Christmas Boat Parades

[webejammin]

Who decks out there boat for lighted Christmas boat paraids and where?
We are decorating tomorrow

[rgscpat]

Let's take a moment to remember safety before going out on the boat parades.

Anthony DeWeese, rest in peace.


And, from a summer on the water event in 2006...

Lynn Thornton, rest in peace.

[webejammin]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

Let's take a moment to remember safety before going out on the boat parades.

Anthony DeWeese, rest in peace.


And, from a summer on the water event in 2006...

Lynn Thornton, rest in peace.

Unless these guy's drown doing a Christmas Boat paraid ?? THIS THREAD HAS BEEN HY-JACKED, START A NEW THREAD rgscpat

This thread is about putting Christmas lights on BOATS

[rgscpat]

Don't think this was such a hijack, because:
Eight-year-old Anthony DeWeese and his family had been on a boat watching San Diego's December 20, 2009, Parade of Lights when their boat was struck by a 33-ft. Coast Guard boat traveling at high speed and Anthony was killed. NTSB and Coast Guard investigation subsequently blamed the CG crew (traveling at high speed at night in a crowded area and using cell phones).

Although this was shocking and atypical, one of the hazards for holiday light parades and other night time events where large numbers of boats gather is a lot of chaotic, sometimes high-speed traffic around the event, aggravated often by holiday drinking and night-time navigation.

Christmas light parades of course have generators that generate some noise that can distract the skipper and potentially dangerous fumes, plus of course putting out plenty of electricity. And, the parade lights and decorations on the boat can make navigating and watching out for other boats much tougher.

We don't want holiday light parades to get a reputation for danger, so it is appropriate to take a moment to think through any possible problems before they happen. Organizers and skippers should be extra careful. Otherwise, holiday light parade organizers might decide the parades aren't worth the liability risk and the Grinch will stop the parade.

[minaret]

We usually never miss a year but this year I have the boat cover all buttoned up and some tenting built underneath for gelcoat repairs. Too much trouble to remove. It'll be the first year we've missed in at least ten years. My wife is pissed...

[webejammin]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

Don't think this was such a hijack, because:
Eight-year-old Anthony DeWeese and his family had been on a boat watching San Diego's December 20, 2009, Parade of Lights when their boat was struck by a 33-ft. Coast Guard boat traveling at high speed and Anthony was killed. NTSB and Coast Guard investigation subsequently blamed the CG crew (traveling at high speed at night in a crowded area and using cell phones).

Although this was shocking and atypical, one of the hazards for holiday light parades and other night time events where large numbers of boats gather is a lot of chaotic, sometimes high-speed traffic around the event, aggravated often by holiday drinking and night-time navigation.

Christmas light parades of course have generators that generate some noise that can distract the skipper and potentially dangerous fumes, plus of course putting out plenty of electricity. And, the parade lights and decorations on the boat can make navigating and watching out for other boats much tougher.

We don't want holiday light parades to get a reputation for danger, so it is appropriate to take a moment to think through any possible problems before they happen. Organizers and skippers should be extra careful. Otherwise, holiday light parade organizers might decide the parades aren't worth the liability risk and the Grinch will stop the parade.

Thanks for explaining be safe

[Jesse]

I've participated in quite a few. Puget Sound seems to be quite active regarding lighted boat parades. Anderson Islanders decorate their boats and cruise around the island while the folks ashore watching, flash lights at the parade to participate. Clubs in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Seattle and Port Townsend parade on different nights so they can join each other. It can be lots of fun and there's always a party afterward.
Remember not to impede your night vision with lights, and pfd's for those on deck is always a good idea. If the Skipper does a good job everyone stays safe and has a great time.

[Capt Phil]

We never took our own boat out for the parade in the 10 years we lived aboard in San Diego. Rather, due to copious amounts of alcohol being consumed on other boats, we were the designated driver, ate well and had a great time. It relieved the owners of concerns that might arise if there was a problem and the concern about being a congenial host/hostess. I recall it being very evident which vessels were being driven by those who were drinking and those who were not. Capt Phil

[bstreep]

Year before last, we won the parade in Corpus Christi. Here's the photos from when we did this:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...won-33924.html

Note that we no longer put Xmas lights on the boat. It seems that they use steel for wiring, and little tiny pieces of steel wire seem to shed, staining the deck. Since our deck is newly painted...

[xymotic]

About 3 Years ago, West marine had some 12v LED lights that were insanely cheap. I think I paid like $9.99 for them, but that may have been employee pricing I just don't remember.

But they don't have them anymore, and the lights went with the boat when my ex and I split.

Does anyone have a source for some decent 12v LED xmas lights?

[gpdno]

Wife and I our going to be in this years Christmas Boat Parade in Venice, FL. Our first time, kids are excited, should be fun.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

Let's take a moment to remember safety before going out on the boat parades.

Anthony DeWeese, rest in peace.


And, from a summer on the water event in 2006...

Lynn Thornton, rest in peace.

We have plenty of threads about safety. Why can't we talk about boat parades?

I'm going very simple. I'm making sides of sleighs from furring strips and chicken wire. I'm going to get two sets of lights designed to go over bushes, and put them over the frame. Then a few other little touches, maybe lighted candy canes along the stanchions, and I'm done.

[gpdno]

This was the first year we had our boat in the Venice Boat Parade. One of the local newspapers took a cool shot of us passing under the Albee Road Bridge.