Dangers of the ICW

[Jklotz]

Oh, and don't even get me started about those damn crab pots, right in the middle of the channel! What are these people thinking???

 

[psneeld]

Catching crabs.... I asked a few (pros and recreational) when I knew them.

 

[FWT]

VHF radio traffic can be enormously entertaining.

Coming through the narrow channels south of Norfolk I heard a tug captain pushing a barge do a wonderful job of being insistent but polite to a sailboat that refused to leave the dead center of the channel, leaving no room for the barge heading in the opposite direction. The irrational sailor was a real piece of work while the tug captain tried to explain the consequences.

On another occasion a large fast cruiser was abusing a displacement speed vessel for not going faster than displacement speed, causing the large fast vessel to go slower than he wanted for about 20 min until there was a wide enough spot to make a pass. The displacement guy was explaining displacement speed concepts, but it might as well have been in latin because the speed guy could not accept that it wasn't just a case of pressing the throttle.

You can tell when some captain has plugged in the "Bob Track" for that area, because those guys will not deviate. Self defense involves staying out of their way.

 

[Wtrguy]

Fishing boat getting run over on the Columbia River. Are these are the same people that set the cruise control in their RV and go make a sandwich?!?

 

[Frosty]

Fishing boat getting run over on the Columbia River.

Geez, that was painful to watch! Glad they jumped (smart).

Even more painful was the first comment. Geesh.

 

[porman]

Just yesterday we were following a 50 something foot Selene in the channel entering the Ballard locks when a large sportfisher left the Shilshole entrance on our left and went straight across the Selene's bow. Almost no time for the Selene to stop. Idiot.

 

[Portage_Bay]

Just yesterday we were following a 50 something foot Selene in the channel entering the Ballard locks when a large sportfisher left the Shilshole entrance on our left and went straight across the Selene's bow. Almost no time for the Selene to stop. Idiot.

My favorite Ballard locks story. Years ago during one of Seattle's big marine events with everyone and his uncle wanting to lock through. So many self important captains unable display the patience needed. One cut another off to get in first. The offended boater gave the lock master an earful over VHF 13. Eventually stopping for breath. At that point over 13 in a slow genuine southern drawl came. "Well you know, some people even drive their cars that way."