IME Audi drivers are by far the worst...
One word.........PAINTGUN
And just what do you suggest doing with your PAINTGUN recommendation? Are you suggesting using such device to property damage boats whose wakes cause annoyance?
I just logged in to this thread about wakers and would appreciate some advice. I try to be a considerate boater but sometimes find myself conflicted about the right thing to do. This last weekend I was returning from a SF Bay to Stockton cruise. The trip from Stockton CA to Sausalito is about 90 miles down the San Joaquin river. I know that I am responsible for my wake, and don't want to cause discomfort or injury to others. However, last weekend I found fishermen in flat bottom "bass boats" about every quarter mile. I cruise at about 9 knots and at that speed create a wake that will rock small boats. But if I reduce speed to idle for every fisherman in the deep water channel it will extend my trip to maybe 11 hours instead of 8 hours. I found myself thinking that if the fishermen didn't want to be rocked maybe they should be in one of the numerous side sloughs rather than the main channel,but clearly this thinking may be arrogant. I would appreciate your insight as to the proper course of action: does one try to slow for every boat, or is it OK to expect others to accept moderate wave conditions from vessels in transit? I do want to do the right thing. Appreciate any advice/suggestions.
Sometimes I signal passing wakers with one finger. And the wave of a camera.I can count on two fingers of boats asking about their proposed pass.
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I can count on just two fingers of boats asking about their proposed pass (Three Jeans [homeport Pittsburg] and FlyWright [homeport Vallejo].
Sailboats don't do radio. Honk your horn to say which side you'll pass. (Sailboaters brag they are more knowledgeable than power boaters, and will know the signal's meaning, but do not count on it.)
Even in my 6 knot boat I slow for some boats.
But re the fishermen you talk about I be think’in if they insist in fishing where the big boys are they should be prepared for the wakes that are standard fare for the bigger boats. However plowing along at 9 knots w most trawlers will make what I’d call an excessive wake. I don’t think the fishermen should have to deal w that .. or any other small boats. From the post you made it seems the San Joaquin River is a congested waterway. In congested waterways slowing to 6 knots should be a given.
When I see kayakers I slow a bit to 5.5 knots just because they may be beginners and would be terrified by my small wake. But out on the sound I make no such assumptions and continue at 6 knots. However w a bigger boat I would slow much more.
To get to reality we should have other opinions of those familiar w the river. Like probably Mark w his Coot that is good at throwing a wake.
The only times I've tried whistle signals, I've gotten the finger in reply. They think you are just honking at them. I don't generally use sound signals in passing situations as virtually zero recreational boaters understand them.
It's amazing how simply being nice can work wonders!!
I've found [while approaching a boat to pass] that the meaningless yet catchy horn "beeper" tune of...
beep [space] beep, beep, beep beeeeep [space] beep beep!
Is the tune "Shave and a haircut, two bits!"? Sounds like a cute idea but could be misinterpreted.
If overtaking in narrow channel or no wake zone I'll usually give the horn signal for such, but I keep the blasts very short. I do this, mainly, to make sure they know I'm there. Also, the short blasts aren't blasts at all, more like "toots".
I would get tired of using the horn on hundreds of boats a day.....
We enjoyed sailing for 25+ years and continue for the most part traveling at almost sailboat speed in our powerboat. There are exceptions for our low speed such as sea and weather conditions along with areas where the current is strong.
I believe too many are too sensitive to wakes!!! I remember a recent occasion when I was the recipient of the one finger wave passing through Wood’s Hole against a 5-6K current. Tough! I have no intention of stalling my vessel to accommodate one come at me who enjoys the benefits of the ongoing current.
On open waters there is usually plenty of time to adjust one’s course to avoid a close passage. But sailboats, at least around here are many times adamant to maintain their course whether on sail or power. I always try to give away the so called right of way and done so even back in my sailing days.
Call it what you want, but when in open waters expect what you get and try to maintain safety.
We enjoyed sailing for 25+ years and continue for the most part traveling at almost sailboat speed in our powerboat. There are exceptions for our low speed such as sea and weather conditions along with areas where the current is strong.
I believe too many are too sensitive to wakes!!! I remember a recent occasion when I was the recipient of the one finger wave passing through Wood’s Hole against a 5-6K current. Tough! I have no intention of stalling my vessel to accommodate one come at me who enjoys the benefits of the ongoing current.
"Hundreds" a day??? Wow! Busy guy!!
Typical Eastern ICW day....
And please stop reciting the ridiculous and incorrect law of tonnage rules.
The rules work if applied correctly, not the random zigzagging of people following rhymes not rules...
Although Rule 9 and the citation regarding operation with a following current apply to Western Rivers, the intent can be applied to many situations where a following current impedes the maneuverability of the downbound vessel. I think there could be a strong case made that the vessel with the following current certainly doesn't enjoy any "benefit" when it comes to maneuverability.
Perhaps the single finger wave had something to do with that?
It's amazing how simply being nice can work wonders!!
I've found [while approaching a boat to pass] that the meaningless yet catchy horn "beeper" tune of...
beep [space] beep, beep, beep beeeeep [space] beep beep!
And a friendly wave as we pass at reasonable speed works wonders.
Some times while broadside [especially if they are smiling or friendly waving] I use the megaphone to say... "Wishing you a fine day"!
If they don't get the point; and, are frowning or otherwise. My last megaphone broadcast is: "Best Wishes"!