Sank my boat yesterday

[Ultra912]

I'm still in utter shock and thank god my family is ok but the time has come to complain. The fucking ballast boats, better known on my boat as water tanks, have ruined the water in certain areas a Havasu and the Colorado River. Yesterday I was entering the river from the lake and while going about 40 MPH and the narrow area ahead I encountered a parked pontoon boat to the right, stationary with 5 waverunners surrounding it, blocking about 1/3 of the width of the river. To the left was an idiot in his ballast boat trolling about 15 to 20mph with his ballast full plowing a 4 foot swell. After passing by the pontoon crowd I moved out to the right to pass the ballast boat and after getting thrown in the air by the first swell my boat came down with the next swell going over my bow, throwing the people in front of my boat out the back and the rest of us scrambling to get out. She sank within 3 minutes with no time to retrieve phones, wallets, purses and all other personal belongings. A coupe of boats that had been traveling about a 1/4 mile behind me saved us all but I stayed with the boat since the bow was still about 2 feet above the water and the boat standing straight up. It took about 15 minutes for all the remaiming air to be pushed out through the rub rail and then down she went to the bottom standing straight up. My boat is a 23 ultra shadow deck with a 496 mag. I've been doing my best to avoid these stupid fucking water tanks as they destroy the water ahead but yesterday there was no room to avoid. This fucking asshole had his ballast full plowing the water on the river where the width was probably only 150 feet wide and partially blocked. They did not stop and offer any assistance and there were probably 8 people on the boat. They looked back but kept on going. I have owned this boat for 12 years and have been a boat owner since 1989. I cried as she went down but I'm fuming now. These people have got to leave the fucking ballasts empty when moving up or down the river where no skiing is allowed. The sheriff told me they're trying to outlaw the use of ballasts while moving through the gorge but nothing has happened yet. 9K to retrieve the boat and she was sitting on my trailer 4 hours later. Thank god I have insurance. Rusty was still at Ultra so I was able to drop it off I'm sure to only be told she's totaled. The sheriff also told me last weekend the same happened to a 28' eliminator Daytona. I wish I could locate the pieces of shit on the other boat but there was no time to even get a description other than it was a metal flake bronze colored one. My seats were ripped from the floor left floating down river until some decent people retrieved what was left. I killed the engine before she went down so hopefully it's ok but now I'm just sad, thankful and FUCKING pissed off. There, now I got it off my chest.

 

[Albert]

Man sorry for your loss, Im glad your family was alright. Good thing you had insurance too. It will be alright man Im sure they will do you right! Keep your head up!

 

[TPC]

Bad news, feel bad this happened to you.
They are responsible and liable for their wakes.

 

[Singleton]

Glad everyone is OK.
Made me sick to my stomach reading your post.

 

[sprintcvx]

Damn.. That sucks.. Sorry to hear.

 

[Deja_Vu]

Wow, that's crazy, sorry to hear.

Glad to hear you and your passengers are okay.

 

[Rotten deal]

Sorry about your boat. Glad you are all ok. It is bs they can operate like this. I've been close to same situation a couple times.

 

[Cdog]

Damn! Sorry to hear about this. These fucking boats seem to be a huge problem. I haven’t been to Havasu or the river since 2011 or so and don't remember seeing these boats back then. Crazy it sunk a 23 ft boat.

I have ran across two of them at lake Bartlett in a shallow area to the east of the North launch ramp. I saw they weren’t concerned with taking up too much space playing games so I blasted buy them as fast as I could get by.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

As more people but these it will only get worse. Glad everyone is al right.

 

[MOISTURE MISSILE]

Sorry about your boat. Glad you and the family are ok.

 

[grumpy88]

That really sucks . People have become very selfish with there actions . Most important thing is everybody is ok

 

[69hondo]

Sorry man that totally sucks!

 

[jonnyd]

Thank God that you are all safe and there were no injuries. Things could have gone so much worse! Sad to hear the boat that caused it didn't have the decency to even stop to help.

 

[milkmoney]

Sorry to read to read this , glad ur family is ok , I dont care what size boat you have , those fucking wakes are so un safe to pass over ....
I think i would of cried too. I love my boat .......

We have some wake board boat owners on RDP and i wish their boating ethic would be passed on to the morons that dont have any , that own these boat sinking, dock crushing boats.

