Monster Bash- Safety

[Sanger Picklefork]

Yesterday(Friday) afternoon about 3pm I had an encounter with 2 boats racing coming out of the Gorge half way to the Sandbar. I was in my toon with wife and 2 guests and there were 2 jet skis alternating from running in front to behind me on my right. I always give the skis distance because of the numerous close calls I've had over the years from them cutting in front of me so I was maybe 50 yards to the left and about mid river.
Two of the Monster Bash boats that had been at Pirates Cove where we had been decided to race coming out of the Gorge. I was doing about 40 and they easily exceeded 100 with one on my left about 25 yds and the other to my right splitting the distance between me and the jet skis. He was close enough to us that we got sprayed. I heard them coming so had turned around and realized what they were likely going to do so stayed straight. Imagine if I reacted to the guy on my left, who was in the lead, and turned right into the path of the boat on my right. That could have easily killed us and the jet skiers plus themselves.
After this happened the jet skis took off faster and I could move closer to shore. I have no idea if they tried to catch up with them. Too bad one of the choppers wasn't following them so I'd know who to report.
Owning a high performance boat comes with responsibilities that these guys certainly lacked. This gives all boaters a bad name unfortunately.

 

[X-rated]

Stupid is as stupid does!!

 

[RiverDave]

Not one part of monster bash went to pirates cove? Why would you associate the event with this?

Would be easier to say to cats or two Vee's. or two xyz brand of boats etc..

Either way.. it sucks when dipshits do stuff like that.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Your driving 40 mph in a toon in the middle of the river and are complaining because they passed you too close??

I know this part of the river well and it is not super wide. Where do you want them to go? Maybe if you stayed right then you wouldn't have had a problem.

 

[BeerMaker]

Monster Bash participants did a lunch run to Havasu Springs for lunch Friday. Also we didn't get our MB decals until Saturday. Could have even anybody.

 

[Always Floored]

Let's see if this thread will reach 360 posts in 3 days. Let all the opinions begin. [emoji849]

 

[Ziggy]

Well, you did the right thing by staying your course. ...which is exactly what they expect you to do.
And had you turned to the right in fright that 2nd boat would likely have been long past you already.
Also, the speed at what you're passed by these guys makes it "feel" closer than it actually was. I've felt spray from boats that were nowhere near me.

 

[Don Johnson]

Well, you did the right thing by staying your course. ...which is exactly what they expect you to do.
And had you turned to the right in fright that 2nd boat would likely have been long past you already.
Also, the speed at what you're passed by these guys makes it "feel" closer than it actually was. I've felt spray from boats that were nowhere near me.

Left side-passing side
Right side-suicide

 

[GEESEMAN]

 

[Sanger Picklefork]

Your driving 40 mph in a toon in the middle of the river and are complaining because they passed you too close??

I know this part of the river well and it is not super wide. Where do you want them to go? Maybe if you stayed right then you wouldn't have had a problem.

Like I said, I was in the middle because of two jet skis to my right. When the jet skis speeded up I moved to the right where I try to run with the toon. I have raced through that area many times over the years in my other boats but back off when it gets congested as I don't trust what others will do and especially jet skis.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Left side-passing side
Right side-suicide

You passed me running back from Hoover Dam last year and we got a spray. I never felt like you were operating in an unsafe manner. It's just boating no complaints here!

 

[Sanger Picklefork]

Not one part of monster bash went to pirates cove? Why would you associate the event with this?

Would be easier to say to cats or two Vee's. or two xyz brand of boats etc..

Either way.. it sucks when dipshits do stuff like that.

Good point! Bad assumption on my part...

 

[Singleton]

Like I said, I was in the middle because of two jet skis to my right. When the jet skis speeded up I moved to the right where I try to run with the toon. I have raced through that area many times over the years in my other boats but back off when it gets congested as I don't trust what others will do and especially jet skis.

Sounds like the jet skis were in YOUR danger zone. You should of yielded to the skis sooner so they were no longer in YOUR danger zone which would of allowed you to move towards the right sooner and not be in the middle of the river.

And FYI, these boats were not part of any Mobster Bash event Friday afternoon, so your facts are way off! One of my triggers are folks trying to pass blame onto an event when that is not true.

 

[Pesky Varmint]

Not one part of monster bash went to pirates cove? Why would you associate the event with this?

Would be easier to say to cats or two Vee's. or two xyz brand of boats etc..

Either way.. it sucks when dipshits do stuff like that.

And no one had decals showing their Monster Bash numbers until Saturday.

