Poker Runs - one simple rule
 

US Aux Coast Guard safe boating class

here's a simple idea. have poker run participants take a safe boating course. and no not some online BS one. most states are know requiring some sort of safe boating class or licensing depending on age and type of vessel, mostly pwc related.

I for one never saw the need to take a course since I've been boating as a kid and spent some time racing and in pleasure boats above 100 mph. but having some spare time earlier this yr I took a US aux CG boat safety course to learn more about my local waters. I was surprised to learn quite a bit more.

while realistically i'm sure that law enforcement and CG have a different opinion on normal operation compared to high-performance guys, these discussions on whats reasonable and what is wreck-less would be put to rest. especially some on here that feel 150 mph fly by or even operating boats on crowded lakes at excessive speed is their right.

Lmao you take one f :O ukin coast guard class and you making rulzzz
Sorry catfish
couldn't resist

I actually agree with this and one law I feel all 50 states should make is requirement of this class for any boater.

ill remember this next we're at hooters, so you'll be buying................

I took a coast guard aux course and learned a lot. Drove me nuts at the marina and on the Hudson River when you notice how many people don't know what their doing.Sold my Fountain friday to two nice guys from Canada that use large lakes. When we test drove the boat ( Jersey Shore )they had never seen or heard of a stick channel. It would not take long for them to be in the mud. Nothing wrong with taking a boating course its fun and I learned a lot about reading charts. Different types of rope nuts too LOL.

I meant knots ( brain fart )

100%.

During the course I took I will never forget the story about being on a PWC without a wetsuit on...

It was a very sad story of a girl being a passenger that fell off but her foot got trapped so she never flew clear of the PWC. With only having a bathing suit on, without getting into the horrible details, she was killed by the jet pressure ...

I also took a very in depth class to get my license, many years ago. The online stuff now is bogus. However I feel that anyone can past a test. Exp is what needs to be had when purchasing a boat that runs 100+. Should be stricter laws of some sort that would limit who can just go and buy oen, have to prove that you have owned fast boats in the past. Common sense also tends to go a long way, however more and more people lack that these days.

John jr

I agree with the license to operate a boat.

That said, to say that it would help Poker Run Safety is idiotic. That is like saying just because you have a state issued drivers license you won't crash your car.

If you drive like an idiot you will still crash your car...or boat.

I have the answer for Poker Run Safety -

SLOW THE PHUCK DOWN

80 - 100 MAX MPH

Break the field down into speed/size i.e.: 24 - 28ft. 70mph, 28 - 35ft. 85 mph, 35 - 42ft. 100mph....or some variation. Boats must be of size to run in group but can run in slower groups if desired.
Boats must stay in group from start to finish. A 24ft. boat has no business running 100mph next to a 42ft. with a family of 5.

Elimination with no exception if a boat breaks class.

Official Pace Boats For Each Group
Official Sweep/Safety Boats for Each Group.

Now I'm sure this is going to upset the 100-200 mph boat owners - take your anger out on a race course equipped with the proper safety personnel and resources. That's were your 150mph boat belongs. Just keep in the back of your mind...you might be the next guy that gets pulled out of the water.

I'm sure this wouldn't end all accidents but I think it would sure help.

I agree, I think many of the poker runs take place on waters with not enough space for 100+ boats and half running well over 100 mph, I am all for speed and all that, but if you are on a ocean, or great lake I can see it, juts not on all these small inland lakes.....asking for these issues when you are running 150 mph and have a tiny lake with no space...

I am all for a mandatied safety course. Heck I have posted numerous times, I would be ok with having to take one every 2-4 years to keep yor boat license. If you can't take the time out of your busy schedule to take a refresher course every couple of years, than you haven't earned the privlege to operate a boat. Now with that being said, I agree with SummerObssesion... Mandating a safety course will not stop the people who operate in an unsafe manner.... It doesn't take a safety course to know the difference from right and wrong when it comes to driving in a reckless manner...

totally agree, while u cant teach stupid people, my underlying issue was to point out that some people have the wrong idea of what their rights are and how they can operate a boat in general. which is all covered in that course or similar ones. and since poker runs are run on public water ways on non closed areas that they are held to these basic boating rules and regulations.

I think some are still under the impression that since they paid to be in a PR that somehow thats a "hallpass" for driving like an idiot. im really stuck on the fly-bys on you tube, and that some on here think that its ok or legal conduct. I say try that move on a sheriff/LE boat and tell them how theres "no speed limit" postings.

also i'm not saying that this is the single answer but should be apart of overall education, especially since our type of boating along with PR's is an elevated skill level of boating vs say someone out in a 16' whaler.