Slowing Rule?

P

pdecat

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Here is a common circumstance i dont see any rule for. In a waterway, several boats are running in line at the same speed. Naturally, they are all following closely. One wants to slow for some reason. What signal should be given by the slowing boat?
 
In theory, the boat wanting to slow would pie off while gradually reducing throttle. In reality, they usually just chop the throttle and the following boats pie off all over the place creating a cluster-F.
 
With a vessel at my stern, aren't I the "stand-on" vessel, and I have to maintain course and speed? Hmm, if that's the case, how do I ever stop or turn?
 
Technically if a boat is behind you traveling at the same speed then it is not overtaking you.

If a boat in front of you slows down and you are traveling a SAFE distance behind then you should be able to slow down as well. Otherwise you are most likely too close and operating in an unsafe manner. When I travel with a group of boats we always space out enough to avoid such problems but we do say in contact by radio as well.
 
You should give the slow signal. That is one arm straight up in the air to represent a mast and the other out from the shoulder to represent a boom.
 
I can relate more to Msibleys reality response. I have under some circumstances and water ways in our area have experienced the above.
Just funny reading it.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Les Hall

You should give the slow signal. That is one arm straight up in the air to represent a mast and the other out from the shoulder to represent a boom.

Click to expand...


Grumpy,

two problems with that technique:

1) that means there is no hands on positive control of the boat

2) People behind you think you want to play "YMCA" and an accident occurs between multiple boats since there is no hands on positive control in their boats either.
 
Ok, I'll take the bait, do you point the "boom" in the direction you want the vessels to overtake you? Or were you just joking Les?
 
quote:
Originally posted by sonicmix

Ok, I'll take the bait, do you point the "boom" in the direction you want the vessels to overtake you? Or were you just joking Les?

Click to expand...


The snipe hunt starts in 15 minutes...
 
quote:
Originally posted by Msibley

quote:
Originally posted by Les Hall

You should give the slow signal. That is one arm straight up in the air to represent a mast and the other out from the shoulder to represent a boom.

Click to expand...


Grumpy,

two problems with that technique:

1) that means there is no hands on positive control of the boat

2) People behind you think you want to play "YMCA" and an accident occurs between multiple boats since there is no hands on positive control in their boats either.

Click to expand...


:)
 
if they're all travelling at the same speed, nobody is overtaking. the first boat can slow down.
 
Les's arm signal get's my vote for the wittiest post of the day award. :)
 
Pas...nobody's overtaking as long as the lead boat maintains speed...now, if he starts to slow, then, Houston we have a problem....don't we?

Your assumption is that the following boats' operators have some gray matter between their ears and will in kind, reduce their speed.

If that was true...then the other threads dealing with common sense would be moot.
 
Mike, the key to successful slow signaling is not to have YMCA playing on the stereo. I would also argue that it should not be done by young females either. However, if YMCA happens, just get everyone doing it, head to the nearest tiki bar, and have a party.
 
Just curious Mike, when you have a number of boats behind you and you want to slow down do you,

a) Hit the brakes and smile as those behind you scramble?

b) Slow a bit and make sure the people behind do so as well?

c) My boat only goes one speed, WOT!

I stand by my post that you should never follow close enough that the lead boat slowing down makes a difference but that said like you I won't assume the person behind is paying attention and I'll make a controlled slow down checking behind for any problems.

I guess the key to all of the questions being asked today is to maintain a proper lookout and beware of everything going on around you.
 
You would argue that young females shouldn't slow down or shouldn't play YMCA?
 
quote:
Originally posted by rommer

Just curious Mike, when you have a number of boats behind you and you want to slow down do you,

a) Hit the brakes and smile as those behind you scramble?

b) Slow a bit and make sure the people behind do so as well?

c) My boat only goes one speed, WOT!

I stand by my post that you should never follow close enough that the lead boat slowing down makes a difference but that said like you I won't assume the person behind is paying attention and I'll make a controlled slow down checking behind for any problems.

I guess the key to all of the questions being asked today is to maintain a proper lookout and beware of everything going on around you.

Click to expand...


Rommer...ever see the movie "Gumball Rally"?

What's behind me doesn't count.

Does that help to clear up any questions? ;)
 
quote:
Originally posted by TrueBlue

Les's arm signal get's my vote for the wittiest post of the day award. :)

Click to expand...


I'll second that! I burst out laughing when I read it.
 
You guys are a hoot!

You should try slowing down under the Ivy Lea bridge in the 1000 Islands on a July 1st. or 4th. holiday weekend. You'd be fishbait! Picture in your mind 2000 boats of all kinds, jet ski's to triple decker tour boats, all going any which way all within a quarter square mile and not one of them, even the tour boat operators, know the rules of the road. If we've ever experienced true chaos that's it!
 
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