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[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by bigpatsfan

The accident referenced above was on a pontoon boat... begs the question regarding what "sitting on the bow" means?

Does a pontoon boat have a bow as we typically think of a bow. I always thought they had a front and a back not a bow.

There is a lot that is not in this story. To me, all we really know is that a 9 year old boy was injured. My thoughts go out to his family

A pontoon boat has a bow/stern/port/starboard just like any other boat. It’s just a flat bow. There is usually a gate in the middle of the bow for access/egress and a person could certainly sit on the bow with the gate open or if the boat has a lot of deck space outside the gate. Mine only has about a foot of deck but some have much more so it would be very easy to sit out there. I’m thinking the operator of this particular boat was inexperienced or unaware of this dangerous practice.

[Descant]

Many years ago (40?) the legislature made it illegal to ride on the bow or sit on the gunwales. For some reason, pontoon captains seem to think this doesn't apply to them or their passengers. When it occurs, in most instances, I think MP gives a warning. I'm not usually for more rules, but somehow, we're not getting the word out to 'tooners, especially those with little previous experience in other types of boats. In only a few weeks we have this one and the teen-ager who fell off the bow of a 'toon near LSP.
Would a $500-$1000 fine for the captain who allows this open some eyes? Fine, no warning! I am reluctant to do the heavy hand of the law on this, but two major accidents this summer (are there others?) mean we are not taking the right approach.

[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by Descant

Many years ago (40?) the legislature made it illegal to ride on the bow or sit on the gunwales. For some reason, pontoon captains seem to think this doesn't apply to them or their passengers. When it occurs, in most instances, I think MP gives a warning. I'm not usually for more rules, but somehow, we're not getting the word out to 'tooners, especially those with little previous experience in other types of boats. In only a few weeks we have this one and the teen-ager who fell off the bow of a 'toon near LSP.
Would a $500-$1000 fine for the captain who allows this open some eyes? Fine, no warning! I am reluctant to do the heavy hand of the law on this, but two major accidents this summer (are there others?) mean we are not taking the right approach.

I would be willing to bet that these two "Captains" that had people fall off their bows, will not allow anyone to sit there in the future, if they're still boating at all. Unfortunately, sometimes, it takes a tragedy to "reach" people. Having to live with the guilt of being responsible for these injuries is punishment enough for these "Captains" I would think. If other's continue to take those risks, let them... We are FREE to be stupid. I don't understand the mindset of someone that thinks it's their "duty" to keep everyone safe. Don't misunderstand, I don't wish harm on anyone, I just don't worry, or concern myself with what "other" people are doing to endanger themselves. Not my problem... I tend to mind my own business, and expect other's to do the same.

[SAB1]

How about this guy Saturday off 5 mile island. I guessing she's the beneficiary on his life policy.

[BroadHopper]

As this thread has pointed out and I see my share of them, they think boating laws do not apply to them. And that is a major pain in my butt! The laws applies to all vessels on water! Hopefully this will sink in before, god forbid, a casualty happens!

[Descant]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

As this thread has pointed out and I see my share of them, they think boating laws do not apply to them. And that is a major pain in my butt! The laws applies to all vessels on water! Hopefully this will sink in before, god forbid, a casualty happens!

This is one of those cases where, regardless of the law, common sense should prevail. Doesn't matter which state issued your safe boater certificate. I can't tell from the picture, but some people likely think it's safe as long as you're wearing a ski vest or PFD. If they get a ticket, a remedial safe boater safety course for everybody in the boat should be an available penalty. Who gets the ticket? Driver or bow rider? Both are equally guilty, aren't they?

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Descant

This is one of those cases where, regardless of the law, common sense should prevail. Doesn't matter which state issued your safe boater certificate. I can't tell from the picture, but some people likely think it's safe as long as you're wearing a ski vest or PFD. If they get a ticket, a remedial safe boater safety course for everybody in the boat should be an available penalty. Who gets the ticket? Driver or bow rider? Both are equally guilty, aren't they?

Operator is guilty. As for the “bow rider” blissful ignorance reads it’s ugly head.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Operator is guilty. As for the “bow rider” blissful ignorance reads it’s ugly head.

I have a friend who got a ticket for going too fast, too close to land. He was water skiing, starting up from shallow water. The skier got the ticket, not the driver. The law has been changed in favor of safe skiing practices. Nevertheless, I think both should get the ticket, if both are adults. If one is under age, the adult should get a double whammy. BTW, MP does great job deciding when to ticket and when to make it a teaching moment.

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Descant

I have a friend who got a ticket for going too fast, too close to land. He was water skiing, starting up from shallow water. The skier got the ticket, not the driver. The law has been changed in favor of safe skiing practices. Nevertheless, I think both should get the ticket, if both are adults. If one is under age, the adult should get a double whammy. BTW, MP does great job deciding when to ticket and when to make it a teaching moment.

I agree but my point was anyone that is “in charge” of passengers, be it boat or
other conveyance, should be held responsible for putting his charges in danger.

[XCR-700]

Sorry but in my lifetime I have found fines to be WORTHLESS.

Driver or passenger or anyone, I have never seen anyone change their ways based on a fine, unless its just an insignificant matter of concern like a parking ticket.

Its been my observation fines only annoy the recipient and reinforces their notion that the laws are stupid. Fines dont seem to change really bad behavior.

Not sure anything changes really bad behavior, just look at how many times a drunk driver can be arrested again and again,,,

People only change really bad behavior when they are ready to change, and in too many cases its because of a serious near-miss or something horrible that actually happened, but but rarely because they got yelled at, got fined or even lost some privilege for any period of time.

Your opinion may vary.

[Patofnaud]

Originally Posted by Descant

For some reason, pontoon captains seem to think this doesn't apply to them or their passengers.

Not this one... No one over the rail until the motor is OFF. Don't even lean over. Why? Because some days I suck and judging how long my front deck is and if I go bonk on a piling you go splash.

Please keep all arms and legs inside the ride until it has come to a complete and full stop.