Boating Etiquette

monzster · Aug 28, 2024

I haven't been boating long, compared to alot of other folks but am I wrong in thinking that there is some kind of "boating etiquette" as to passing other boaters that are stationary, or fishing or kayakers, canoers in a manner that you should slow down as to not create a wake. Or am I just being a "Karen". For some reason I see this alot, people blowing by full bore in their boats. I had this happen to me again this past weekend when I was in my plastic 10' pontoon. Boat took on some water. Luckily I had a scupper plug to drain it out while sitting.

airshot · Aug 28, 2024

It is called courtesy, not taught much anymore ! If folks are off to o the side, out of the way then steer clear or slow down, but I have saw folks sitting right in the main channel where they should not be and expect others to give way to them.
People take advantage of situations on both sides, glad I am as old as I am, because I can still remember back when this country was great as were the folks in it ! Today's generation are going to learn the hard way....

Stand Up · Aug 28, 2024

There's a ton of information about boating etiquette on the web. But you must be willing to employ the rules and courtesy.
Even a boating course gives you a good idea about etiquette.
Here in Alberta, you must be 100 ft from shore before making a big wake. If you want to be closer to the shore, your speed must be 6 mph or less. No wake making around stationary watercraft. You must slow down, be nice, maybe wave and then carry on.
There are a lot of things to know to safely boat around your lake and not p everyone off.

LDUBS · Aug 28, 2024

Even if they give a wide berth there will be a wake wave, but not nearly what it is when they blast by near you. The lake I frequent is large. I never understood why guys choose to race by near me when there is literally miles of open water. It does not happen a lot but when it does, it always seems to be the big glittery glass bass boat guys. IDK, maybe those big 200 HP motors are hard to turn at 50 mph. Had one guy once explain it is a smaller wake up on plane than if they are plowing through the water. Makes sense, but the guy didn't respond when I asked why when they see a stationary or trolling boat a quarter mile away they don't steer away when they have literally thousands of feet of room.

In reality, while I get PO'ed at the knucklehead move, what I really don't like is seeing them coming towards me and wondering if the guy is paying attention or going to run into my boat. Everyone has probably seen this video:

Stand Up · Aug 29, 2024

LDUBS said:
Even if they give a wide berth there will be a wake wave, but not nearly what it is when they blast by near you. The lake I frequent is large. I never understood why guys choose to race by near me when there is literally miles of open water. It does not happen a lot but when it does, it always seems to be the big glittery glass bass boat guys. IDK, maybe those big 200 HP motors are hard to turn at 50 mph. Had one guy once explain it is a smaller wake up on plane than if they are plowing through the water. Makes sense, but the guy didn't respond when I asked why when they see a stationary or trolling boat a quarter mile away they don't steer away when they have literally thousands of feet of room.
In reality, while I get PO'ed at the knucklehead move, what I really don't like is seeing them coming towards me and wondering if the guy is paying attention or going to run into my boat. Everyone has probably seen this video:

You can't fix stupidity, but you can make money from it. I guess the fishing ended early that day. Sheesh.

TriBull · Aug 29, 2024

As true so often in life, I think the Golden Rule applies. In any situation like that where I wonder what I should do, I simply imagine what I’d want if I were in their shoes. A good habit to practice I think… To me, exercising courtesy feels good! If that’s being a “Karen”, I could give a sh&t!

OldSailor85 · Aug 29, 2024

monzster said:
I haven't been boating long, compared to alot of other folks but am I wrong in thinking that there is some kind of "boating etiquette" as to passing other boaters that are stationary, or fishing or kayakers, canoers in a manner that you should slow down as to not create a wake. Or am I just being a "Karen". For some reason I see this alot, people blowing by full bore in their boats. I had this happen to me again this past weekend when I was in my plastic 10' pontoon. Boat took on some water. Luckily I had a scupper plug to drain it out while sitting.

They are called "Rules of the Road". I know it's water, but I didn't come up with the name.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/NavRules/

Learn them, love them. know them.