Try dealing with it in parker. It's a unreal ..

Again glad everyone in ur family is ok , that is the important part. [emoji202]

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[LargeOrangeFont]

I’m sorry about that. Glad you are OK. I believe we saw you (Sea Tow and a police boat) there around 2:30 PM as we were coming back down towards the lake.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Sorry to read this and glad your family is ok. Sinking the boat was always my biggest fear.

 

[Taboma]

So sorry man, just way to many morons without an ounce of respect for any other boaters driving these wave makers.
But your sad story also brings to light why I don't or won't own a bowrider/open bow boat. To many years of dealing with ocean waves and large cruiser wakes in harbor breakwater entrances.
Despite our best efforts and piloting skills to properly time and speed to avoid the dreaded "Over the Bow" it happens.
Having a closed bow has saved my ass on a couple of occasions in the ocean and once at Lake Powell.
Good luck with the insurance and getting your Ultra restored. Hopefully you'll spot this ass-clown again somebody, although so far there's no legal season for bagging these pricks.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I can't believe what I just read.......sorry brother, that is just absolutely terrible. Glad you guys are ok. Had to deal with these clowns and their surf boats on Parker a couple weekends ago and it is just so dangerous for a boat to give off that big of a wave. Outside of RDP, you try and tell these guys that what they are doing is dangerous and they just laugh and say that going fast is more dangerous than having fun on the water.........makes my blood boil.

 

[Boat Bling]

What a crappy set of circumstances that all came together at once. Can't imagine the helpless feeling as the boat went down. Glad to hear everyone is OK! From your description it sounds like it could have been much worse.

Boggles my mind why any wakeboat driver would cruise so slowly while loaded up with ballast? It burns a ton of fuel and if there's any wind or chop it's a wet ride. Some dealers do a great job educating their customers on boating safety and etiquette, others not so much...

-Zack

 

[Ultra912]

It's time to reach out to these tankers and require some kind of etiquette among they're kind for where to be using those ballasts.

 

[renodaytona]

That F-ING sucks, sorry to hear.

 

[boatnam2]

It could happen every weekend in parker, the only reason it don't is you spend all day slowing down every time you come up on a wakeboard rig throwing a tsunami. Sorry about your situation, hopefully all your people are not too banged up and you will be back on the water soon.

 

[oldschool]

Sorry to hear about your boat, but glad everyone is ok. There is a place and time for everything, but a lot of the wakeboat owners have no fucking clue. We were on Lake Don Pedro, which is a really big lake, and these little douche bags in a behemoth Mastercraft X80 come plowing through the narrowest part of the lake putting off a tidal wave. We got through it but it pounded us pretty good.

 

[Jonas Grumby]

Can’t the water cops, or state park rangers,or someone,hand out flyers at the ramps, say Windsor,warning these folks where and where not to throw that god damn wake, and let them know they are responsible for any damage or wrecks they cause? Most the asshats that do this stuff are uneducated on boating and or boating ethics. Even if only one listens, it would be better than doing nothing. Paper is cheap, the watercops setup the dui checkpoints, cost way more. Everybody has to go through the gate into Windsor, and jabber at the ranger, wouldn’t take much for them to hand out a flyer and a quike “ be respectful with your wake with that boat”.

 

[TCAL25]

WOW Glad everyone is OK. Like @TPC mentioned....You're responsible & liable for your wake.

I thought disintegrating a BBF piston/rod this weekend @ Naci was bad.

 

[cole_skier]

Sorry to read this, but glad no one got seriously hurt.


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[Flying_Lavey]

Damn! That is horrible!!

Had a similar thing happen to me a couple years ago here at Naci. It was labor day weekend and it was pretty busy. I was going nice and slow with tabs and trim down to smooth out the ride for my wife, dad, and then 2 year old. Well one asshat surfer decides he needs to surf at 4pm at the busiest spot on the lake, right where the main channel and the Las Tablas arm come together. Well I couldnt come off plane as its too choppy there due to the high levels of traffic and my low freeboard so I went to pass him and rolled over the first tsunami only to the boat swallowong trough behind it. My bow center punched the next wave and, as my cousin told me who was behind me, my entire boat and all of us disappeared then popped back up. An almost immediate stop from 25mph to zero. Thankg god i have a closed bow boat and wasnt going much faster as we didnt sink, even though the water was coming up above the floor through the ski locker and damn holes, and nobody was hurt.

