Do you allow people on sundeck when boat is underway?

I have asked this question several times of the various CG Auxiliarymen that have done my VSC and the answer is always the same. NOT PERMITTED unless there is a dedicated SEAT. A sunpad is NOT a dedicated seat. I have mixed emotions about this rule but obey it to the letter.

Of course, every holiday weekend (ie: amateur hour) you can spot no less than 10 dumb-a$$e$ like this guy out on the water.
Somehow you just never see these people harassed by the water cops...

boat_dog.jpg
 
Yeah, I know :grin:
 
rondds said:
I have asked this question several times of the various CG Auxiliarymen that have done my VSC and the answer is always the same. NOT PERMITTED unless there is a dedicated SEAT. A sunpad is NOT a dedicated seat. I have mixed emotions about this rule but obey it to the letter.

Of course, every holiday weekend (ie: amateur hour) you can spot no less than 10 dumb-a$$e$ like this guy out on the water.
Somehow you just never see these people harassed by the water cops...

boat_dog.jpg
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Each time this subject comes up I go looking and reading. I have yet to find a CG reg that would find this boater in violation. I have infact found a couple times this statement...There is no federal law prohibiting bow riding, but many states do have laws that make bow riding illegal.

I infact have found often when looking at state boating sites specific guidance that indicates this boater would be legal. While these people are on the deck/bow of the boat, none of them are appear to be "bow riding". I some states the pic I've added would be legal, why?.....because of the railing.
 
The OP feels he has a "solid excuse" when he tells adults that they can't be on the bow. Why does that require a law. Isn't it sufficient to say....I don't want you up there because you could fall off and be run over, also this is my boat and I am responsible for you while your on it and that's what I want.
 
My favorite place on the boat, while underway, is on the bow. I feel bad for those who have bad experience, but I personally thing that it can be safe. I've been on the bow nearly all my life as a boater and love it. If I can figure out how to rig throttle control, I'd have zero problem riding on the bow with an autopilot conrol remote at displacement speeds.

Does anyone have statistics, I could be wrong but I bet your more likely to get in a car accident than an accident while riding on the bow...
 
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Woody said:
The OP feels he has a "solid excuse" when he tells adults that they can't be on the bow. Why does that require a law. Isn't it sufficient to say....I don't want you up there because you could fall off and be run over, also this is my boat and I am responsible for you while your on it and that's what I want.
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You're absolutely right. My answer is very simple, lack of knowledge on the subject matter. I was describing something from the past (at that time I didn’t even know that forum like SRO or CSR exist). It shouldn’t require a law to state your position and ask anyone to comply with what you feel comfortable as the captain of your boat. In my case it was a coincident when I had discussed the riding on the bow subject with someone with good knowledge and at the same time I had learned that it was against the law in NJ waters. If I had read a thread similar to this one I would have much clearer point of view, but as I mentioned before, since I allowed people on the sundeck only when my boat travels at idle speed I thought it was safe enough. I would agree with others that say that it could be the best spot watching the sunset and I had enjoyed it myself while admiral had the wheal. As the saying goes “live and learn”, years go by and we gain knowledge, thus now I have very different view on many things, including people riding on the sundeck.

No apologies or excuses, but rather I hope that this thread will help other captains to make better decisions on the subject.

Safe boating :thumbsup:,
Alex.
 
Boatingfool said:
My favorite place on the boat, while underway, is on the bow. I feel bad for those who have bad experience, but I personally thing that it can be safe. I've been on the bow nearly all my life as a boater and love it. If I can figure out how to rig throttle control, I'd have zero problem riding on the bow with an autopilot conrol remote at displacement speeds.

Does anyone have statistics, I could be wrong but I bet your more likely to get in a car accident than an accident while riding on the bow...
Click to expand...
Is something like this what you're talking about http://www.dockingmaster.com/
 
I agree with Woody. No kids on the bow while heading out..or in but seated adults, sure, it s a speical time and if the conditions are flat and sunny, why not?
 
Now many times after an accident has the statement been made, “damn I have been doing that all my life”? Accidents happen for many reasons; sometimes we are not even aware of the danger in the first place. Sometimes there is no turning back the clock; I have witnessed this first hand lately. So the point I am making is this, if I know something could be dangerous should I not take the precautions. Cruising across the bay at over 20 knots can get a bit bouncy, throw in a light chop or someone’s wake you got more bumps. Having people on the bow, bumping around there is a chance someone could go in, maybe even get hit by my boat. That is a situation that I am fully aware of and not a condition I am prepared to accept.
 
promocop said:
I agree with Woody. No kids on the bow while heading out..or in but seated adults, sure, it s a speical time and if the conditions are flat and sunny, why not?
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Agree. Being on the bow in the wind (at idle speed of course) is one of the best places to be on a boat. It is a big part of the whole experience. If you are worried, then just get harnesses and a tag line to clip to the bow rail for safety.

Smooth water at idle, little danger and I allow only adults to go there. there are many places to grab on to.
 
Mr Salt's story is pretty sobering. I look at it as an individual case basis - if I'm comfortable with the individual, the conditions, etc and they are comfortable (and sober) I'd probably be OK. Down here on the ICW you see all kinds of folks on full plane with folks riding on the bow. Not saying it's right, just saying it's there and nobody seems to care.
 
Sorry, the sundeck is completely different than a bow, correct? We allow anyone to sit up in the bow of our boat no matter what the speed, but I assume what you are all speaking about is the front where there is no particular seating?
 
billandamy said:
Sorry, the sundeck is completely different than a bow, correct? We allow anyone to sit up in the bow of our boat no matter what the speed, but I assume what you are all speaking about is the front where there is no particular seating?
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You hit the nail on the head:thumbsup: IMHO the OP was talking about the foredeck.
 
chuck1 said:
You hit the nail on the head:thumbsup: IMHO the OP was talking about the foredeck.
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Ahhh...I was a bit confused (not hard with boating things), as to me the sundeck is another name for the bow/area to sit up front, such as the SR vessel that has the name "sundeck" which is a bowrider.

I was wondering why so many people were nervous about riding up in the bow :lol:

My opinion: If I had a boat with a foredeck, no kids at all up front, no exceptions. If an adult wants to go up there, I'd recommend they dont go up there, but feel free if you feel you must.

Heck, I would be the first one up there, but I dont worry about every little thing and getting killed. In that case, might as well just stay home and not go do half of the things I do. I'd hold on tight and enjoy the ride (with one hand, because there would be a beer in the other)
 
hack4alivin said:
Crap, do mean my boat came without a bow? Should I get some sort of rebate for that?
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You mean like bow and arrow? I got one with mine. I use it to shoot at the sparkle boats.

You should feel ripped off if you didnt get one. Mine has a SR emblem on it too.
 
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