Was I reckless in running an inlet with a bowrider

  • Thread starter Thread starter blouderback
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No bob,

Sounds like you took all precautions and studied the weather conditions. The only think I would have done differently was to have everyone wear life vests, But that's just me.

Adam
 
Well that all depends on the inlet in question. BTW, what inlet did you run thru?
 
mark the problem with a bow rider in open water, and in an inlet, is that if it hits a larger wave/wake the wrong way and water comes over the bow, the water is going to get in. Suddenly the boat will be very bow heavy and even more likely to take on more water when the next wave comes.

then water has nowhere to go... CC are usually self draining with scuppers and the water will flow out. not so an "inland" bow rider. the typical 1000gph bilge pump will not be able to evacuate the water fast enough.

a small cuddy doesn't face the same risks since water will flow off the bow/foredeck.
 
quote:
Originally posted by giolic

um,

I must be stupid... Please tell me why this is such a big deal in a 20' bowrider. What am I missing ??

Mark

Click to expand...


That inlet can be downright evil!!!

I ran up from Norfolk to Ocean City, the ocean was great, some wind. Came up to Ocean City inlet just before dusk. Tide was running out, wind coming in from the ocean.

I've got to tell you that it was a white knuckle ride in. Basically pinned it and ran it hard in, if I didn't run it hard and fast it might have been trouble, this in a 50,000 lb 48 foot convertible. Lake Worth inlet in Florida was easy compared to this one IMHO.

That inlet can turn nasty at the turn of the wind.

Jonathan
 
My hat's off to you Bob. You have free rent in an aweful lot of heads. Loved the picture of you in the hat.
 
The question, as written, is ridiculous. There are days when the inlet will be flat calm and days when, as noted, a 48 footer will have a problem. The key is knowing the boat and being able to ascertain appropriate conditions and, even more important, changing conditions. As a general rule, a bowrider is a lake boat and not suitable for "big water." However, with the appropriate skill set and knowledge, they can be taken offshore safely - ie, when the water is like lake water. But the minute the discussion starts involving riding the back of a wave to get in safely or keeping the bow up to avoid stuffing it, you are in trouble. The boat doesn't belong there in those conditions.
 
The boat has full floatation, and it sounds like he did everything right. I've seen alot smaller boats go in/out of that inlet in all wx conditions. I've personally done it in a 17' boat and a 70 hp outboard. Heck, I've seen jet skis go thru that inlet. I'm trying to figure out what the big deal is. What's next, a warning label on all bow riders, "Do not attempt to navigate ocean inlets with this vessel".
 
It's only an inlet. Drive to the parking lot at the inlet and watch the size of the boats that go in and out of OC Inlet all the time. Covering the bow area is a great idea, just in case. Follow a few smaller boats in and out, at slack tide 'till you feel comfortable, not too close! Yeah, I know it is Ocean City, MD inlet and can be real rough for a short time. Real close waves, almost square ones, depending on tide. After a couple of times, in and out, you'll get the hang of it. Pay attention and watch your speed. One hand on the helm and the other on the throttle with no sudden changes. Next week you'll be here asking about Indian River to the north or Chincoteague to the south. Actually, I think they're not as rough as OC. Enjoy your summer!
 
Thanks for the info guys.. I just wanted to understand the issue here. I'll keep my fingures off the kybd on this one and see how it unfolds
 
Bob,
My only issue is that your experience running an inlet is limited and you took your family with you. Inlets can turn ugly quickly with the turn of the tide and a change in the winds. You're boat is not really the issue, its the experience of knowing conditions and how to deal with them quickly and effectively. SilverBullet's idea of practicing prior to bringing the family...
Best,
Perry
 
Bob,

With all due respect, where you droped on your head when you were a kid? :)

Walter
 
Just called the Coast Guard in Ocean City (410) 289-7457, asked the question as to a 20 foot bow rider being reckless in this inlet. His answer was that with accurate knowledge of the tides, currents, weather forecast, ocean experience, and paying attention to the markers, he would not consider it reckless”

As the question was posted, and as Bob has stated, there was no knowledge of the tides and currents and no ocean experience….reckless, if you believe the Coast Guards statement to be accurate.

oops, noted where Bob said he checked the tide..
 
Estimator, I don't think you'll find the Coast Guard is going to answer a question like that in any other manner. Reckless is a more serious thing than careless, either way, no one on duty is going answer any other way than the reply you got.
 
SilverBullet

That makes sense. Needless to say, I am not one afraid to seek out answers. I'm about to have an "empty nest" and after years of boating inland...I am really thinking of the ocean.

My wife and mines professional skills will transfer. I am learning from all of this, and have been learning here for over a year....most knowledge gained has not come from the results of confrontations such as this one with Bob and his love of attention and acceptance, I learned along time ago about people like him, their always marching to the tune of their own drummer, and their tune it always right, much like my 17 year old son whom I hope will grow out of it.

A simple question or not so simple, filling in the gap when requested, not getting mad when someone with experience points me in a direction that I would have swore was incorrect, and a study of the answers and the responses to the answers from fair minded, experienced individuals (which there are plenty here) has been a pleasant, mature learning experience for the most part at BE…..when that changes….I’ll move on.
 
I'm not a Bob fan but I don't think you were reckless. You took the precautions needed and the weather was with you. My problem is that the weather can really change in a heartbeat and a bowrider in that inlet under bad weather is a recipe for disaster. I'm glad you have given up on Block Island.
Regards Bill
 
Bob, any trip that you return from is a good one, if you can use the boat again it is a GREAT one!!! Remember, no matter what is said on this or any forum, you are the captain and are ultimately responsible. It looks like you did some research before going, but as others have said, conditions can change in a few minutes. Can a bowrider navigate an inlet?? Sure, under the right conditions, however you are doing something it was not designed to do, and need to be prepared for any changes in conditions. Take a look the link of the 61' boat in Perdido Pass, not related to sea conditions but not pretty.
 
Bob after reading the opener, I was convinced you did alot more homework than many of the bozo's out there.
However, I don't believe a bow rider is the appropriate boat to go outside with. With low free-board they don't compare to an open center console boat of the same size. It's not just the inlet. It's the movement of other boats in it, which are much larger and pitch wakes without concern. And that can happen outside also.
There's a saying about airline pilots. It applies here. There are old pilots and bold pilots. But there are no old and bold pilots. Keep taking chances, and you will regret it.
 
As I read some of the posts on here I have to smile. I guess it all depends on where you do your boating. Perry has one fun inlet to deal with, Shinnecock and there's no comparison between Lake Worth(Palm Beach) even on a calm day and Ocean City, MD. There all inlets and they all deserve respect, they can be different one day to the next. Experience as usual is the best way. Pick your days and be safe. While I say be safe, I see a post on here about a 61' Weaver. What was he trying to do????? Inlets or passes, they all deserve respect, not to mention local knowledge.
 
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