Its just a matter of time before they kill someone with these insane wakes

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[rvrrun]

Can’t the water cops, or state park rangers,or someone,hand out flyers at the ramps, say Windsor,warning these folks where and where not to throw that god damn wake, and let them know they are responsible for any damage or wrecks they cause? Most the asshats that do this stuff are uneducated on boating and or boating ethics. Even if only one listens, it would be better than doing nothing. Paper is cheap, the watercops setup the dui checkpoints, cost way more. Everybody has to go through the gate into Windsor, and jabber at the ranger, wouldn’t take much for them to hand out a flyer and a quike “ be respectful with your wake with that boat”.

They can, but I’d bet every piece of paper would be tossed in the trash before being read.

 

[Boat Bling]

It's time to reach out to these tankers and require some kind of etiquette among they're kind for where to be using those ballasts.

Agreed. As part of our sponsorship of the CWSA (Boat Bling World Rankings) we're making a series of videos promoting responsible surf etiquette. If the industry doesn't police itself someone else will which is a slippery slope for all boaters.

It's a drop in the bucket against a big issue and probably won't have an effect on those who do not respect others on the water but if it saves a boat from sinking and ruining a family's experience or worse IMO it's well worth it.

-Zack

 

[Croz]

Damn shame dude. Sorry to hear about this, fuck wake boats. I don’t care if you have good etiquette or not, fuck em.


Edit: you don’t even look cool wake surfing, it’s not graceful, it’s slow, any fat kid could do it, learn to ski or wakeboard.

 

[oldschool]

Can’t the water cops, or state park rangers,or someone,hand out flyers at the ramps, say Windsor,warning these folks where and where not to throw that god damn wake, and let them know they are responsible for any damage or wrecks they cause? Most the asshats that do this stuff are uneducated on boating and or boating ethics. Even if only one listens, it would be better than doing nothing. Paper is cheap, the watercops setup the dui checkpoints, cost way more. Everybody has to go through the gate into Windsor, and jabber at the ranger, wouldn’t take much for them to hand out a flyer and a quike “ be respectful with your wake with that boat”.

You would think that would work, BUT since these douchebags don't get it in the first place a flyer or warning probably won't help much either.

 

[shueman]

Sorry for your loss ... me thinks this is just going to escalate unfortunately

 

[milkmoney]

They can, but I’d bet every piece of paper would be tossed in the trash before being read.

Cause we need to spend our energy and money on check points and fucking with people,

This shit of ur responsible for ur wake is the biggest crock of shit I have ever heard or read. I am at the point that I only want to mid week boat .... [emoji202]

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[guest hs]

To me this is no different then a hit and run these POS owners need to be responsible for their actions! This will just keep happening unless the LEO get involved.

 

[DC-88]

Start a go fund me for a legal fund to ban surf boats anywhere except a closed course . I’d contribute the first Fat Head


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[batterup]

I'm really sorry this happened to you. As a life long boater and now an owner of a wakeboard boat this really pisses me off. It gives responsible WB owners like myself a bad rap. I can't stand it when people keep their ballast full at all times. It just plain stupid!! Hell, I hardly ever even fill mine. I just like the set up and ride of my boat.

I hope the best for you and that you get back on the water soon.

I

 

[Croz]

Cause we need to spend our energy and money on check points and fucking with people,

This shot of ur responsible for ur wake is the biggest crock of shit I have ever heard or read. I am at the point that I only want to mid week boat .... [emoji202]

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Happened on a Tuesday! BS!

 

[Babyback]

That’s horrible situation...I can’t even imagine. I’m thankful you and all your family/friends are okay.

I agree a little ediqutte and common sense goes a long way. But common sense is no longer so common...emptying the tanks before “cruising” anywhere takes less than 10 minutes.

I have a wakeboard style boat, I have had performance boats in the past, and I always try and be considerate of other people and boats out on the lake. It about being safe first and foremost

 

[Flatsix66]

Saw this recently. Looks like an industry campaign.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Sorry for your loss! However, I am glad your family is safe as that could have turned out much worse. This is a major safety issue and I hope it is addressed at some time. As you know, your boat is a very high demand hull. So sad to lose one.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Glad to hear that everyone was okay, definitely sounds like a shitty situation.

