4th of July, Jones Beach

[pstew96]

So, the weather just got better and better as the day wore on, it was awesome there at Zacks Bay, wasn't the usual zoo in normally is. I don't understand why there was this one boat anchored right in the middle of where the most traffic was leaving, why would anyone even want to be positioned there and take a chance? So, as you all know, there is basically two lanes on the west side, but after the fireworks people tend to use both to exit because some people go west and some go east, there was this dude in a large boat going to go west telling people to get behind him, he was a bit over the top, the boat traffic was actually going quite smoothly, why would someone want to get in back of him only to go east? Then for some reason, another guy flashing his spotlight like crazy. There was no moon, so it was a little hairy in the channel. Also, I saw a boat maybe 25' cabin up on the marsh, that's not gonna be good. That's my report!

 

[BillyK]

The state channel after the show are absolutely the worst boating conditions I have ever been in. I remember one year a sailboat was caught in the middle of it and a boat trying to plane off landed right on top of it. It's really the wild west. Glad you made it ok.

Billy K.

 

[pstew96]

Yea, people get a little more excited than usual, apprehensive I think, they are a little fearful of the dark. Especially with no moonlight!

 

[JVM225]

That guy that was up on the marsh almost drifted in to me about 10 minutes before the show was over. I was anchored outside Zacks Bay where all of the party boats were anchored. While watching the show, I noticed the guy drifting towards me. I had to blow the horn to get his attention. The tool was drifting among anchored boats while gazing at the show. I think he thought his boat was like his car, and all you need to do is park it and turn off the ignition. He got started about 10 feet away from the point where my anchor was going to hit the back of his head, turned his "headlights" (actually molded in to the hull) on, and headed east. I was amazed that he didn't foul his prop in my anchor line.
We pulled up the anchor and left as soon as the show was over, and saw him up on the marsh, leaning hard to port. He must have really been moving when he ran aground.
It didn't seem like he was drunk, looked more like the guy didn't have a clue about running a boat.
Had another scholar on a center console come up behind me just before Tobay with his "headlights" on, follow me up through the Amityville Cut, and then turn east behind me. Somewhere around Tanner Park I slowed down to let him pass me, and shouted some not so friendly advice to him as he passed. Him, and the boatload of people he had on his boat, seemed to have no idea why I was yelling over to him.
Once back at the dock and hosing down the boat, here comes another genius entering the canal with his "headlights" shining brightly. He still had them on as he passed me while I stared in amazement.
Yet more evidence of why they should at least require some kind of basic course before someone can operate a boat.
Luckily these fools only seem to be a factor on the holiday weekends.
Despite the clueless people out there, it was a fantastic show and we were really happy we went.

 

[Robski97]

I lost track of the amount of boats with NO running lights on heading back from the show .

then u have the guys shining their spot lights on all the boats around them ... WTF is that about .

Anyone hear the status of the flybridge boat that hit the jetty at Jones inlet ... Didnt sound good on the radio .

Rob

 

[CurrentSea]

You know what is going to happen, they are going to end up saying no boats allowed because of a few idiots.
You think about it, in the last 5 years someone dies or gets hurt at every firework show where boats are involved.
It's a shame but 99.9% of the time it's the boaters fault, over-loading, poor navigation, alcohol, etc.

One bay constable could have a field day! Station just outside Zachs and if no navs, or navs out, fine them!

I love it that a LEO will pull a boat over for a safety check on a beautiful day but at night they are off duty!