 

[RiverDave]

So long as he was on the right side of the centerline he didn't do anything wrong.. just stay the course and they can go around when they feel like it.

 

[Sanger Picklefork]

View attachment 517295

Yep, except when passing...

 

[WATERDOG]

To bad you can't identify the boats. An event similar to this happened to me about 3 years ago. The day before Desert Storm started so not part of the event. I called Jim and told him what happened. He didn't even need to see the pics I was able to take and banned him from the event. I was doing about 30 getting ready to pull into Windsor ramps. He was doing about 140 I would guess. He missed me by maybe 6 inches.

 

[Sanger Picklefork]

Sounds like the jet skis were in YOUR danger zone. You should of yielded to the skis sooner so they were no longer in YOUR danger zone which would of allowed you to move towards the right sooner and not be in the middle of the river.

And FYI, these boats were not part of any Mobster Bash event Friday afternoon, so your facts are way off! One of my triggers are folks trying to pass blame onto an event when that is not true.

Yep, tried to correct the title to Boating Safety but couldn't do it...My bad

Maybe I can learn something from this too but I'm at a loss as to how the jet skis were in my danger zone. They were 30 yards to my right, if not a bit more, and running closer to shore in a line following the shore. I was passing them at this point and kept them well away from me. I've had too many jet skis turn and run into my path over the years and avoid them like the plague! If there is another course of action, other than passing on the left as I was doing, I'd be more than happy to listen. At the point i was passing the other boats were not in sight and I couldn't hear them so I had a clear path.

I'm always ready to learn something and have been through both Coast Guard and Power Squadron classes plus boating for 50 years. I certainly don't believe I know it all and posted this as an awareness for others. Sorry if it offended some but having the discussion is a good way to learn and be aware. I know many folks with boats that have no experience and likely would have turned away from the first boat on the left possibly causing an accident.

Peace be with you

 

[Singleton]

 

[Sanger Picklefork]

View attachment 517307

Good diagram! You are correct in that if the skis turned in front of me I would always give way or "yield to the right" as the "Give Way" vessel so to speak. They apparently were doing the shoreline scenic tour at varying speeds.

Good clarification.

 

[Ziggy]

Left side-passing side
Right side-suicide

Absolutely[emoji106]

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Like I said, I was in the middle because of two jet skis to my right. When the jet skis speeded up I moved to the right where I try to run with the toon. I have raced through that area many times over the years in my other boats but back off when it gets congested as I don't trust what others will do and especially jet skis.

At 40 MPH in the center of the river you are a moving chicane. You should either try to follow the jet skis or let them follow you.

 

[BHC Vic]

If it's the gorge where I'm thinking I don't think two boats should be racing through there. Gets busy m, water gets rough, could get pretty dangerous.

 

[Hugh Jascaulk]

By the letter of the law SP had the right of way, stand on vessel to the 2 boats hauling ass past him, all day everyday.

 

[Taboma]

At 40 MPH in the center of the river you are a moving chicane. You should either try to follow the jet skis or let them follow you.

Wow, LOF, do you honestly believe that your desire to engage in high speed through this section of "National Wildlife Preserve", out weighs the rights of others to enjoy a 40 mph scenic cruise ?

You're suggesting that he should yield and hug the rocks as if this is an autobahn, freeway or race track ?

FYI, he and many others are using this section of river exactly as it's intended, they sir have the right of way of stated purpose.

I wish you all the luck in the world, should you get stopped for observed reckless behavior by one of officer Rice's men,expounding how so and so should have altered their speed and course to accommodate your need for speed. I hope you post the results of that conversation

No offense, I've always enjoyed and respected your contributions to this forum, but in this case, I highly disagree with your statement and misguided expectations.

I understand the concept you stated and would generally agree, but this is not the place, no more so than it would during sightseeing tour through Yosemite or Yellowstone :rolleyes

Sure, haul the mail when it's prudent, otherwise show some respect, appreciate yielding traffic and be courteous of those using this section as it's intended.

Soon it won't matter, sooner than later as the evidence is being collected, this section of river will be either restricted to 35 mph or worse yet, no wake from the lake to Topock.