Looking back, is there anything that you could have done in that situation to try to keep from sinking? Or was there no chance with the wake that was being thrown? Maybe other people can learn some tips from people who have been in this situation.

 

[HB2Havasu]

Sorry to hear about this. Sure glad everyone came out safe, it could have been much much worse. Boats can be replaced - lives can’t!

Unfortunately with these platforms, I think the Colorado River Authorities will eventually ban boats with ballast for safety and shore erosion issues. I use to have a wakeboard boat when my kids were younger, and would never fill the ballast unless pulling someone. They drive like pigs when the ballast is full. Some people should just not own boats!

 

[grumpy88]

I'm just curious with all the comments of wake board boat owners needing to be considerate and time and place . Where is this time and place ? Weather they have a person surfing or not a massive wake is still being produced . In parker there is never a good time for it . It could be Xmas day and the wake is still destroying people's docks . In havasu some poor boater is cruising along only to come across a massive roller being produced a mile away . I hate govt regulation but wakeboard boats don't play well in public water regardless of how mindful a operator is .

 

[milkmoney]

Happened on a Tuesday! BS!

Ok. Well my theory went out the window.
Guess I didn't catch that. Thanks.
Well I am fucked. Schiada for sale , I am going snowmobiling..[emoji202]

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[squeezer]

Caution Topic Shift in progress...

How much work would it be to add enough foam to make sure a boat has positive buoyancy?

Our V215 is open bow, low freeboard and buoyancy negative. Scary situation where we boat, mostly due to tugs and ships. Our old closed bow Lavey would pop the bow up at will, never took on water. The Sanger always gets wet...

 

[Ballyhoo]

Really sorry to hear about this but the main thing is, that you and your family/friends are safe and sound. Thanks to the good folks that made the decision to stop and help also.

The last few years I have seen and encountered (Havasu) some pretty big wakes coming from these boats with huge ballast tanks. I have had to take some evasive actions and had at least one close call. I don't put the blame on the boats, its the boat operator that is the issue.

I don't know what the answer is, one that will actually work. We already have a solid set of boating rules and laws that many ignore or are too stupid to learn. I have had the closet near death calls from boats travelling on the wrong side of the lake North of Steamboat and South of Beaver Island, while I was travelling North. These incidents involved folks in performance boats going the wrong way at high speed. They come around that corner Southbound right near the large lighthouse and if you are not planning for some idiot going the wrong way, you are instantly in a bad spot.

Continued calls/emails to the local politicians and LEO agencies about your concerns is a good place to start. But as always, be careful for what you ask for.

Sometimes you are put in a no win spot like the OP. Under everyday circumstances, the best defense is a good offense. Be alert, aware and steer clear of jack-wagons and potentially dangerous situations.

 

[Rondog4405]

Shitty deal! Assholes stirring up the water going back n forth making a giant wave pool. Cant fn stand those clueless bastards. Glad you guys all got out safe!

 

[Bpracing1127]

Wow this story is unreal. I saw first hand what they will do to a 28 deck Boat (the one in needles 2 years ago) I was first on seen and it was horrific. Glad your safe

 

[Mandelon]

They can, but I’d bet every piece of paper would be tossed in the trash before being read.

Except for "in the trash" substitute "thrown on the ground"....

 

[Meaney77]

I'm just curious with all the comments of wake board boat owners needing to be considerate and time and place . Where is this time and place ? Weather they have a person surfing or not a massive wake is still being produced . In parker there is never a good time for it . It could be Xmas day and the wake is still destroying people's docks . In havasu some poor boater is cruising along only to come across a massive roller being produced a mile away . I hate govt regulation but wakeboard boats don't play well in public water regardless of how mindful a operator is .

Was thinking the same thing, really sux to hear about your boat and sorry to hear. Luckily nobody was hurt, you have insurance and it can be repaired.

Not trying to stir the pot by any means- from what I read above this occurred on a Tuesday- chances are it wasn't busy and this guy thought it was a good time and place? Sounds like he didn't realize thats a no ski zone (from what I remember) And I would have to think this guy was completely oblivious and didn't see what happened behind him? I have a hard time believing that a boat full of people enjoying the river saw a boat take on water and go down and just kept on driving?