I have been boating lately with a new boater and explaining the red/green buoys and he keeps asking... why are they so small in height. I really didnt have an answer other than to say they could be that way in case they are hit by a boat accidently to only cause minimal damage or maybe to aid in not toppling over in some winds and waves (given they are connected to heavy chains etc.). I have no problem seeing them because I generally know where they are and also follow on the gps. However, I do sometimes wonder why they are not two or three times higher than they are, for those not as familar with the waterways and to help others "see" them more easily. maybe it is because it would become an eyesore on our beautiful waters. Any ideas? Should I invent a bigger buoy with the addition of maybe a couple more blinking lights (maybe a few just below the top light)?
Channel marker "Height"
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You could invent a bigger one, but it probably wouldn't be too much longer before someone asked why those weren't bigger too.
The current ones seem to be sized OK.
It's usually pretty easy to visually pick up the next set as you are passing through a set. In narrower cuts they are placed closer together so you can see multiple sets at once to help keep you dead center, but in the channels that are wider the spacing and size seems to be OK for people with good eyesight in good visibility situations.
The current ones seem to be sized OK.
It's usually pretty easy to visually pick up the next set as you are passing through a set. In narrower cuts they are placed closer together so you can see multiple sets at once to help keep you dead center, but in the channels that are wider the spacing and size seems to be OK for people with good eyesight in good visibility situations.
We have what they call Bay buoys. Then u have ocean buoys ( larger ) .... ( there are also winter buoys that never get swapped out anymore )
I agree they are tooo small.
A lot rules and codes date back to PREHISTORIC times. They def need some changes.
One id love is 5 mph channels marked with buoys . not land based signs... WHO the F is looking to land ?
all aids should be illuminated with blinking lights of the appropriate color .
Rob
I agree they are tooo small.
A lot rules and codes date back to PREHISTORIC times. They def need some changes.
One id love is 5 mph channels marked with buoys . not land based signs... WHO the F is looking to land ?
all aids should be illuminated with blinking lights of the appropriate color .
Rob
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Just be happy we have buoys at all!
Some places have wooden sticks and floating milk containers!
Some places have wooden sticks and floating milk containers!
Setting and maintaining channel markers cost a lot of money. The US Coast Guard is currently accepting public comments on converting to "virtual aids to navigation (channel markers)" that will only be a blip on an A.I.S. screen. The bulk of the physical markers will be eliminated under the proposed "improvement".
Keith,
Here the local municipalities maintain the majority of the aides to navigation. They do ZERO maintenance. Half the time u cant tell if there red or green from all the rust or bird poop. The shape of the aide is the only guidance.
One would think they clean them up and paint they pull them for the season.... Think again....
Rob
Here the local municipalities maintain the majority of the aides to navigation. They do ZERO maintenance. Half the time u cant tell if there red or green from all the rust or bird poop. The shape of the aide is the only guidance.
One would think they clean them up and paint they pull them for the season.... Think again....
Rob
The buoys in the back bay maintained by the towns are ridiculously small. The buoys in the SBC and the Inlet are maintained by the CG. Years ago I offered any Babylon Town official a boat ride and see if they could find these buoys. There were no takers.
Just my 2C, LI does not do squat to help support the boating industry. The money we spend is insane, more important is the money we spend supports the island and we get nothing in return. Us boaters contribute to the local economy more than you can imagine.