cigarette boats

[Ron]

Ok time for a rant. Out on Barnegat this past Saturday and Sunday we once again realized why as a rule we don't sail much on weekends. We are talking noise here. I know twin v-8's are music to the ears of some, but this is no satisfying burble but an outright
assault on the senses. One hopes that the operators of these things are cold sober but it is just a matter of time before a tragic error of judgement occurs. Saw kayaks out there, actually barely saw them, how about at sixty miles an hour?
And we will not get into the usual disregard for sail by heavy displacement power boats who love to wave as their wake tosses you around.
Ron
Compact 25

[rbh1515]

Can't stand those boats!  Fortunately we don't have many where we are on Lake Michigan, especially on days there is good wind for sailing.  Don't hesitate to call the "water cops" if they are operating dangerously--you may save someone's life.
Rob

[Bob23]

Ron, I know what you mean. I actualy feel sorry for them. Ever watch their faces as they roar by? They all look pretty bored...probably wishing down deep they were sailing on a Compac!!!  Although I love the sound of the horsepower, it's a bit annoying, to say the least. But these days, as I get older, I'm learning to laugh many things off that used to bother me.  Displacement boat wake? I just kinda laugh at it while Koinoina grins and says, "is that all you got? Pleeease!"
Bob23

[Bob23]

Ron: In a deliberate thread hijack attempt, are you coming to BBB 2015? Hope you are.
Bob23

[MKBLK]

I agree with Bob. However, I think there should be a speed limit (6 kts, ha,ha.) on waterways such as Barnegat Bay. With gas being so cheap right now, we can only expect more (I'm thinking of a 250hp Honda for Pegasus). There's an awfully big ocean out there, they should go play where they'll only hurt themselves.

Marty K.
81 CP16 Pegasus

[HeaveToo]

Those damn things and Jetskis.  I hate Jetskies. 

[brackish]

Jet skis, party barges, overpowered ski boats with rack mounted speaker systems, they take over my lake in the summer and I let them have it, don't even go there.  Wind is usually weak and fluky anyway.  My season is just about to start.  After Labor day the lake is mine, I can go up there particularly mid week and sail for hours and not see a soul.  Still have to be observant because every so often a commercial barge may come through getting ready to lock through at Whitten, but they are not a bother if you just stay out of their way.  Remember, when all other right of way rules don't apply it defaults to least maneuverable craft.  My Compac is just slightly more maneuverable than a 4 barge train.

[HeaveToo]

I have to say that this is why I like sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.  You can usually get away from those idiots and when it is somewhat windy and rough, ideal sailing conditions, the stink potters stay home!

[hoddinr]

Jerkskis and Blunderrunners.

[Joseph]

We are seeing the same problem here up north in quite confined and shallow inland waters. The waves that some of these things create are big enough to cause Sassy's bow to submerge. What is most unnerving is that the primates at the wheel often wave at Sassy as they pass-by, as if this was some kind of favour they are providing. Unfortunatelly, I feel that this is another instance of human enjoyment (i.e., sailing) vs. the economy (i.e., the market for power boats) and in this Brave New World of ours the first one very seldom wins. So, every time I have to change "Sassy"'s course and take these man-made brakers at 45º angles I think how lucky I still am to be able to sail at all...

J. 

[hinmo]

I hate them too, unless I'm on one of them.....just saying...

funny how the sailors wont wave at me when I'm in one of my power boats, then I jump in the CP and they all wave.....??

hmmmm, I love hiking, I love dirtbikes, I love ATVs, I love nature....the list of dichotomies goes on

[nreamer]

hinmo,

I am the same!  My perfect boat combo is a sailboat and a jet ski.  One for windy days, one for calm days.  Of course, I would operate the jet ski in a sane manner when anywhere near shore or other boats.  I hike, ride mountain bikes, but I used to ride dirt bikes.  Still love them!

However, I live on a lake and I do admit that the drone / roar of open exhaust boats gets tiresome, but then again, so does the guy down the cove who runs his pressure washer and blower continuously!  I try to do all my noisy household chores during the week, but I understand that many may not be able to do so.  What is the point?  I guess we just have to deal with the noise for the most part, and hope the idiots going 90 mph stay far enough away to not hit us.  Go out whenever possible during the week, as others have stated. 

Now, the losers that come into the cove above no wake speed and below planning speed, leaving a wake like a tug boat.....   There is just no call for that. 

[hinmo]

hinmo,

I am the same!  My perfect boat combo is a sailboat and a jet ski.  One for windy days, one for calm days.  Of course, I would operate the jet ski in a sane manner when anywhere near shore or other boats.  I hike, ride mountain bikes, but I used to ride dirt bikes.  Still love them!

However, I live on a lake and I do admit that the drone / roar of open exhaust boats gets tiresome, but then again, so does the guy down the cove who runs his pressure washer and blower continuously!  I try to do all my noisy household chores during the week, but I understand that many may not be able to do so.  What is the point?  I guess we just have to deal with the noise for the most part, and hope the idiots going 90 mph stay far enough away to not hit us.  Go out whenever possible during the week, as others have stated.  

Now, the losers that come into the cove above no wake speed and below planning speed, leaving a wake like a tug boat.....   There is just no call for that.  

I agree...I guess my point is I love all recreation and try not to let it infringe on others enjoyment

[Jon898]

Agree the cigarette boats are both noisy and scary, particularly if the operator has been drinking.

But the growing trend I'm seeing is the so-called "Wake Boats".  Designed to put up a large wake and typically equipped with a tubular tower used to carry the wake boards and loudspeakers.  So, you're subjected to the oversized wake, the roar of the engines and the operator's choice of "music".

[HenryC]

Many years ago, I used to keep my MacGregor 22 at Oyster Point Marina (right next to Candlestick Park!).  One day, I went down to do some work on my boat and in the slip next to mine was one of those monster cigarette boats.  The owner was there, and a fellow wearing the uniform of a boatyard employee. They had the engine compartment  (a huge V-8) open and were messing around inside.  I figured the repairs were beyond the skills of the skipper, so I asked "What seems to be the problem?"

"No problem", replied the owner, "just an oil change."  It seemed strange to me that a captain would require expert assistance for routine maintenance, but I kept my opinions to myself.  Still, I couldn't resist getting in a malicious little dig of my own.  I pointed out a cylindrical antenna housing that was mounted on a sort of gallows/spoiler thingy that spanned the boat athwartships across the quarter, just forward of the transom.  "What is that, GPS?" .  "No", he replied. "Its a TV antenna."

"Ya don't say", I answered as I strolled away, "I woulda thought you had cable."