Many of you are digging your own graves :eek You want a dick measuring contest, take it the fuck somewhere else, because a few are going to fuck it up for the many :grumble:
(LOF is not included in that comment, I'm taking exception with his expectations, not boat operation )

Be a little more patient, slow down and enjoy the majestic beauty, just maybe you'll live a little longer

 

[stephenkatsea]

A 40 mph speed in that area, on that boat seems to be safe, reasonable and prudent. 100 mph in that area . . . . .? Not so much. As far as the jet ski's course and speed . . . .? That's a dumb shit comment. About like, what is the course and speed of a fly? One time they are the "Stand On Vessels and the next second they are the Give Way Vessels" WTF???? He did the right thing, held his course and speed and tried to stay to the right. The ass holes doing around 100 in that area are idiots. We will have ass hole/idiots such as these to thank, when we receive a 35 mph speed limit for entire Havasu and the surrounding waters of the Colorado River. There are logical areas to do 100. That is not one of them.

 

[Bigbore500r]

 

[Tom Slick]

It's threads like this that gives ammo for the powers that be to opt for speed limits and/or closures to the waterways that we as performance boaters all enjoy. So quit being a bunch of bitches and quit posting this crap on a performance boating forum.

 

[JRS1939]

Trump should grab all you guys by your...

 

[C-2]

It's threads like this that gives ammo for the powers that be to opt for speed limits and/or closures to the waterways that we as performance boaters all enjoy. So quit being a bunch of bitches and quit posting this crap on a performance boating forum.

Yup, agreed.

 

[DWC]

Yup, agreed.

X2

 

[kiethco]

Your driving 40 mph in a toon in the middle of the river and are complaining because they passed you too close??

I know this part of the river well and it is not super wide. Where do you want them to go? Maybe if you stayed right then you wouldn't have had a problem.

And this kind of thinking is exactly why we're gonna have speed limits or the river sooner than later.

 

[Taboma]

It's threads like this that gives ammo for the powers that be to opt for speed limits and/or closures to the waterways that we as performance boaters all enjoy. So quit being a bunch of bitches and quit posting this crap on a performance boating forum.

I suppose that's one way to look at it, by blaming the folks who are speaking out against potentially reckless behavior, rather than those exhibiting it. :headscratch:

Of course in this particular case it's not as if the Feds aren't busy collecting plenty of data on their own, including video evidence, they've openly stated as much.

Perhaps the powers to be might recognize that the majority of performance boaters on here know the difference between safe and reckless high speed boat handling.

Just like the folks who know the difference to stretch your car's legs on an open section of highway versus cutting in and out of traffic at 100 mph.

Just maybe the majority of us can earn a few points by pointing out to the few, that getting buzzed at 100 in traffic doesn't get our dick's hard, it's irritating, unsafe and not appreciated.

The solution is simple, quit driving like a bunch of "Look at how awesome and important I am" arrogant assholes.

I fully understand the concept of speed, how a 35' cat cruising at 100 doesn't feel nearly as fast as 60 can in a 22' vee. It feels safe and almost boring, unless of course you're within a boat's length away and passing a pontoon boat going 40, that's when you realize just how fast you're going --- ' Whooo Hoooo, everybody look at me go' :rolleyes

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

And this kind of thinking is exactly why we're gonna have speed limits or the river sooner than later.

People have been doing 100 mph on the river for years. Only reason it is an issue now is because people like the OP can come here and post a thread about what he felt was unsafe.

You want no speed limits, then people should just mind their own business and stop coming online to complain about what other people are doing. Pretty fucking simple....IMO.

 

[BHC Vic]

It's threads like this that gives ammo for the powers that be to opt for speed limits and/or closures to the waterways that we as performance boaters all enjoy. So quit being a bunch of bitches and quit posting this crap on a performance boating forum.

Lol no it's not threads like this. It's actions like posted in his thread. Common sense lol

 

[BHC Vic]

I suppose that's one way to look at it, by blaming the folks who are speaking out against potentially reckless behavior, rather than those exhibiting it. :headscratch:

Of course in this particular case it's not as if the Feds aren't busy collecting plenty of data on their own, including video evidence, they've openly stated as much.

Perhaps the powers to be might recognize that the majority of performance boaters on here know the difference between safe and reckless high speed boat handling.

Just like the folks who know the difference to stretch your car's legs on an open section of highway versus cutting in and out of traffic at 100 mph.

Just maybe the majority of us can earn a few points by pointing out to the few, that getting buzzed at 100 in traffic doesn't get our dick's hard, it's irritating, unsafe and not appreciated.

The solution is simple, quit driving like a bunch of "Look at how awesome and important I am" arrogant assholes.

