Is Boating Dangerous ?

[Matt sachs]

I'm not 45 yet, I guess that improves my odds, but on the other hand I know squat about sailing so I'm going to go hide under my bed....

[Sailagain]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

neither boating nor cars are dangerous for the most part.

It's the operators judgment that is questionable.

Although keep in mind - as a whole - we have requirements (training periods, DMV tests, and Insurance) before people are allowed to get behind the wheel of a car

Any Joe with enough money can buy themselves a boat - and off they go!

And there seem to be a lot of people that do just that

The guy who was docked behind me bought a brand new 40' boat - took ZERO lessons and had no experience.

[Unicorn Dreams]

It's no different driving a car. A written test a 12 year old who studies the book for 2-3 days can pass.

I gave my granddaughter the booklet for the CDL written test, she studied the book for 1 week while I was on the road, got back gave her the test and she only missed 2 questions. Does that make her qualified to drive a 40 ton truck, YES by the test, but not by legal age or mindset.

I believe the DMV test are so moronic that if you cannot pass the test, you shouldn't even be a passenger in a car much less drive one.

[Astrid]

Yes Sir! I was in the bar the other night and was just looking at my boat when I fell off the stool!

That should be boat watching while intoxicated is dangerous.

[rtbates]

It's a by product of the 24 hour news we have now.

Good news doesn't sell nearly as well as bad.

Search and you'll find lots of info on our current inability as a society to determine and react to what is REALLY our biggest threats.

It ain't boating for sure, or pirates, or bad guys wanting to blow up planes.

For most it's the idiot on the cell phone in the next lane.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Dangerous
According to another thread about like jackets, I believe the deaths in small boats was 674???? for the year mentioned. Roughly what the number for cars os in 2 days in the USA.

[captainKJ]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Yes Sir! I was in the bar the other night and was just looking at my boat when I fell off the stool!

you should know that drinking and boating do not mix. You might spill you drink!

Captainkj (Forum name not real name, hope that is OK to use).

[Sailagain]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

Dangerous
According to another thread about like jackets, I believe the deaths in small boats was 674???? for the year mentioned. Roughly what the number for cars os in 2 days in the USA.

Yeah but put that number as a percentage of people who drive or use cars for transportation!

The the total number of people that use, own or ride in a boat is MILLIONS less than cars. So deaths overall as an aggregate number is going to be MUCH less

And if they do get in a boat - it is HOURS less usage than riding in a car. For example I am in my car two hours each day - just for work. Then add up all other times during the week - maybe another 15 hours.

Then I am only on my boat for a six hour sail on a Saturday.


Your figures are misleading.

[boasun]

According to the statistics here: It is safer to be on the water then in your car....
So that is why I'm getting a sail boat that is big enough to change my mind and pants without having to step outside...

[sailorboy1]

Boating is dangerous if you get too close to me...........so be sure to give me a clear path!

[capttman]

Originally Posted by Sailagain

Although keep in mind - as a whole - we have requirements (training periods, DMV tests, and Insurance) before people are allowed to get behind the wheel of a car

Any Joe with enough money can buy themselves a boat - and off they go!

And there seem to be a lot of people that do just that

The guy who was docked behind me bought a brand new 40' boat - took ZERO lessons and had no experience.

and the problem with that is???
let us keep regulating our freedoms away

[Sailagain]

Originally Posted by capttman

and the problem with that is???
let us keep regulating our freedoms away

So you would advocate repealing all legislation that regulates car use? Sounds great! Freeeedom

:devil

[Unicorn Dreams]

Space shuttle is safer if you figure deaths/per mile.

I drove full time, not part time, 155-160,000 miles per year, over 4.000.000 accident free miles. Went out in the boat the other day and hit bottom. 3 bumps on 60.000+ miles sailing, does that make me more dangerous in the boat. PROBABLY, all depends on how you want to look at it. Now I drive 0 miles per week, watch out for my boat.

Why not repeal car driving licensing, it was free until some legislator came up with the slogan/Driving is a PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT. Great money making campaign.

[Sailagain]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

Space shuttle is safer if you figure deaths/per mile.

I drove full time, not part time, 155-160,000 miles per year, over 4.000.000 accident free miles. Went out in the boat the other day and hit bottom. 3 bumps on 60.000+ miles sailing, does that make me more dangerous in the boat. PROBABLY, all depends on how you want to look at it. Now I drive 0 miles per week, watch out for my boat.

Good point

I think right now the amount of people that use boats (as an overall number and hourly usage) is so low that there is no interest or need for in regulation. It's like the first days of the car when there was little regulations on drivers

If the usage of boats ever started to approach cars - there would be many Regulations imposed - licensing and insurance being the first (right now my state requires neither)

[sabray]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Yes Sir! I was in the bar the other night and was just looking at my boat when I fell off the stool!

Tipped a canoe over last night had my phone been in my pocket it would have been ruined. Did this fully clothed with an audience in 1' of water. After thousands of miles sailing my reputation is shambles. Of course I regained composure and asked the women in the nearby power boat who were having difficulties if they wished me to help. They declined but many were in tears from the laughter including me.
On the other hand I flipped my dink years ago fully clad in cold water. No one saw me and it is no laughing thing I survived. Now I have floaties and teathers short tethers. Not being mindful and punrepared is dangerous if your mindless unprepared and on the water you should be concerned.