No wake zone at POU? Was I wrong?

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BenDiss

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Was running the river north Sat morning and heard some chatter on 16 about a no-wake zone up near Mariners between the two bridges. As we got closer we heard someone warning people to slow down between the bridges. This person threatened to send people a bill for damage caused by their wake. Sure enough, our turn soon came and we were called out to slow down. Not wanting to get on the bad side of the Coast Guard, I thought I'd approach this with an open mind.

Unknown: Blue cabin cruiser northbound approaching Mid-Hudson bridge, this is a no wake zone. Slow down immediately.

Me: Calling blue cabin cruiser, identify yourself.

Unknown: [repeats message]

Me: Calling blue cabin cruiser, you are in violation of FCC regulations by failing to identify yourself. Identify yourself.

[I just made that up. No idea if it's true.]

Unknown: This is something-or-other master of the something-or-other vessel. You are responsible for all damage your wake causes to my vessel. This is a no wake zone. I will send you a bill for one million dollars. Blah-blah-blah.

Me: This is not a no wake zone. If you are not capable of securing your vessel from damage while on the river you should consider your career options.

After this a few others chimed in calling out the guy. Someone said they were calling the CG on him.

What say you? Was this guy full or it, or should I be expecting a bill?
 
It was obviously some jerk who was tired of getting rocked. You are responsible for your wake and any damage it may cause, however, he also has a responsibility to secure his vessel. For him to get on the radio and threaten people is beyond stupid. He needs to consider moving to a new marina.

As far as I know, Poughkeepsie has not enacted a "no wake" zone in that area, which would only extend 1500 feet out from their shore.
 
There's a marina just south of the bridge, Eastern shore - - they usually have a sheet of plywood out front with the words "NO WAKE ZONE". It's a very un-protected marina; One long floating dock parallel to the channel and no breakwall. I've heard them hail passing boats to slow down.

We usually transit that area either mid channel, or a bit to the west of center when traffic conditions permit. . .. A few years ago we heard them hail a passing boat to slow down, the boat responded that they should build a breakwall like every other decent marina on the river!
 
I thought that moving through a channel making a wake is not irresponsible unless it is a designated no wake zone.
 
They also were in violation of radio usage. Channel 16 is hailing and distress. Not for controlling wakes.
 
"no wake" is in most cases a principle, not a law. So is the principle of being responsible for your wake. If you see a sign with a stated local code (law), then go read that law to find out what it says. It's different from one locale to another.

I say principle above because the reality is quite a bit more complex. Whether you have legal responsibility depends significantly upon the baseline conditions in that particular area.

Morally, if you are waking someone enough to cause damage that would not otherwise be likely to occur had you not been present given the expected conditions at the time, then yeah, your a jerk. If your causing a 2 foot wake in 2 foot conditions, then no your not a jerk.

I do like the radio bit though, but did you ask him to take it to a working channel before ironically berating his radio use...:)

Here's another way to think about wakes. Lets say you are out in the open, without any no-wake zone in sight for at least 3 miles. The conditions are flat calm. You spot a rowboat fishing in the distance. Your not on a collision course with him, but will pass within 200 feet of him. A safe distance, but your 50 footer is going 20 knots and your going to smash the guy with your wake, but since its not a no-wake zone you decide to leave the auto-pilot on and pass close by while continuing to make your lunch. His grandson who you did not see in the bow ends up hitting his head because of your wake and the mild concussion causes him to behave normally for the first time in his helicopter parent lifestyle. The effect wears off in a couple hours though and he returns to the same little brat that grandpa was ready to give back before the incident.

Now I ask you. What exactly does a no-wake zone sign really have to do with anything anyway? Your speed is either safe for the expected conditions or it isn't. JMHO.
 
All valid however.....I am familiar with several Marinia's heading North on the Hudson where the river is narrow and people choose to put a Marina at this narrow point with limited sea wall protection. They also put up their own "No Wake" and speed limitation signs which by no means are legally binding. I don't believe they have the right to slow down a major waterway. I do try to stay as far away as possible but do not believe I have to slow my boat down to a no wake speed. I also yield to fishing boats as that is common courtesy.
 
When we plied the Hudson we always slowed down for marinas in tight spots. But since the Rodgers Point Yacht Club ripped us off for membership fees and told us to shove it before we even stayed a night, I would gladly rock their universe whenever I could.
Otherwise we are good and we slow for opposing traffic, small boats with skiers, fishing boats and etc.. But when a whoople pulls out in front of us and stops right in front of us, I will not slow down but I will avoid a collision.
Case in point; as we were approaching Miami from Bimini this past Spring, someone in a center console with lines out turned and steered a collision course with us. We were on our heading for hours ok? It's a long ride from Bimini. I'm thinking to myself what is it with this person and what kind of heritage does he have.
We continue on course and when they are finally 50 yards off I blow 5 and wake him up. They were all watching the lines. We passed within 20 yards and while we were running slowly it rocked them a bit and he sweated over his lines. I yelled we were on that course for hours, why did you cut in front of us, and he said he was sorry. I steered to "just miss" his lures.
I wonder if this mentality is why Barry Flowers lost his life as he knew it.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Ghost

I do like the radio bit though, but did you ask him to take it to a working channel before ironically berating his radio use...:)

Click to expand...


Good point. I wish I would have thought of that. Would have made the whole thing even more interesting.
 
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