05-19-2004, 05:54 PM
I have mentioned several times the need to install paintball guns on my boat. Not to hit the people, but to put a few colorful marks on their boat that they spend hours polishing. I would never actually dare do this, but there needs to be some stricter enforcement.
I used to cruise Strawberry on smaller aluminum boats and was seriously rocked several times. One thing to keep in mind, if you ever lose any gear due to those boaters coming too close, they are personally and financially responsible for your loss. (This is actually stated in the boating laws) My $30 pole may suddenly become a $130 pole.
One thing for all boaters to keep in mind: That 150' wakeless zone doesn't mean you come right up to that range at full speed then lay off the throttle. The worst waves are caused either before you get up on plane, or as you are coming down off plane.
I have had way too many times where a person will come in and then kill the throttle right before they get to me, throwing huge waves at my boat. Just as bad or worse are the boaters that think they are being courteous by going slowly past you, but aren't patient enough to go wakeless. The speeds just before you climb up on plane can really throw some nasty waves. Please keep this in mind, especially when you are on lakes where there are smaller boats, pontoons, or float tubes. I'm sure the tubers have plenty to say in this area, too.
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I used to cruise Strawberry on smaller aluminum boats and was seriously rocked several times. One thing to keep in mind, if you ever lose any gear due to those boaters coming too close, they are personally and financially responsible for your loss. (This is actually stated in the boating laws) My $30 pole may suddenly become a $130 pole.
One thing for all boaters to keep in mind: That 150' wakeless zone doesn't mean you come right up to that range at full speed then lay off the throttle. The worst waves are caused either before you get up on plane, or as you are coming down off plane.
I have had way too many times where a person will come in and then kill the throttle right before they get to me, throwing huge waves at my boat. Just as bad or worse are the boaters that think they are being courteous by going slowly past you, but aren't patient enough to go wakeless. The speeds just before you climb up on plane can really throw some nasty waves. Please keep this in mind, especially when you are on lakes where there are smaller boats, pontoons, or float tubes. I'm sure the tubers have plenty to say in this area, too.
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