Was I really going too fast?

[jtexas]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

... If the ocean is glass flat and the sun is shining with < 5 mph winds, you open up the special memory compartment of your brain and start recording the smells, sounds, sights and feelings.
...

can I quote you on that?

 

[Philster]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

Go for it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

Originally Posted by Bond-o
Ayuh,... Anytime you are within 100' of another boat, land, or an obstruction,...
You're in a No Wake zone....

Right on Bondo. I am glad that someone pointed this out

Please remind me under what "Rule" is the 100 ft. regulation is spelled out.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

Please remind me under what "Rule" this regulation is spelled out.

In Pennsylvania 58PACode

? 103.3. Restriction for special areas.
(a) Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed when within 100 feet of the shore line; docks; launching ramps; swimmers or downed skiers; persons wading in the water; anchored, moored or drifting boats; floats, except for ski jumps and ski landing floats; or other areas so marked. This subsection does not apply in a zoned ski area or authorized ski return areas when those areas are found within the areas described in this subsection.

 

[skargo]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=no+wake+within+100'+law&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

 

[dingbat]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

In Pennsylvania 58PACode

? 103.3. Restriction for special areas.
(a) Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed when within 100 feet of the shore line; docks; launching ramps; swimmers or downed skiers; persons wading in the water; anchored, moored or drifting boats; floats, except for ski jumps and ski landing floats; or other areas so marked. This subsection does not apply in a zoned ski area or authorized ski return areas when those areas are found within the areas described in this subsection.

That is a State regulation which another State may, or may not, (Maryland does not)have on their books. It's also very specfiic as to what conditions this law applies. Simply passing with 100' of another boat does invoke the regulation as was suggested.

You also have the issue of what constitues "an impededament to the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway". You will get no mercy from the CG for anchoring on the edge of a navigational channel with unrestricted speeds.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

You should have sped up and made a u turn and then create the biggest wake possible.

 

[Philster]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

All this legal talk made me look up NJ Laws.

At 26.9 feet in length, my mufflers are a requirement. Don't think they're enforcing that one, but this is the kind of thing (non-enforcement) that creates the anarchy and danger we detest. Jeeze, the whole muffler requirement is highlited on their site. You cannot count the number of open-thru-hull exhausts even after just one hour on the water -- they're everywhere. I'd lose count at the marina, before the forklift dropped my boat in the drink.

Another 100' law: They did update PWC laws. They ain't allowed in a few canals, and they can't go airborn within 100' of another boat.

I have sooo many questions about their laws, and how/when/why they do/don't enforce some/all laws. Eh... I think I will just enjoy the wide open Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and then the Chesapeake come August.

I don't know how the hell you landlubbers and lakers do it. I really don't. Get ye to an ocean... at flank speed.

I like me some laws, but you wouldn't know they exist because it's pretty much chaos 'round these parts.

.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

Philster,

I spent one summer boating in NJ and I can say, chaos is the way of the water down there. I saw more boating situations in my short time boating down there than I have in the 24 other years in CT. Insane the stuff I saw.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

All this legal talk made me look up NJ Laws.

At 26.9 feet in length, my mufflers are a requirement. Don't think they're enforcing that one, but this is the kind of thing (non-enforcement) that creates the anarchy and danger we detest. Jeeze, the whole muffler requirement is highlited on their site. You cannot count the number of open-thru-hull exhausts even after just one hour on the water -- they're everywhere. I'd lose count at the marina, before the forklift dropped my boat in the drink.

If you come down to Md watch yourself. They put new noise regulations in place in place the first of the year and they are enforcing it, or at least using it an excuse

A person may not operate or give permission to operate a vessel on the waters of the State that emits a maximum noise level exceeding 90 dB(a).

 

[skargo]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

All this legal talk made me look up NJ Laws.

At 26.9 feet in length, my mufflers are a requirement. Don't think they're enforcing that one, but this is the kind of thing (non-enforcement) that creates the anarchy and danger we detest. Jeeze, the whole muffler requirement is highlited on their site. You cannot count the number of open-thru-hull exhausts even after just one hour on the water -- they're everywhere. I'd lose count at the marina, before the forklift dropped my boat in the drink.

Another 100' law: They did update PWC laws. They ain't allowed in a few canals, and they can't go airborn within 100' of another boat.

I have sooo many questions about their laws, and how/when/why they do/don't enforce some/all laws. Eh... I think I will just enjoy the wide open Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and then the Chesapeake come August.

I don't know how the hell you landlubbers and lakers do it. I really don't. Get ye to an ocean... at flank speed.

I like me some laws, but you wouldn't know they exist because it's pretty much chaos 'round these parts.

.

You're visiting the Chesapeake this August? I hope you hit the upper bay, I'd like to meet you.
There are all kinds of "go-fast" boats up here, lots of poker runs and benefit runs too.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

That is a State regulation which another State may, or may not, (Maryland does not)have on their books. It's also very specfiic as to what conditions this law applies. Simply passing with 100' of another boat does invoke the regulation as was suggested.

You also have the issue of what constitues "an impededament to the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway". You will get no mercy from the CG for anchoring on the edge of a navigational channel with unrestricted speeds.

That is a good point that you bring up. Not all regulations are the same in all states.