Amazing, most boats don't have a horn or bell (or even a whistle). Funny, a guy has a $75,000 bass boat and a hand-held little air horn. And your horn, for the most part, isn't for beeping hello

FWIW - In Ohio, it's no wake 300 feet from shore. Inland lakes it's no wake everywhere after dark.

Unfortunately, there are no rules against being a jerk. As usual, just treat people and their boat the way you would want to be treated.

Have fun, stay safe.

monzster · Aug 29, 2024

Stand Up said:
There's a ton of information about boating etiquette on the web. But you must be willing to employ the rules and courtesy.
Even a boating course gives you a good idea about etiquette.
Here in Alberta, you must be 100 ft from shore before making a big wake. If you want to be closer to the shore, your speed must be 6 mph or less. No wake making around stationary watercraft. You must slow down, be nice, maybe wave and then carry on.
There are a lot of things to know to safely boat around your lake and not p everyone off.

Here in VA we are not required to take a course unless you run an above 9.9 horse power outboard, which I dont but lately been thinking it wouldnt hurt to take one.

monzster · Aug 29, 2024

OldSailor85 said:
They are called "Rules of the Road". I know it's water, but I didn't come up with the name.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/NavRules/

Learn them, love them. know them.

Amazing, most boats don't have a horn or bell (or even a whistle). Funny, a guy has a $75,000 bass boat and a hand-held little air horn. And your horn, for the most part, isn't for beeping hello

FWIW - In Ohio, it's no wake 300 feet from shore. Inland lakes it's no wake everywhere after dark.

Unfortunately, there are no rules against being a jerk. As usual, just treat people and their boat the way you would want to be treated.

Have fun, stay safe.

Thanks for the link, will definitely read that later. I have a whistle on my jon and a manual pump horn for my plastic pontoon but recently seen a video of a guy who installed a car horn on his plastic boat never though to do that but think I may.

kazzer · Aug 29, 2024

airshot said:
It is called courtesy, not taught much anymore ! If folks are off to o the side, out of the way then steer clear or slow down, but I have saw folks sitting right in the main channel where they should not be and expect others to give way to them.
People take advantage of situations on both sides, glad I am as old as I am, because I can still remember back when this country was great as were the folks in it ! Today's generation are going to learn the hard way....

I live on the Erie Canal and see it all. Day boats are bad as are these darned noisy jet ski boats. There a speed limit that many completely ignore, and many 'no wake' areas. The latter is a real problem as many boaters traveling in opposite directions do not slow down. We have several rowing clubs as well as many kayaks & SUPs. The narrow width of the canal causes a wake to rattle back across the canal and in places where there are concrete walls, this can take 15 minutes or so for the water to settle down. Some area are embankment dams and heavy wave action can cause erosion of the dam. Idiots and fools abound.

Livn · Aug 29, 2024

Given miles of open water, even rules fly out the window for many. I don’t know why. I’m the opposite, when I’m somewhere where rules are harder to enforce, I’m especially aware and courteous. It’s common sense, I didn’t learn it. Even when 3 or 4 of us are obviously fishing an area, other boats (not even bigger) will motor right on by, over lines etc. It’s bewildering to me.

OldSailor85 · Aug 29, 2024

I grew up in various boats on Lake Erie, from 16 to 44 feet. I was also a professional mariner on The Great Lakes and a Maritime Academy graduate. Needless to say, I've spent a few hours on the water.

I've witnessed a lot of stupidity. One of the best was a sailboat who thought he had "Right of Way" over a nearly 700-foot long ship in restricted waters. Hey, sailboats "always have the Right of Way, right?"

Should have seen his eyes bug out as his boat bounced off our bow. I was off duty and had a direct view of the idiot. Lucky he lived and kept his boat.

The cretins on jet skies playing around our prop wash are prime candidates for a Darwin Award.

A few boats have been crushed where docks clearly state "NO RAFTING". There's a reason you shouldn't be out in the middle of the river.

LDUBS · Aug 30, 2024

In the car I drive defensively and prioritize avoiding an accident over who has the right of way. I do the same in the boat.

