gotcha, sorry for that, i thought i read both vessels north bound in one of those articles

It's a sad story. Regardless of any of the other factors, the alcohol was probably the most damaging part of this situation.

Setting aside the "innocent until proven guilty" fantasy, once you get enough people to decide, whether through emotion or political opportunism, that you're guilty or innocent, the rest of the process is just for show- a technicality. Like in the case of the OJ jury- the trial was a waste of time. In this case, a big, loud, flashy boat and booze on board most likely made it real easy for alot of folks to make their minds up in advance.

Whether or not the driver was innocent or guilty, had ther been no booze and less "flash", he may have had a shot at telling his story. I always try to remember there are plenty out there who would love to see me roast just for the sport of it.

I was just thinking about this thread when I see this vid posted in the Cig forum of a Gladiator booming off of a lake and into the mouth of a river at 100mph.

i dont know much about it , from what i read, but what i do know first hand that any vessel hit there will split like that, in about 98ish we had 2 yamaha wave raiders collide, one was hit at almost a 90 degree angle on the starboard side, it was hit with the bow of the other one, punched a hole all the way through it, broke the engine mounts and pushed the engine through the hull, the machine that hit it, had nothing more than some minor cracks in the bow.a midship hit is not good

When I first saw the Tiara I thought the Sonic t-boned it from the damage I could see. It was the experts that stated the Sonic hit it at a 22 degree angle. Think of how shallow a 22 degree angle is. The boats should have bounced off each other.

I agree - just like in the movies. Like - face-off with the two scarabs

I'm amazed nobody went after S-2 Yachts the way the Tiara hull and deck failed. That boat afforded no protection whatsoever to those poor people on board.

I am not suggesting we wake up Ralph Nader on the boats but I assume there are not any safety standards by the government. We couldn't afford them then. Not saying the manufactures dosen't have a responsibility.

Can we get back to the Concept for a minute??? Does anybody have an idea why the sudden turn into the sea wall?? Also what happened to rip off both engines??

Colt's Neck, NJ!! Do you know Tina Fury?

I knew a Mike Fury. How old maybe my brother knows her.

I wonder what caused that concept to crash, sounds like it was probably some kind of mechanical failure. I'd be interested to hear if the cause is determined.

That Sonic, it sounds like the guy got railroaded. If there was a 25 mph speed limit, I bet he was breaking it, but that's only because I doubt the boat could even maintain a steady cruise below 25 mph. I can't believe he got 50 years when they couldn't even establish that he was drunk. Sounds like a contaminated jury to me. If the sonic was going straight, and the tiara was hit on the starboard side, unless the tiara was dead in the water, it should have gone down as the Tiara driver's fault. Unless the sonic was crossing the channel and the Tiara was running in the channel. I don't understand how they were able to prove negligence in that case, unless they automatically assign fault based on who's going over 25 mph.

Too often, the guy in the go fast gets screwed, without any consideration for the evidence, or any thought for what actually happened. Seen it first hand...

This is what worries me about an incident like this one. I don't drink on my boa t but there usually is alcohol onboard for others. I hate to know I could be charged for alcohol without a blood test or breathalizer just because alcohol was found.

I made the decision a long time ago if I have a boat full of people and a sea doo cuts me off i will do what I can to avoid them but not kill 4 or 5 to save 1.

Especially on that lake. :eek:

Who designed the 30" hull? Isn't the new 30 a step hull? How is the center of gravity of this boat?

Which Forum did you see that?

I dont want to add to any emotional pain in this situation, or change any facts, but if the hired captain was not on the helm, it means a potentially intoxicated person could have been at the helm of the Tiara, hopefully that was investigated during the trial. I did not read the court records to know if it was investigated or not. Ed can you confirm?

Whether the vessels were both heading north or one north and one south the Tiara if it did turn to port as the rudders indicated did not follow the US Coast Guard Rules of the Nautical Road. The Sonic would also have been ound at fault for operating to fast for prevailing conditions. Regardless you should never turn to port for being overtaken or in a head on situation expect as a last ditch effort to prevent collision. I am as cautious as can be when around other vessels but accidents may still happen. Scares the hell out of me to think a couple of unintended mistakes by two vessels could result in life in prison and the needless death of 6 individuals.

Any word on why the 30 Concept took a turn into the seawall? Is this the 30 that the OSO member has?

Thanks! I don't see any problems there.....But then again I am not the tree hugging socialist hater that my neighbors are:rolleyes:

I know Tina had a brother who is deceased. She's about in her mid-forties now.

For all anybody knows the hired captain could have gone down below for a pee break. The captain's body was in the cabin in the underwater photos I was shown. The trial was a very emotional event with all the families of the deceased present every day. Because I was a witness I was only in the court for my testimony.

It was my impression at the time that Stan's defense lawyer was weak. I also think the judge was pressured into making an example of the "Speedboat" rich guy who shared a bottle of wine with his girlfriend over dinner.

I'm 42 so the age is the same. Back in the day there was only one high school so we probably did know each other. But man that seems like a lifetime back.