Mule
Guru
Well, I got hit again. In Indian River Lagoon at or about the Martin/St Lucie County line. Traveling north in wide water but narrow channel. I was on the right side of the channel, using autopilot going from stick to stick.
Four Aboard my 38 Present Taiwan trawler, about 28000lb 135hp. 5.5 to 8 knot boat. Overtaken from the port rear by a Sport Fisher 40 to 50 footer running in excess of 30 knots. No horn, no radio call... nothing. We did not see him until he was along side. Perhaps I should have more attentative to my rear, but still... Quite water. I had a 17 Whaler in tow.
The wake WAS HUGE, looked in excess of 3 feet. I knocked down the auto pilot and spun the wheel to port, but too late. The table on the bridge went everywhere. Two of us we're thrown to the deck. Name of boat Danny Yankee, not documented under that name, if documented at all.
I did not even know I was hurt at the time. After we got to the slip (90 min or so later) I noticed my back was hurting. Could not lay down that night the 6th of Nov. Dr Monday, ER Tuesday night, Dr again Wednesday. X Ray and Cat Scan at ER. Could not straighten up for cat scan without morphine, first experience...nice stuff. MRI coming. This is the 18th and I have not slep in my bed since, still in the easy chair, pillowed up.
No help from law enforcement because they "did not see it". The monetary damage to my medical insurance is well over $5k likely over $10k. I have no recourse but civil court so far and then just for pain and suffering. Tough sell. Then only IF I can find him. Even then who was driving? I think I might know where he is and I think I am getting healthy enough to scout the 2 marinas in the Whaler.
Next time one of these drivers throws a wake like that I can only come up with this. Warn every body in his path he is coming on 16. Encourage them to call 911 on cell phones and using channel 16 the CG and others (we had 4 phones on our boat and 5 miles up 2 more in our party in another boat). In other words throw a lot of calls into 911 to red flag law enforcement. There is usually some type of patrol on the intercoastal.
I am open to other suggestions. These type of "Captains" are a menace and need a come to Jesus call. A safety check, sobriety check, sanitation system check along with a one way discussion with an officer might just ruin their day as they did for so many others. For me it has ruined Nov 2016 and I sure hope that is all.
Now I guess I will readjust my pillow, try to get reasonably comfortable for the night.
Four Aboard my 38 Present Taiwan trawler, about 28000lb 135hp. 5.5 to 8 knot boat. Overtaken from the port rear by a Sport Fisher 40 to 50 footer running in excess of 30 knots. No horn, no radio call... nothing. We did not see him until he was along side. Perhaps I should have more attentative to my rear, but still... Quite water. I had a 17 Whaler in tow.
The wake WAS HUGE, looked in excess of 3 feet. I knocked down the auto pilot and spun the wheel to port, but too late. The table on the bridge went everywhere. Two of us we're thrown to the deck. Name of boat Danny Yankee, not documented under that name, if documented at all.
I did not even know I was hurt at the time. After we got to the slip (90 min or so later) I noticed my back was hurting. Could not lay down that night the 6th of Nov. Dr Monday, ER Tuesday night, Dr again Wednesday. X Ray and Cat Scan at ER. Could not straighten up for cat scan without morphine, first experience...nice stuff. MRI coming. This is the 18th and I have not slep in my bed since, still in the easy chair, pillowed up.
No help from law enforcement because they "did not see it". The monetary damage to my medical insurance is well over $5k likely over $10k. I have no recourse but civil court so far and then just for pain and suffering. Tough sell. Then only IF I can find him. Even then who was driving? I think I might know where he is and I think I am getting healthy enough to scout the 2 marinas in the Whaler.
Next time one of these drivers throws a wake like that I can only come up with this. Warn every body in his path he is coming on 16. Encourage them to call 911 on cell phones and using channel 16 the CG and others (we had 4 phones on our boat and 5 miles up 2 more in our party in another boat). In other words throw a lot of calls into 911 to red flag law enforcement. There is usually some type of patrol on the intercoastal.
I am open to other suggestions. These type of "Captains" are a menace and need a come to Jesus call. A safety check, sobriety check, sanitation system check along with a one way discussion with an officer might just ruin their day as they did for so many others. For me it has ruined Nov 2016 and I sure hope that is all.
Now I guess I will readjust my pillow, try to get reasonably comfortable for the night.
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