CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

Nothing surprises me anymore. I think it’s good to watch these boat fails. They show you how many different ways things can go bad. They can give you ideas of things to look out for, things to avoid , equipment to double check. They serve as a reminder that you really need to keep your wits about you at all times out there it’s very easy to make little mistakes that can turn into big mistakes. Even if you do everything right and take every precaution you can be the victim of someone else’s stupidity.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

And too many times, alcohol is involved.

JoeT73 Loc: Punta Gorda Florida

Right our government is nothing but idiot's, I'm in Florida and the idiot's that are out on the water are unbelievable. People are constantly being hit by boats at the beach. Something needs to be done.

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

Idiots in boats ...We're talking about the filter for the gene pool!

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

We have a lot of boat traffic in Nj both at ocean and back bay ICW waters on east coast and the Delaware River on our western border. There is almost no marine police presence at the coastal waters. There is coast guard stations at a few shore points and boats patrolling ocean waters and doing rescue type stuff. They have helicopters too that patrol for safety purposes (but they will see you fishing past the three mile line during striper run). Our state police has marine division that can issue tickets but they are understaffed. Some Township officers can and will call you over to shore and check your credentials and perform safety checks And can issue tickets. It’s different in different states but speaking for my state , I don’t think there is enough policing done during peak season. I think all of us boaters need to chip in a little. Without getting in a fight with anyone just offer advice or help, in some cases a reprimand. Sometimes it’s inexperience that makes people do stupid things and they may be embarrassed but if corrected nicely and patiently they may be grateful for that and learn from it. Other people are just negligent and belligerent and don’t care about others, If need be take their registration number and report violators. Most of us don’t want to be a moron and try to be conscientious operators. A lot of us don’t want to rain on someone else’s parade either. That said , you could be saving someone’s life or preventing an accident or just preventing them from getting a ticket.
Food for thought.

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

I think some of these people went to college to become this stupid.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Jeremy Loc: America

In Oregon a Captains License is REQUIRED. The stupid and selfish part is still present when watching boaters though. It’s amazing how many don’t know what
Red
Right
Return

Even means.

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

As comedian Jerry Clower said, "Some folks are just educated beyond their intelligence!"

Alaska Charlie

I believe that your intentions are very good, however, remember we are talking about idiots and when we confront people we don't even know we can never be sure what the outcome will be.

Alaska Charlie

So now we have drunk idiots with a Captains license, boats, cars, guns, etc. And we want someone (government) to do something. And I still want my personal freedoms. I think I'll just sit here and pet the cat.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Didn't mean to start controversy between FS MEMBERS. I'll try to do better on my post.

Alaska Charlie

Sorry sir. The only point I was trying to make is there are no easy answers to such serious problems. The depth of my own ignorance never ceases to amaze me. About the time I think I know something I make a bone headed blunder.
For instance, driving boats with one hand and holding a cup of coffee in the other. I've nearly flipped a boat at least three times. Praise God for those kill switch things. At times I think about locking the wheel or tiller down, but then I know I'm going to have to swerve to avoid debris in the water. The real answer is to drive and pay attention to what I'm doing.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Wasn't aiming that at you Charlie. In am also tired of to many . I'll stop there. Don't want to go to the Attic. Keep posting your opinions. We all do.

OK John Loc: Oklahoma City,OK

Addictive!