I've learned some interesting info from the "Why people sink driftboats" thread, but I'm a bankie when it comes to rivers. I do all my personal boating in the salt so I'd like to start a thread concerning boating there.

Why do people get into boat trouble? What are some of the common denominators when boaters get into trouble out in the salt?

I appreciate this site very much, I have learned a tremendous amount from others here. Thank you. I'd like to learn from what others have seen and observed so that I can avoid the same things in the future.

Steve

1. not checking equipment prior to launching and fishing (bilge pumps beings a major one)
2. not having the proper equipment (gps, radar, charts, RADIO!!!)
3. not knowing how to use the equipment
4. not watching the weather
5. not paying attention to changing seas and weather closing in (the thick fog of summer as an example)
6. going places in a boat ill-suited for the normal conditions.
7. FOLLOWING CHARTER BOATS!!!!
8. no respect for the ocean
9. BOOZE!!!!.... you drink offshore, you're a freakin' idiot.
10. giving gps coordinates over open radio channels (VHF) or over the internet

remember, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. calm, flat conditions can become plain nasty in a very short time. halibut fishing, i am constantly amazed at the boats people take out 20-40 miles offshore (sorry, ski boats just aren't safe out there). what's fine in flat conditions just won't cut it the time it kicks up (and it will). when the normal may weather returns, there will be some deaths.

yeh, i added some things that aren't about safety... but that just show a lack of respect for your fellow fishermen.

chris

One that I read on Bayliner Owners club website was a round access hatch cover on the swipstep came off. This is one that is built into the boat. It sank the boat.

i would say topwater about covered it !!

# 10 ---Please explain.

Why do people get into boat trouble?

Try LACK of fear, respect, common sense, wisdom, experience and/or knowledge for starters. Of course in my case, I'd also have to admit that my troubles usually started not only with the usual lack of the above but also a bit TOO MUCH of another, like pride, impatience and/or beer.

Some of these things this board can help with. With others you're on your own. Good luck and be safe.

Fishinnut;

Bayliner owners club?

Yes, do explain #10.

#10 - My guess is they're referring to the possbility of mistakes when trying to give GPS or Long/Lat coordinates over the radio.

#10 my guess = get shot from others that know you for giving away the 'goods'

11 Not Having Enough Duct Tape

Gutz

You ROCK!!!

That's too funny

Gutz you are truely a duct tape GOD!!! Very impressive. Probably still runnin today.

My Dad always kept a pair of pantyhose in the old salt boat for this. Cut one leg off, tie it around the pulley's and start her up. As the thing turns, the pantyhose twist and tighten until they have enough friction to pull water pump and alternator. Don't ask me how he figured that out, but it works, and last's an incredibly long time. For years I kept a pair in my truck and boat, until I got smart enought to buy a spare belt!