Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

[Doernuth]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

30KPH is 34.6 mph.

If KPH is Knots per hour then this is correct.

If KPH is Kilometers per hour, the standard in Canada, then this is not correct and the aforementioned 18.? is correct.

It was my understanding that KPH was Kilometers and kPH was knots, is this not the correct shorthand?

Either way that boat went clear into a houseboat and destroyed the structure, Im not a nautical reconstructionist but Ill bet he was going faster that that.

As to drinking, I will have a few on the boat, but never if im going to be moving the boat. The captain stays sober when underway. Passengers drink responsibly and are subject to the captains rules at ALL times.

People who operate any type of vehicle under the influence are a danger to all those around them.

People who have a drinking problem should seek help before they go to jail. Having been around several people who have alcohol problems I know how difficult this can be but as they say the first step is recognizing that they have a problem.

Also there is a BIG difference between an alcoholic and a dumb a**.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

As to drinking, I will have a few on the boat, but never if im going to be moving the boat. The captain stays sober when underway. Passengers drink responsibly and are subject to the captains rules at ALL times.

People who operate any type of vehicle under the influence are a danger to all those around them.
.

Agreed. The captain has the last word, and I have cut people off, and kicked people off my boat in the past.

I, personally, think it is cop out to blame it on anything other than yourself. It is a choice to pick up that 24 pack and drink it and then get behind the wheel.

We, as a society, blame way too much on outside forces or other people. I have such a hard time getting my 11 year old daughter to take responsibility for her own actions. She loses something, its someone elses fault, she breaks something, blames it on someone else. Sorry, NO. People need to take responsibility for their own actions.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

About 25 years ago, I was hit by a drunk driver. I spent a week in the hospital with a brain iinjury and many more weeks recovering. A passenger in his car was killed - a 28 year old woman. He had no driver's license because of multiple, previous DWI charges. He was charged with speeding, reckless driving, DUI, "death by auto," open container, operating a vehicle with no insurance, operating a vehicle without a license, and probably a few other things.

I was driving the speed limit in a six month old car, had not had a single drink not just the day of the accident, but actually for weeks before the accident. I reacted to the impending crash exactly as I should have and could not have avoided it. At that time, police departments still assigned blame for crashes in my area and I was determined by a county sheriff's office not to be at fault, at all.

I was sued. The family of the woman sued me, as my attorney put it, just for "being there." Well, that and having unusually high insurance coverage. They got about a half a million dollars. So, I wasn't speeding, I was driving a new car in excellent shape, tried everything humanly possible to avoid an accident that was caused by someone else and was damn near killed, yet I was treated as if the tragedy of the woman's death was my fault.

Now that the ridiculousness of this has had a chance to sink in, think about what would have happened if I had even one drink or beer, before the accident. According to my attorney, the settlement would have been a lot higher than what it was.

You can moan about "your rights" all you want, but it won't help you, when some lawyer is trying to take what he should have no right to take.



???

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

About 25 years ago, I was hit by a drunk driver. I spent a week in the hospital with a brain iinjury and many more weeks recovering. A passenger in his car was killed - a 28 year old woman. He had no driver's license because of multiple, previous DWI charges. He was charged with speeding, reckless driving, DUI, "death by auto," open container, operating a vehicle with no insurance, operating a vehicle without a license, and probably a few other things.

I was driving the speed limit in a six month old car, had not had a single drink not just the day of the accident, but actually for weeks before the accident. I reacted to the impending crash exactly as I should have and could not have avoided it. At that time, police departments still assigned blame for crashes in my area and I was determined by a county sheriff's office not to be at fault, at all.

I was sued. The family of the woman sued me, as my attorney put it, just for "being there." Well, that and having unusually high insurance coverage. They got about a half a million dollars. So, I wasn't speeding, I was driving a new car in excellent shape, tried everything humanly possible to avoid an accident that was caused by someone else and was damn near killed, yet I was treated as if the tragedy of the woman's death was my fault.

Now that the ridiculousness of this has had a chance to sink in, think about what would have happened if I had even one drink or beer, before the accident. According to my attorney, the settlement would have been a lot higher than what it was.