My state implemented a boater's card requirement back in 2018, like a boat driver's license. It was rolled out by age groups in 5 year increments. I'm in the last group that must have it by 1/1/25. This should at least make folks aware of the rules. It is counter to the objective that one of the exemptions is for people who rent a boat -- the very folk who are likely to be least experienced.

OldSailor85 · Aug 30, 2024

LDUBS said:
In the car I drive defensively and prioritize avoiding an accident over who has the right of way. I do the same in the boat.

As we all should.

Unfortunately, we all know what's out there.

Billy H · Aug 30, 2024

The one lake I frequent has seen a huge uptick of people in plastic kayaks and paddleboards in recent years. Back before all this it was not very common to see folks breaking the rules of courtesy. Now a lot of these kayak and paddle boarders feel they have some kind of right of way. They constantly paddle right into the path of powered boats, sit idle in channels, cut right in front of guys stationary fishing, not to mention what they do at the ramp. See it every time out. Bunch of entitled yahoos. I do not feel bad for those types when they get blasted by a power boat. That said there are some super respectful people on paddle craft as well, but definitely a minority. When you hit the lake several times a week you get to know who’s who.

Tin Man · Aug 30, 2024

Unfortunately, there are no "etiquette" related questions, at least, on the CA Boater Card nor on USCG courses for recreational boaters (that I can recall). I possess the CA Boater Card and USCG certifications.

I have been boating since 1980. It just dawned on me that I have split the last 44 years of boating between sailing vessels and power driven vessels almost in half. I sailed exclusively between 1980 and 2000. Then I moved inland (approx. 100 miles from coast) in 2000 and started power boating (local sailing in smallish lakes/reservoirs just wasn't the same as ocean sailing).

Since 1980, I took USCG classes and received certifications in Navigation and Sailing Skills and Seamanship.
In all of my courses (USCG and CA Boater Card) and other formal learning, I have never seen or have been asked questions, on any exam, about "etiquette."

KPH/MPH, oncoming vessels, right of way, and other safety precautions are abound in most formal boating and education courses. They are based on local, state, and fed laws/regulations.

I rented a boat once in AZ and was required by the local vendor to take a 45 min safety course before I could rent a boat, regardless of my USCG certifications I did not yet have my CA Boater Card). This course was not required in other rental facilities throughout AZ at that time, hence local requirements.

I agree that boat owners and rental boat vendors need to have some sort of safety (and etiquette) course requirement. As of 01-01-25, ALL CA boaters, regardless of age, will need to possess the CA Boater Card while operating a motor driven vessel. This requirement may be the first in the US.

Not sure how to tackle an "etiquette" requirement for boaters. Perhaps it is similar to driving. Some drivers are conscientious and courteous... and some will simply flip you off!

LDUBS · Aug 30, 2024

Tin Man said:
Unfortunately, there are no "etiquette" related questions, at least, on the CA Boater Card nor on USCG courses for recreational boaters (that I can recall). I possess the CA Boater Card and USCG certifications.

I have been boating since 1980. It just dawned on me that I have split the last 44 years of boating between sailing vessels and power driven vessels almost in half. I sailed exclusively between 1980 and 2000. Then I moved inland (approx. 100 miles from coast) in 2000 and started power boating (local sailing in smallish lakes/reservoirs just wasn't the same as ocean sailing).

Since 1980, I took USCG classes and received certifications in Navigation and Sailing Skills and Seamanship.
In all of my courses (USCG and CA Boater Card) and other formal learning, I have never seen or have been asked questions, on any exam, about "etiquette."

KPH/MPH, oncoming vessels, right of way, and other safety precautions are abound in most formal boating and education courses. They are based on local, state, and fed laws/regulations.

I rented a boat once in AZ and was required by the local vendor to take a 45 min safety course before I could rent a boat, regardless of my USCG certifications I did not yet have my CA Boater Card). This course was not required in other rental facilities throughout AZ at that time, hence local requirements.