I fully understand the concept of speed, how a 35' cat cruising at 100 doesn't feel nearly as fast as 60 can in a 22' vee. It feels safe and almost boring, unless of course you're within a boat's length away and passing a pontoon boat going 40, that's when you realize just how fast you're going --- ' Whooo Hoooo, everybody look at me go' :rolleyes

X2 I agree 100% it's not the thread that's going to hurt us it's the people defending the reckless actions. If we as a group can't control ourselves and figure it out you bet some agency will.

 

[BHC Vic]

People have been doing 100 mph on the river for years. Only reason it is an issue now is because people like the OP can come here and post a thread about what he felt was unsafe.

You want no speed limits, then people should just mind their own business and stop coming online to complain about what other people are doing. Pretty fucking simple....IMO.

The problem isn't people doing 100. I would love if my boat could do that. It's where and when you choose to do it. Plain and simple. You complain about people towing 80 people towing in the fast lane. You've posted threads. So others need to mind their own business but not you right? Lol ok

 

[BHC Vic]

Joe minding his own business [emoji12][emoji23] http://www.riverdavesplace.com/foru...uy-on-the-10-west-today&p=2151060#post2151060

 

[Tom Slick]

You're missing my point entirely. I never condoned the driving behavior of the boaters in question, or any other boaters deemed driving recklessly. I'm simply saying that the handful of you that choose to use a public performance boating forum to vent your frustration is only providing more ammo for the law to clamp down on the hobby that we all love. If you think the legal agencies aren't reading these threads, print off stacks of pages from these threads and working towards taking away our freedom, you're sadly mistaken. Bitch about it on the phone with your buddy, but not here.

 

[Taboma]

People have been doing 100 mph on the river for years. Only reason it is an issue now is because people like the OP can come here and post a thread about what he felt was unsafe.

You want no speed limits, then people should just mind their own business and stop coming online to complain about what other people are doing. Pretty fucking simple....IMO.

I love doing 100 on the river, well I mean back when I had a flatty that would do 100

The current problem isn't with anybody doing 100 when conditions permit, it's that there's a shit load more traffic through that section that when present, warrants more prudent operation.

That not everybody, especially if they're hauling family, appreciates being sandwiched between two 100 mph cats who could have just as easily, while displaying a degree of courtesy, slowed up, passed safely then gotten back with the program.

The "Issue" isn't with the guy or gal who's coming on here stating they don't appreciate getting hosed down, it's the arrogant pricks who seem to think the rest of us enjoy it, or should enjoy it and have no right to complain about it.

Just maybe, by a few coming forward a few others will get the hint that their actions are being noticed and are not appreciated. Just maybe, next time they'll make a conscious decision and slightly alter their behavior :thumbsup

 

[BHC Vic]

You're missing my point entirely. I never condoned the driving behavior of the boaters in question, or any other boaters deemed driving recklessly. I'm simply saying that the handful of you that choose to use a public performance boating forum to vent your frustration is only providing more ammo for the law to clamp down on the hobby that we all love. If you think the legal agencies aren't reading these threads, print off stacks of pages from these threads and working towards taking away our freedom, you're sadly mistaken. Bitch about it on the phone with your buddy, but not here.

Hopefully they are reading the pages where majority are saying it's unsafe and we hope to try and correct the problem.

 

[Wicky]

Sounds like someone was clowning around...Clown's lives matter...

 

[DLow]

The problem isn't people doing 100. I would love if my boat could do that. It's where and when you choose to do it. Plain and simple. You complain about people towing 80 people towing in the fast lane. You've posted threads. So others need to mind their own business but not you right? Lol ok

Joe minding his own business [emoji12][emoji23] http://www.riverdavesplace.com/foru...uy-on-the-10-west-today&p=2151060#post2151060

BNAG!

 

[New to boating]

The problem isn't people doing 100. I would love if my boat could do that. It's where and when you choose to do it. Plain and simple. You complain about people towing 80 people towing in the fast lane. You've posted threads. So others need to mind their own business but not you right? Lol ok

Ding ding ding we have a winner - this is exactly correct. A few points to make - first, I have a larger CAT and run 100 in the river at least twice a week and have for 10 years. I stay as far away from everyone as possible, and (as incredible as it may seem) if the river narrows and there are boats/jet skis all around I actually slow down - imagine that.

There is a HUGE difference between running 100 and running 140 - 150 in terms of responsiveness in any larger air entrapment catamaran - at 100 with the proper skill set (which I see less and less of) you can turn most of them pretty agressively and safely if you need to - at 140-150 no one can because there is not enough wetted surface to change direction quickly its all about subtle adjustments or you likely have big problems. I have run well over 150 in the river BUT ONLY on a weekday morning or afternoon when there is NO ONE in my line of sight - not a single boat or jet ski, or fisherman - no ROGUE sells to contend with or Jet Skis that seem to have no awareness of anything except their own craft.