You can moan about "your rights" all you want, but it won't help you, when some lawyer is trying to take what he should have no right to take.



???

I hear ya. My buddy was involved in a similar situation and is now being sued. He left my house at about midnight one night, not drinking. Some kid in a Mustang GT blew by him on a curvy road. About 3 or 4 curves later my buddy came around the corner and there was what was left of the Mustang sitting in the middle of the road. The driver was in the woods, one of the doors was wrapped around a tree 20ft in the air about 500 yards away. The dead body of the passenger was in the middle of the road. My buddy could not stop and partially ran over the dead body. It was determined that he was dead before my buddy hit him, but they are still suing him. The driver of the other car, one year later, is finally being charged with DUI manslaughter. That doesnt change the fact that my buddy is getting sued. Not even involved in the accident.

So yep you are right. A single beer, due to our wonderful government and some ridiculous laws, gives lawyers amunition.

 

[skargo]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

If KPH is Knots per hour then this is correct.

If KPH is Kilometers per hour, the standard in Canada, then this is not correct and the aforementioned 18.? is correct.

It was my understanding that KPH was Kilometers and kPH was knots, is this not the correct shorthand?

Either way that boat went clear into a houseboat and destroyed the structure, Im not a nautical reconstructionist but Ill bet he was going faster that that.

As to drinking, I will have a few on the boat, but never if im going to be moving the boat. The captain stays sober when underway. Passengers drink responsibly and are subject to the captains rules at ALL times.

People who operate any type of vehicle under the influence are a danger to all those around them.

People who have a drinking problem should seek help before they go to jail. Having been around several people who have alcohol problems I know how difficult this can be but as they say the first step is recognizing that they have a problem.

Also there is a BIG difference between an alcoholic and a dumb a**.

I agree, I missed the entire fact that it happened in Canada. :redface:

 

[45Auto]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

The story specifically said "30 km/h", so I'm pretty sure the 18.5 MPH (actually 18.64) is right. It wasn't knots.

 

[skargo]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

The story specifically said "30 km/h", so I'm pretty sure the 18.5 MPH (actually 18.64) is right. It wasn't knots.

OKOKOK how many times do I have to say I missed it, jeez.

We've already determined that had to be wrong anyway, so what's the point other than you needing to be right?

Calm down, go boating and everything will be OK

 

[gypsysoul]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I just have to ask this. I don't know about florida's law's. but I thought even if you can legaly have a blood alcohol percentage, You still can't operate a motorvehicle/vessel with a open container? I know on the west coast cruising down the river with a cold one, get's your boat impounded. was just wondering if it was different in Florida.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I just have to ask this. I don't know about florida's law's. but I thought even if you can legaly have a blood alcohol percentage, You still can't operate a motorvehicle/vessel with a open container? I know on the west coast cruising down the river with a cold one, get's you boat impounded. was just wondering if it was different in Florida.

From a Fla. boating course, it's a little complicated.....:
Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Florida's laws against boating while impaired by alcohol or other drugs are as strict as those for driving a vehicle while impaired. Florida law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). That is, it is illegal to operate any vessel or to manipulate any water skis, sailboard, or similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction time. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

Florida law states that a person is considered to be "under the influence" if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to a degree which impairs his or her normal abilities. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to 0.08 also may indicate a person is "under the influence" if accompanied by other competent evidence.

Florida law establishes the following penalties.

Those convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs will:
Be fined up to $500 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for a first conviction.
Be fined up to $1,000 and imprisoned for up to 9 months for a second conviction.
Be fined up to $2,500 and imprisoned for up to one year for a third conviction.
If involved in a boating accident causing property damage, injury, or death while boating under the influence, the operator has committed a felony.
By operating any vessel on Florida waters, you have consented to be tested for the presence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances if requested by a peace officer. Refusal to submit to testing is punishable by a civil penalty of $500 and is also a crime if you have ever been fined for a previous refusal.

Florida law has special provisions for operators under 21 years of age.