 

[mnewb1]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

very educational discussion

I am soaking up stuff like a sponge on this site...I just hope I retain it.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

I boat on a 10,000 acre Army Corps of Engineers lake in PA. The boating regs are enforced by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. I've had the 100' rule explained to me by a Fish Commission officer and at the end of the conversation I told him everyone at planing speed that we could see was breaking the law. I told him I felt it was almost unenforceable on our lake, and pointed out that he broke it when he ran into the little cove he was setting up his watch area in. He didn't disagree, but said that if they write you for it, you're probably gonna pay the fine. It's kind of a "gotcha" law, and it gives them a reason to pull you over and check what they really want to check you for...BUI.

To answer the OP's question, no I don't think you were going to fast. Maybe you ran in to one of those people who just have to be unhappy to enjoy themselves.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

Yea I like this. I didn't know about the 100' rule, but it may not be in effect in Louisiana.

Edit: I just checked, Louisiana does not have such a law. There is no law talking about any distance from any boat being a no-wake zone. The only distance rule we have is you must maintain 100' from a divers flag.

I figured some of you would like this rule. In Louisiana, the other boats, not the OP, would have been committing a crime.

INTERFERENCE WITH NAVIGATION:
No person shall operate any watercraft in a manner which shall unreasonably or unnecessarily interfere with other watercraft or with the free and proper navigation of the waterways of the state. Anchoring under bridges or in heavily traveled channels shall constitute such interference if unreasonable under the prevailing circumstances.

 

[Philster]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

You're visiting the Chesapeake this August? I hope you hit the upper bay, I'd like to meet you.
There are all kinds of "go-fast" boats up here, lots of poker runs and benefit runs too.

I actually will be down in Cape Charles. VA. I do boat the upper Chessie, but usually early in the season, either via the Sassafras or via the C&D canal. I live off the C&D in Delaware and summer in North Wildwood, NJ. We have a little joint down in Indian Acres, MD... but it's more about li'l boats there. This year, I had a late start and saw the C&D from the water just once for a test run.

July 28th, I am gonna have them take the boat off the rack and I will trailer her onto the Cape May-Lewes ferry, where we will then head down to Cape Charles, VA. That is the bottom of the Chessie. Yep... a boat on a boat! Saves 3.5 hours of driving!

Mufflers: I've got 'em. Two big red waterlift mufflers...a stock setup, believe it or not. Rare on a boat like this. I feel compliant wherever I go!

I'd like to meet some iboaters. Some of the most helpful people around.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

I feel the need to share my story from last night, as it pertains to the 100' rule.

Heading up river there are a lot of no wake zones (NWZ). There are stretches of water where you can run all out, but no more than 5 minutes later you are hit with a NWZ. The second NWZ north of my club is two small marinas side by side. At this point the channel runs out wide around the back side of an island. This island is a local hot spot for anchoring, swimming etc. There is room on the inside of the island to stop, but the water gets very shallow. A lot of boaters will use the outside of the island, out near the channel. On weekend, 30 or more boats might be in this area at any time. Normally this would be a pain, but the truth is the next NWZ is very close to where these boats raft up, and being how small it is, extended it to accompany them is usually no problem.

Please see the map below as to what happened to me. The RED boxes indicate the NWZs. The BLUE indicates the channel, and the BLACK spot indicates a 30' boat. He was the only boat in the area and was anchored more or less in the channel. No distress, just anchored, enjoying the day. I was coming north in the channel and noticed him. It ran through my head about the 100' rule. It also ran through my head the fact that if I split the difference between him and the outer shore I would be more than 100' from him. I proceeded through, got to the next NWZ and used that as my turn around spot.

Low and behold the local water police came up with the blue lights going. They informed me I should have slowed to a no wake for the anchored boat, due to being less than 100'. I appologized, we exchanged a "have a good night" and we were off. This time going back nice and slow as I passed.

So what do you guys think in this scenario? I understand the rules of the road and how to be kind to others. But kindness is a two way street. Am I at fault (not just by law, but by morals, etc...) for not slowing down and passing by slowely, or is he at fault for anchoring in the channel, at the narrowest section of the river not really allowing anyone the room to pass by more than 100' away.

BTW the map dimensions are deceiving. It makes this area look a lot wider than it truly is.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

Looks like you did fine to me. The Water Gestapo just got bored and felt like harassing you.

It also ran through my head the fact that if I split the difference between him and the outer shore I would be more than 100' from him.

Based on the scale of your map the river is about 500' wide where you show the other boat anchored. Means there should have been about 250' between the anchored boat and each bank. As you stated, you should have easily been more than 100' from the anchored boat if you split the difference between them and the shore.

I stay as far away from boats anchored in the channel as I can. On the other hand, if I'm anchored near a channel I expect to get wakes and it doesn't bother me. I view anchoring in a channel the same as stopping in the middle of the street. Don't be surprised when the other traffic keeps going about their business.

Always remember that you're special - just like everyone else in the world!

 

[45Auto]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

The river appears to be over 650' wide where you show the other boat anchored. If your description is accurate, you just ran into a couple of bored yahoos on the patrol boat who had nothing better to do. Did you have nice boat, or a nice looking wife/girlfriend on board? Those are the most popular reasons to stop boats around here ....

 

[dingbat]

Re: Was I really going too fast?

The problem with using generalities when discussing navigational situations are that every situation is different and local authorities enforce thing differently.

The first thing that jumps out at me in your situation is that I don?t see any navigational markers on that map. Don?t confuse the river?s ?channel? with a navigational ?channel?. They are two different things and two different rules apply.