Are the Test Zones Marked ?

Phantom · 06-14-2007, 07:38 AM

Dave R -- Funny that you use that "rule of thumb" (i.e. follow another boat) !!

On the contrary, I try and teach evryone that I come in contact with to "Think for themselves" and when in doubt, slow down and check the map (again). I have personally witnessed hundreds of times boaters eithor in front of me or behind choose the wrong side of a marker. The most prevelent spot (but not the only) is the "stick field" between Eagle Isl & FL#44. Some are Rentals but all too often they're not. I've even seen a couple of GFBL choose incorrectly in that area.

Point bieng -- Don't Follow -- I tell everyone --the person in front may (or may not) have what I term "Local knowledge" (a very detailed understanding of the hazard they are maneuvering). You -- in the trailing boat -- will never be able to precisely follow as their wake drifts in one direction or the other.

There are many folks who understand exactly what and where a particular hazard may be --i.e. Local Knowledge and would seem to defy the correct side of a marker. For example, we boat regularly on the Eastern side of FL#1 (that's where our cottage is located- I'm comfortable in those waters). Others simply have God on their side !!

Point ------>> Don't Follow, unless you know who your following

ITD · 06-14-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

Point ------>> Don't Follow, unless you know who your following

I agree, when in my sailboat I routinely go places I wouldn't even get near with my powerboat. The sailboat which draws about 5 inches with the centerboard up isn't easily damaged. I will generally try to squeeze the most out of each tack. Many times while I've been in tight places I've seen motorboats line up for me, even though rocks and other dangers are in their path. So far they have all seen the danger before getting into trouble, but one day someone will end up on the rocks.

Also, I don't know how many times I've waved boats off of a collision with the rocks at the entrance of Center Harbor.

Dave R · 06-14-2007, 03:33 PM

Good points ITD and Phantom.

06-14-2007, 07:38 AM	#1
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Dave R -- Funny that you use that "rule of thumb" (i.e. follow another boat) !! On the contrary, I try and teach evryone that I come in contact with to "Think for themselves" and when in doubt, slow down and check the map (again). I have personally witnessed hundreds of times boaters eithor in front of me or behind choose the wrong side of a marker. The most prevelent spot (but not the only) is the "stick field" between Eagle Isl & FL#44. Some are Rentals but all too often they're not. I've even seen a couple of GFBL choose incorrectly in that area. Point bieng -- Don't Follow -- I tell everyone --the person in front may (or may not) have what I term "Local knowledge" (a very detailed understanding of the hazard they are maneuvering). You -- in the trailing boat -- will never be able to precisely follow as their wake drifts in one direction or the other. There are many folks who understand exactly what and where a particular hazard may be --i.e. Local Knowledge and would seem to defy the correct side of a marker. For example, we boat regularly on the Eastern side of FL#1 (that's where our cottage is located- I'm comfortable in those waters). Others simply have God on their side !! Point ------>> Don't Follow, unless you know who your following __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

06-14-2007, 03:33 PM	#3
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Good points ITD and Phantom.