It is unlawful for a person under 21 years of age who has any measurable blood alcohol concentration (0.02 or higher) to operate a vessel.
If convicted, those under 21 years of age will be required to complete 50 hours of public service, attend and successfully complete an approved classroom boater education course (even if one has been completed previously), and successfully complete a four-hour online course specifically for violators. The convicted person will lose his or her operating privilege until all requirements are completed.
A person under 21 years of age who refuses to submit to a breath test after a warning will be subject to performing 50 hours of public service and may not operate a vessel until the public service is completed.
.02 Law
Florida takes a strong stand against underage drinking while operating a vessel. Commonly referred to as the ".02 Law," those boaters under 21 years of age who are found with a measurable breath alcohol level of 0.02 or higher are subject to receiving a citation with minimum mandatory sentencing. If a person under 21 is above a 0.08 breath alcohol concentration, he or she also can be charged with BUI.

Tough Penalties!
Any person who is convicted of BUI can be fined up to $5,000 and be sentenced to one year in jail if he or she had a blood alcohol or breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher or was accompanied in the vessel by a person under 18 years of age at the time of the offense.

$250 Reward!
There is a $250 reward for information leading to a BUI arrest. Call *FWC from a mobile phone, or 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

 

[Red_BOFUS]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I love a good drink myself, enjoy it and do it when I can.

When I am at the helm of my boat or the wheel of my car, I do not drink at all. I usually have my wife and children with me and they are far more important to me than the drink. I also feel it requires a higher level of alertness on my part that I took on when I placed myself behind the wheel.

I do not condemn those who do, we each have to make our own choices in life and take on whatever those do or do not bring with them. Accidents happen with impaired and unimpaired people.

The story is sad, because on fool destroyed lives because he lacked self control.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I just have to ask this. I don't know about florida's law's. but I thought even if you can legaly have a blood alcohol percentage, You still can't operate a motorvehicle/vessel with a open container? I know on the west coast cruising down the river with a cold one, get's you boat impounded. was just wondering if it was different in Florida.

It is illegal to have an open container in a motorvehicle in Florida, however boats have a differant law. The penalties are incredibly stiff if you are above the limit, however, and this is according to the FWC officers that I know, you are allowed to have open containers in the boat.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

From a Fla. boating course, it's a little complicated.....:
Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Florida's laws against boating while impaired by alcohol or other drugs are as strict as those for driving a vehicle while impaired. Florida law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). That is, it is illegal to operate any vessel or to manipulate any water skis, sailboard, or similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction time. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

Florida law states that a person is considered to be "under the influence" if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to a degree which impairs his or her normal abilities. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to 0.08 also may indicate a person is "under the influence" if accompanied by other competent evidence.

Florida law establishes the following penalties.

Those convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs will:
Be fined up to $500 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for a first conviction.
Be fined up to $1,000 and imprisoned for up to 9 months for a second conviction.
Be fined up to $2,500 and imprisoned for up to one year for a third conviction.
If involved in a boating accident causing property damage, injury, or death while boating under the influence, the operator has committed a felony.
By operating any vessel on Florida waters, you have consented to be tested for the presence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances if requested by a peace officer. Refusal to submit to testing is punishable by a civil penalty of $500 and is also a crime if you have ever been fined for a previous refusal.

Florida law has special provisions for operators under 21 years of age.

It is unlawful for a person under 21 years of age who has any measurable blood alcohol concentration (0.02 or higher) to operate a vessel.
If convicted, those under 21 years of age will be required to complete 50 hours of public service, attend and successfully complete an approved classroom boater education course (even if one has been completed previously), and successfully complete a four-hour online course specifically for violators. The convicted person will lose his or her operating privilege until all requirements are completed.
A person under 21 years of age who refuses to submit to a breath test after a warning will be subject to performing 50 hours of public service and may not operate a vessel until the public service is completed.
.02 Law
Florida takes a strong stand against underage drinking while operating a vessel. Commonly referred to as the ".02 Law," those boaters under 21 years of age who are found with a measurable breath alcohol level of 0.02 or higher are subject to receiving a citation with minimum mandatory sentencing. If a person under 21 is above a 0.08 breath alcohol concentration, he or she also can be charged with BUI.

