: My first stranded boater

I've towed, and I've been towed. It's a brotherhood thing.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: My first stranded boater

I doubt that there is any written law in Mass., even the coast guard will not respond unless you were in immediate danger, they will normally tell you to call boat u s or towboat. Also here the harbor master will take you under tow for no fee.

I do not understand why boaters do not purchase a tow plan, it is like having triple A. I have towed plenty of boats but remember that when you take a boat under tow you are responsible.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: My first stranded boater

Its the law that you have to !! as there is NO harm to you or your boat in doing so

Read your state laws on boaters in distress. :facepalm:


KDAVID1 , I hope that person pays forward for your good deed.

It is not a law, Under distress and life threatening are two different things.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: My first stranded boater

I've towed, and I've been towed. It's a brotherhood thing.

Yep, been there, done that..................

 

[ngt]

Re: My first stranded boater

How does boat size matter with this. If someone is in a big boat that stalls and I'm in my 12 foot aluminum with 9.8, I don't have anywhere to tie up a rope and wouldn't want to mess up my boat. I'm always more than willing to help people though. What would be the best way to go about this? Also what if the dock/ramp is full when you get them there? What do you do?

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: My first stranded boater

I do not understand why boaters do not purchase a tow plan, it is like having triple A. I have towed plenty of boats but remember that when you take a boat under tow you are responsible.

I totally agree with Fly Rod on the towing insurance. Anywhere on a larrge body of water, its cheap peace of mind. I have towed a few boats and if you have wind and current, it can get quite tricky, especially in tight quarters (docking, bridges, canals, etc). With sue happy courts and lawyers, i can bet you are "responsible". Heif you are on the ocean, you should approach cautiously.

 

[robert graham]

Re: My first stranded boater

How are you going to just drive right by some poor fellow out on the water with a busted motor?...least I'd do is stop and render aid, use my cell phone, be sure they've got somebody coming to help...leave him out there, it could become a life-threatening situation!

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: My first stranded boater

Thanks to all for the positive fee back--I do greatly appreciate it--was an unexpected surprise from the post. I just see it as one of the parts of being on the water-it's one of those do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: My first stranded boater

How does boat size matter with this. If someone is in a big boat that stalls and I'm in my 12 foot aluminum with 9.8, I don't have anywhere to tie up a rope and wouldn't want to mess up my boat. I'm always more than willing to help people though. What would be the best way to go about this? Also what if the dock/ramp is full when you get them there? What do you do?

You stop and ask them if they need you to call seatow or a freind to come get them. You could also ask if they want you to transport someone to a dock where they can go get help. Etc etc etc. You are under no obligation to put you or your vessel in harms way.

 

[the vision]

Re: My first stranded boater

You did the right thing KDAVID1. I've been stuck on the river with the wife and kids and 2 boats went right by didn't even slow down. I was paddling an 18ft. bow rider so it was obvious I had engine troubles. Lucky for me another guy came by pulling a tube stopped had his kids jump back in their boat and towed us in. Yesterday me and my son were out fishing and came across a father and son who was trying to start their 25hp with the rope with no success. So I pulled them in. For payment I told them to pay it forward....

 

[BIGALF]

Re: My first stranded boater

I agree if you do not have tow insurance you should not own a boat. On the other hand I will tow someone who I think needs help and either has or doesn't have the insurance.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: My first stranded boater

You did the right thing KDAVID1. I've been stuck on the river with the wife and kids and 2 boats went right by didn't even slow down. I was paddling an 18ft. bow rider so it was obvious I had engine troubles. Lucky for me another guy came by pulling a tube stopped had his kids jump back in their boat and towed us in. Yesterday me and my son were out fishing and came across a father and son who was trying to start their 25hp with the rope with no success. So I pulled them in. For payment I told them to pay it forward....

Good to here==pay it forward.