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shorebird · 15-07-2013, 18:19

Jeepers, the rental kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders have taken over from jet-skiers for being the annoying pests on the water. I strongly believe the waters are for everyone, I'm not in favor of more "licensing," but please, a little common sense and basic understanding of what being on the water is about. Yesterday, while leaving Deep Cove, a kayak rental "hot-spot," we slowed the boat to let a group of about 20 kayaks pass about 30' directly in front of us. One young lady passed no more than 6 inches from our bow, and, although by then we were almost at a complete standstill, I politely told the young lady that 6 inches from a 32' vessel underway was unacceptable, and to give other vessels more room. the very next kayak STOPPED 3 feet from our bow, fixing his gaze on the kayaks gathering for what I believe were lessons. Our boat was away from the dock, engine running, and obviously attempting to leave the marina. Again, I politely asked the young man to move along, and let others pass. These people were not being rude, they just showed a complete lack of awareness of anything going on around them. Just a couple hours earlier, an RCMP constable was at the marina investigating a collision between a 40' Beneteau and a canoe a week earlier. When leaving our home marina, it is not uncommon to have a kayak or stand-up paddle board to suddenly pop out from not three feet from the row of boats tied along the docks, despite signs asking traffic to remain at least 50 from the marina so departing boats, usually in reverse, have a little room to take evasive action.
I joke about painting little kayaks on our hull to indicate "kills" but this is becoming a real problem.
Rant over.

svmariane · 15-07-2013, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by shorebird

Jeepers, the rental kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders have taken over from jet-skiers for being the annoying pests on the water...... I joke about painting little kayaks on our hull to indicate "kills" but this is becoming a real problem.
Rant over.

Four things for your consideration...

1. Rants on CF are good - they (probably) help reduce the murder rate...

2. Continue as you are, being darn careful and polite...

3. Install - and use - an air horn similar to what a heavy lory might have...

4. Hire a maritime-astute attorney/solicitor that also looks really fine in a bikini to serve as lookout...

FSMike · 16-07-2013, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by svmariane

---

4. Hire a maritime-astute attorney/solicitor that also looks really fine in a bikini to serve as lookout...

Excellent!

Therapy · 16-07-2013, 17:32

Yer not kiddin'

Happens here too.

These came out from behind a mangrove and seeing us coming down the channel...........just kept going. It is obvious they don't know (or need to know) what a channel is considering ~~they're~~ their ~~daft~~ draft.

Dulcesuenos · 16-07-2013, 19:09

I think some coils of razorwire spread out on each side would get em moving, or someone on the bow screaming "Get outta the Way Our steerings broke!!!!!" Would be fun ny and effective.
Love the idea of the little "kills" logos

Khagan1227 · 16-07-2013, 19:19

I really like it that they don't have life jackets on, makes the "kills" more likely.

svmariane · 16-07-2013, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

I think some coils of razorwire spread out on each side would get em moving, or someone on the bow screaming "Get outta the Way Our steerings broke!!!!!" Would be fun ny and effective.
Love the idea of the little "kills" logos

Only if the razor wire is also electrified!

But why limit yourself? How about a pump action shotgun for the bikini-clad solicitor/attorney to wield up there on the bow? Or maybe.... drop the Bruce anchor atop them interlopers? (Proves that a Bruce is good for something....)
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
And... Stand back. Here it comes....

maine50 · 16-07-2013, 20:29

What do Maine Lobstermen call kayakers----------Speedbumps

Andrew B. · 16-07-2013, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by maine50

What do Maine Lobstermen call kayakers----------Speedbumps

thanks I needed that...good chuckle...

bobconnie · 16-07-2013, 22:43

I really like the Kill's idea !! Maybe a flag on the bow with half a dozen busted in half kayaks on it?? probly wont help but other boats will get a kick out of it LOL

ozskipper · 17-07-2013, 00:11

Perhaps your boat needs a downward facing Bow Sprit. Kebabs anyone?

But in all honesty, if you are overtaking the kayak, you are the burdened vessel and its your responsibility to change course.

Unlikely, but if its overtaking you the reverse applies.

If you are approaching head on you both need to turn to starboard

The real problem after that, Rowing is not covered in COLREGS. Other than ultimately NO Vessel has "right" of way. There is only burdened and Stand On vessels. A collision can see both skippers in just as much poo as each other.

One could argue Colregs section 2 clause18. But if there is any injury or death it wont really matter. Especially if no "5 shorts blasts" have occurred and evasive action wasn't taken. Remember you have NO "right" of way under colregs.

Your point about sailboats reversing is an interesting one. As they could almost fit the NUC RIATM regulation. However, just as many kayakers dont know the rules. Most weekend cruising sailors dont either and I doubt anyone ever puts up the Two Balls or Displays the two red lights when its obvious to the skipper that his boat is RIATM at that point. Having said that. I never have either- it would never be policed, but in all reality, its probably what should happen to fully comply with the COLREGS.

rossad · 17-07-2013, 00:31

When you get a group of kayakers on the water for their first time. You get mayhem sometimes. If the training on shore is enough for all the factors it can go smooth but if the weather changes or obstacles come in your way you can get problems. New kayaking humans are often a bit hesitant and irrational with decisions.
Dont expect a kayaker to do what you would do.....
A kayak is totally different from a yacht. Its a tippy tool that seems skillful but isnt.

builder dan · 17-07-2013, 01:56

Being an ex kayaker (I saw the light) if they are silly enough to get under your bow where you cant see them its there tough luck.A big bow wave should push them aside,maybe.

Mimsy · 17-07-2013, 04:30

All kidding aside, we have found that a nice long blast of an air horn gets their attention and works quite well. It also has the added benefit of getting their heart rate up to help them paddle just a wee bit quicker!