Drivers License for Boaters

[phleb0rose]

I have to say that being a "newbie" to boat ownership may probably make us a little more conscious about driving the boat. But, when we were out on the lake on Sat. I was appalled at how many people were driving like idiots! I'm sure being the 4th of July had somewhat of an impact on the number of people on the water. But, after witnessing so many "close calls" I really feel that every boater should go thru some type of driving course. After my husband encouraged me to drive the boat I realized that they don't respond like a car, the steering is quite different to get used to. (Maybe it's because ours in an older boat) Not used to being on the bigger lakes (had a 12 ft alum that we used to putt around in and fish small lakes) I was a nervous wreck from watching people drive the boats without a care in the world about who or what was around them. The jet skiers were probably the worst offenders, cutting right out in front of us and riding next to us (3 on one jet ski and trying to pull a fourth person on a board)
We finally ended up going to the shallow end of the lake and anchoring there away from everyone. I do have to say that the ODNR showed up all the boats went from one end of the lake to the other and back again. Within an hour most boats and jet skiers had left the water and we had a peaceful evening.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

Welcome to the forums First of all I love your Starcraft Islander, those have been my favorite boats to check out since I was like 10 years old

As far as people driving boats like maniacs, the 4th of July and Labor Day are the holidays to look out for the crazies

There will always be novice boater/drunk boaters causing problems and that will never change but you can be safe by practicing defensive driving and maybe boating at secluded waters...that's what I do since I like privacy for a few different reasons

As far as the steering, boats do not handle at all like cars despite the wheels being similar, I would think you will get used to the delays, lags and intricacies of your vessels steering program. If you want it to feel smooth and be more responsive you could add hydraulic steering.

What's the Islander powered with?

 

[david_r]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

i agree about the driver license for boaters...................... seems like everyone else here does too.


you would think with all the stupid laws they come up with they would at least have the sense to know a boat is more dangerous than an auto................ an needs to be treated as such.

i also think everyone should have to have insurance.... at least liability.

mine is $36 a year for liability......full coverage would be a waste of money imo, at least for my boat anyways ......... its a load off my mind. accidents happen.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

nj,ny,ct require a license,and a boaters safety course for all effective this june. maybe next year will be liability insurance, and a boater ability test, but again on our larges lake with the state police present, 4 out of 5 boaters had expired registrations. who knows if the operators had licenses.

 

[phleb0rose]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

Thanks, I like her too It's powered with a 140 hp Merc. she rides pretty high in the bow though. I am short and have to stand on tip toes when hubby has her going fast. We just bought her with all accessories for 3k it was a very lucky find were weren't even really looking to buy a boat Just bought her on a whim. I think we'll get lots of years out of her. As far as insurance, we bought full coverage for 180 for a year. I would rather be safe than sorry.

Well I just answered my own question on her name.....ON A WHIM

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

ON A WHIM

Sounds like a great name and welcome to iboats.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

Part of boating is dealing with the idiots unfortunately. When you try to keep clear of the jet fleas they follow you most times. Watch all around at all times and take the safest course of action to avoid any potential dangers.
Nice boat and welcome aboard.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

Part of boating is dealing with the idiots unfortunately. When you try to keep clear of the jet fleas they follow you most times.

If that is an issue then I'd recommend trailering the Islander and driving her up to the northeast part of lower Michigan and taker "On a Whim" for a cruise in Lake Huron. The water stays cold enough to keep jetfleas at bay and in my opinion those Islanders were specifically designed to handle the big lakes weather and waves with ease.

As far as the bow kicking up a bit, does the boat have trim tabs(aka smart tabs)? That sure would help in that regard if the lower unit tilt/trim doesn't take care of it. Another option is to keep a very large cooler full of beer/food/ice in the cuddy cabin up front

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

got mine except its a safety education card

 

[phleb0rose]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

If that is an issue then I'd recommend trailering the Islander and driving her up to the northeast part of lower Michigan and taker "On a Whim" for a cruise in Lake Huron. The water stays cold enough to keep jetfleas at bay and in my opinion those Islanders were specifically designed to handle the big lakes weather and waves with ease.

As far as the bow kicking up a bit, does the boat have trim tabs(aka smart tabs)? That sure would help in that regard if the lower unit tilt/trim doesn't take care of it. Another option is to keep a very large cooler full of beer/food/ice in the cuddy cabin up front

Taking "On a Whim" up to Lake Huron sounds great. I think as we need to get a little more comfortable with her first. I hate to admit I somewhat of a "chicken" for the bigger water, but hopefully by next year we will be "seasoned" enough to not be considered "newbies" We may have to look you up and you can show us around a bit

As for the trim tabs, no we don't have them, but will invest ASAP. The cooler option sounds like a winner also!

 

[phleb0rose]

Re: Drivers License for Boaters

Oh no, I don't think we can name our boat "On a Whim", There is a 1990 ChrisCraft with that name already owned by asdasc, I found it in the boat names forum. Wonder if "Out of the Blue" is taken?? Maybe we can name her "On a N'ocean" (Notion)