I agree that boat owners and rental boat vendors need to have some sort of safety (and etiquette) course requirement. As of 01-01-25, ALL CA boaters, regardless of age, will need to possess the CA Boater Card while operating a motor driven vessel. This requirement may be the first in the US.

Not sure how to tackle an "etiquette" requirement for boaters. Perhaps it is similar to driving. Some drivers are conscientious and courteous... and some will simply flip you off!

Boaters need to simply understand that, regardless of right of way, they are responsible for safe operation (including wake damage to a stationary fisherman).

I need to start studying the material for the CA boater's card.

monzster · Aug 31, 2024

Billy H said:
The one lake I frequent has seen a huge uptick of people in plastic kayaks and paddleboards in recent years. Back before all this it was not very common to see folks breaking the rules of courtesy. Now a lot of these kayak and paddle boarders feel they have some kind of right of way. They constantly paddle right into the path of powered boats, sit idle in channels, cut right in front of guys stationary fishing, not to mention what they do at the ramp. See it every time out. Bunch of entitled yahoos. I do not feel bad for those types when they get blasted by a power boat. That said there are some super respectful people on paddle craft as well, but definitely a minority. When you hit the lake several times a week you get to know who’s who.

I get it with the kayakers, when I had to quit fishing for health reasons back in the day there were boat ramps at several of the little rivers we use to go to. When I got back into it a few years back I went to these places after getting my jon boat only to find they had filled in the ramps and put in kayak slips. The reason I had to buy a plastic pontoon. The jon was just to heavy to put on the slip by myself. One day I get blasted by a yacker telling me I could not use the slip with my boat and that motors were not allowed in the river In which there was a hand written sign posted which I did not see. Upon contacting my game commission I was told that if I can get my boat on the slip I can use it. As far as the motor that was false and most likely written by a group. I keep that email on my phone. When asked about the why the ramps were removed I was told that was a County thing I would need to talk with them. Most rivers that do have ramps (not in my county) where I go are single ramps and it is a pain to have to wait for a bunch of them to get their stuff together. Most seem to be on "yacker time" and dont care how long they take, talk and BS drinking their coffee. When Im fishing Im not in a rush but come on seriously.

Billy H · Aug 31, 2024

monzster said:
I get it with the kayakers, when I had to quit fishing for health reasons back in the day there were boat ramps at several of the little rivers we use to go to. When I got back into it a few years back I went to these places after getting my jon boat only to find they had filled in the ramps and put in kayak slips. The reason I had to buy a plastic pontoon. The jon was just too heavy to put on the slip by myself. One day I get blasted by a yacker telling me I could not use the slip with my boat and that motors were not allowed in the river In which there was a hand written sign posted which I did not see. Upon contacting my game commission I was told that if I can get my boat on the slip I can use it. As far as the motor that was false and most likely written by a group. I keep that email on my phone. When asked about the why the ramps were removed I was told that was a County thing I would need to talk with them. Most rivers that do have ramps (not in my county) where I go are single ramps and it is a pain to have to wait for a bunch of them to get their stuff together. Most seem to be on "yacker time" and dont care how long they take, talk and BS drinking their coffee. When Im fishing Im not in a rush but come on seriously.

That’s a shame. The lake I mentioned is pretty big and there are four boat ramps in different areas. The ramp I use is a single but you could squeeze two in a pinch. At this ramp 25 yards off to one side they installed a gravel ramp specifically for kayaks but many still choose to dilly dally at the ramp without a care in the world. They actually spent big bucks and installed a kayak specific aluminum adaptive dock and launch at the lake that even those with physical handicaps can use it as well. I’ve never seen it used.

Like I said not all those that paddle are like that. I’ve met some fine folks that do the yak thing. Some folks have probably never been on the water in the past and just don’t know, but plenty just don’t care.

wis bang · Aug 31, 2024

I use Haycock ramp a lot which just happens to be the one closest to the one off-lake rental and they even have racks to hold the yacks while they get their cars along with a nice place for them and they still get in the way....
Now near the launch and part way down towards the dam I will throttle back when near them but my tiny 3.5 on my Jon doesn't compare to those with twenty horses..

Boating Etiquette

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