I also think that running down there with another boat capable of running the same speed (running together so to speak) increases the risk 10x because you have to track what that boat is doing on top of everything else that is going on and you find yourself making different decisions about where to put your boat based upon where the other boat is going and they may not be "optimal" decisions.

As for people in TOONS, I find most of them are totally cool - they hear you coming (you can hear my boat from a ways away) and they move over for you, lots of THUMBS UP and encoragment - they dig it..... Every once in awhile there is one sitting sideways in a narrow area - and once again I SLOW DOWN - (crazy, I know but I do), roll by there and then back on the throttle, 100 ft rooster tail and all.

We don't need speed limits, we do need a common thinking about using your head, learning how to drive your boats and remembering that people have a lot of power when they are pissed off about behavior that they think is "unsafe".

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Wow, LOF, do you honestly believe that your desire to engage in high speed through this section of "National Wildlife Preserve", out weighs the rights of others to enjoy a 40 mph scenic cruise ?

You're suggesting that he should yield and hug the rocks as if this is an autobahn, freeway or race track ?

FYI, he and many others are using this section of river exactly as it's intended, they sir have the right of way of stated purpose.

I wish you all the luck in the world, should you get stopped for observed reckless behavior by one of officer Rice's men,expounding how so and so should have altered their speed and course to accommodate your need for speed. I hope you post the results of that conversation

No offense, I've always enjoyed and respected your contributions to this forum, but in this case, I highly disagree with your statement and misguided expectations.

I understand the concept you stated and would generally agree, but this is not the place, no more so than it would during sightseeing tour through Yosemite or Yellowstone :rolleyes

Sure, haul the mail when it's prudent, otherwise show some respect, appreciate yielding traffic and be courteous of those using this section as it's intended.

Soon it won't matter, sooner than later as the evidence is being collected, this section of river will be either restricted to 35 mph or worse yet, no wake from the lake to Topock.

Many of you are digging your own graves :eek You want a dick measuring contest, take it the fuck somewhere else, because a few are going to fuck it up for the many :grumble:
(LOF is not included in that comment, I'm taking exception with his expectations, not boat operation )

Be a little more patient, slow down and enjoy the majestic beauty, just maybe you'll live a little longer

While I don't disagree with you, you can't rely on others to maintain the level of safe conduct you or the law expects. A couple points-

1- When I read this the first time I did not realize he was in the middle trying to execute a pass on the left, he was not hanging out curising up the center of the river. He had the right of way going 40, the faster boats did not.

2 - That said if we want any hope of keeping the river's speed unlimited, it should be treated similar to the autobahn, Stay right, not hugging the rocks, but in the right 1/3 where possible on high traffic days and times. I can enjoy the river at any speed anywhere I desire but if I get mowed down by a dude with black socks I'm not enjoying anything ever again. One needs to take responsibility for their own safety and realize there is a wide range of boats and speeds on the water. Hoping someone else in a 100 mph boat will stop or make an evasive maneuver in time is not a good idea. Hope is not a strategy.

Everyone's idea of a safe pass in these situations is different. The bottom line is try to keep a high degree of situational awareness, and know what is behind you as well as in front of you.

This is not a 100% safe pastime. It never will be.

 

[RiverDave]

People have been doing 100 mph on the river for years. Only reason it is an issue now is because people like the OP can come here and post a thread about what he felt was unsafe.

You want no speed limits, then people should just mind their own business and stop coming online to complain about what other people are doing. Pretty fucking simple....IMO.

lol.. wtf?

 

[Sanger Picklefork]

X2 I agree 100% it's not the thread that's going to hurt us it's the people defending the reckless actions. If we as a group can't control ourselves and figure it out you bet some agency will.

Exactly right!
I'm against speed limits and only posted this as an awareness since it's a hot topic with the Feds right now. If we can't manage our own then someone else will do it for us.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Exactly right!
I'm against speed limits and only posted this as an awareness since it's a hot topic with the Feds right now. If we can't manage our own then someone else will do it for us.

The issue is everyone's "reckless" threshold is a little different.

Case in point - To the 2 kayakers that sent the 80 emails to the feds to get the closures and no wake areas pushed through, all boaters are reckless.

 

[Kailuaboy89]

Godamn kayakers.....

 

[BHC Vic]

Good thing lake Mohave is closed. We don't have these problems [emoji12]