tgotch
Veteran Member
We currently have a 23' runabout that we use on the Ohio River. We usually put in on a smaller river that feeds into the Ohio River. It is about a 3-5 mile run from the small river to the Ohio (where we want to boat).
There is a local Jr. rowing club that has scullers (quads and 8 person) practicing on the small river. At times, they may have what appears to be 30-40 boats spread over 1-2 miles up and down the river. When I approach from the opposite direction, I am always courteous, and slow down to idle, as we pass.
When we are going in the same direction, they make it difficult/impossible to pass. Sometimes they are 4-6 abreast, and take up the entire width of the river, with no regard for other pleasure boats, and their ability to pass. Most times they are running about ~5-10mph, so I have to run at just above idle speed, they seem to never stop to allow anyone to go around(not that they have to I guess).
If they don't stop, or move over, I cannot pass, it can take me up to an hour to get out onto the Ohio. Tonight I was in a hurry to pick up some friends that were waiting, got on plane and went around them several times, staying as far away as I could. One of the coaches (in an outboard johnboat) yelled at me through his bullhorn. I stopped, and had a discussion with him. He said I am putting his kids in danger. Which I understand (I am responsible for my wake). But they have an attitude that this is their river, and no one else matters.
I am getting ready to send an email to the director, but wanted to get some feedback from this crew. Am I wrong? Is there anything you would suggest?
I feel like I am negotiating mine field sometimes, in order to get through all the scullers.
There is a local Jr. rowing club that has scullers (quads and 8 person) practicing on the small river. At times, they may have what appears to be 30-40 boats spread over 1-2 miles up and down the river. When I approach from the opposite direction, I am always courteous, and slow down to idle, as we pass.
When we are going in the same direction, they make it difficult/impossible to pass. Sometimes they are 4-6 abreast, and take up the entire width of the river, with no regard for other pleasure boats, and their ability to pass. Most times they are running about ~5-10mph, so I have to run at just above idle speed, they seem to never stop to allow anyone to go around(not that they have to I guess).
If they don't stop, or move over, I cannot pass, it can take me up to an hour to get out onto the Ohio. Tonight I was in a hurry to pick up some friends that were waiting, got on plane and went around them several times, staying as far away as I could. One of the coaches (in an outboard johnboat) yelled at me through his bullhorn. I stopped, and had a discussion with him. He said I am putting his kids in danger. Which I understand (I am responsible for my wake). But they have an attitude that this is their river, and no one else matters.
I am getting ready to send an email to the director, but wanted to get some feedback from this crew. Am I wrong? Is there anything you would suggest?
I feel like I am negotiating mine field sometimes, in order to get through all the scullers.
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