Tough Penalties!
Any person who is convicted of BUI can be fined up to $5,000 and be sentenced to one year in jail if he or she had a blood alcohol or breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher or was accompanied in the vessel by a person under 18 years of age at the time of the offense.

$250 Reward!
There is a $250 reward for information leading to a BUI arrest. Call *FWC from a mobile phone, or 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

OK well there ya go. I should have read further before answering earlier. LOL

 

[WOJO 1]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I wasnt referring to the dumbass that drove his boat into the back of a houseboat and killed several people. YES that is illegal to do that. WHere most of us live it is not illegal to drink on your boat, unless it is posted, like a state park or the like. I was referring to WOJO 1 who said it was "stupidity" to have a beer on your boat. To have a beer on your boat is NOT illegal.

I suppose it was that "stupidity" line he used that irritated me most. Trust me, my fat *** drinking 6 beers over the course of a 12 hour day out on the boat is not gonna put me over the limit. Especially when I drink 2 bottles of water for every bottle of beer. I know I am not drunk because we have a buddy that is a police officer and he let us play with his breathalyzer. I am not getting drunk on the water. Not only do I have to drive the boat to a ramp, but then I have to load it up and drive the truck and trailer home.

I just hear all the time on these boards when a tragedy(and this is a terrible tragedy)happens they blame it on the alcohol instead of the individual that did it. It is not the beer's fault that guy doesnt know when to stop.

I could go on and on, but I will not. It just irks me when people call me stupid or condemn me for having a damn beer!! Especially when I am perfectly legal in doing so.

DUDE, lighten up and go have a beer. Gettin the jitters are ya. I'll say it again and then I am done with this one. You do things your way and I will do things my way. I do not drink when my boat is in the water. Plain and simple. I don't need a beer that bad. If the stupidity comment, which was about the original story by the way, got to YOU then so be it. I sure don't remember calling you stupid or condemning you personally. Let it go. I'm done.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

DUDE, lighten up and go have a beer. Gettin the jitters are ya. I'll say it again and then I am done with this one. You do things your way and I will do things my way. I do not drink when my boat is in the water. Plain and simple. I don't need a beer that bad. If the stupidity comment, which was about the original story by the way, got to YOU then so be it. I sure don't remember calling you stupid or condemning you personally. Let it go. I'm done.

I think everyone is long past that now.

 

[gypsysoul]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

Cool, now we are all friends again!

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

Every summer we have Sea Fair, summer events ending with Hydro races on Lake Washington and the Blue Angles flying. Last summer (2009) the police arrested over 100 people for BUI (Boating Under the Influence). This year they had a barge parked on shore with 10 breath-a-lizers and 2 holding cells.
Sea Fair ended yesterday so this years #s aren't out yet.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

Every summer we have Sea Fair, summer events ending with Hydro races on Lake Washington and the Blue Angles flying. Last summer (2009) the police arrested over 100 people for BUI (Boating Under the Influence). This year they had a barge parked on shore with 10 breath-a-lizers and 2 holding cells.
Sea Fair ended yesterday so this years #s aren't out yet.

That happens every holiday around here.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

Drink responsibly folks. We do bring beer with us on the boat, I wont lie. It is just part of the boating day. But damnit, we all need to be responsible about it. Especially if you are driving.

 

[scrat]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I don't care if you have a beer or two on my boat. I personally do not drink while on mine because I'm usually the one driving. If an accident occurs, your fault or not, and you test for any presence of alcohol, in many cases you will be presumed the guilty party even if not over the limit. Also if someone drinks to much, I cut them off ( I AM the captain). If thye don't like it, I take them back to the dock. If we are to far out, I have been know to pour out the beer. No Hard liquor allowed... MY Boat, MY Rules. I don't care what you do on YOUR boat as long as it doesn't impact me.

 

[Thad]

Re: Sad Story - Do not Drink and Boat

I feel bad for the people on the house boat and the family of the victim.

I have no sympathy for the operator of the other boat.