A Question of Daring - Moderated Discussion Areas

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
  A Question of Daring

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   A Question of Daring

BlueMax posted 08-24-2009 06:21 PM ET (US)
I read with a little sadness that a young police officer from Eastport, Long Island (out by my wife's sister) died in rough water conditions here in Brown's Inlet near my home. He was 37 with a 2yr old and one on the way and the family was down here on vacation. He was wearing pdf but was found face down in the waves of the Atlantic, his PWC sank during the initial recovery - no answer as to what may have happened but we know the inlet can be extremely rough and hazardous for breakers and with Bill having churned by, it was even more dangerous and he shouldn't have been out there in that spot (at least not alone) to begin.
This along with thinking about those NFL guys in FL (still)just got me wondering - I am pretty cautious on the water in general but especially when dealing with or crossing bigger wakes and waves simply because I know I am a novice - one of the reasons for purchasing the Whaler as the family boat was the unsinkable reputation. Now - I do not take chances as I said - I know I am a novice and am just feeling my way, however I do approach each watery challenge with the confidence that I know I have the best beneath me.
My question is this - how many of you take additional "chances", maybe go where you probably shouldn't or when you probably shouldn't, maybe stay out longer than you probably should simply because you have a Whaler? How many have that "extra layer of immortality" in their mind when they go out and confidently go places because they are in/on a Whaler that you would not consider doing in almost any other similar sized/rigged boat?.

Just curious if any of you push a little harder and further because "It's a Whaler!" - and to what extent?
JMARTIN posted 08-24-2009 06:56 PM ET (US)
No, I do not push a little harder because I am in a Whaler. In my area the water is cold and the shoreline can be nasty. Motor failure could put me on the rocks real quick and the rocks do not care if the boat is unsinkable. Little pieces of boat float well also. John
deepwater posted 08-24-2009 09:07 PM ET (US)
I haven't launched yet ,,ever,, that i did not have a small knot in my gut,,good weather gone bad or someones day just sucks and needs me and my whaler for a tow in a bad inlet,, how many of you have been out to the deepwater alone,,do you realy feel just how big it is ,,I was that crazy old SOB out 50+ miles chasing tuna for 3 days,,alone with one motor,, Did i ever push the envelope just because it was a whaler,, yes i did,,more than once,,because i believed in the ledgened and i trusted my equipment,,I had the shit scared out of me several times and i learned how to read an inlet and i did better and i had the green water over the bow waist deep several times to prove it ,,that Montauk let me test myself and let me learn my limits and come home,,yes Max im that or was that guy,,17 years running the boat in lots of beautiful weather gone bad,,I am so glad i had the whaler under my ass so i could be here today,,i hate having her up for sale but i have to,,she deserves to be wet and deep
roloaddict posted 08-25-2009 01:07 AM ET (US)
As a youth in my whaler I felt invincible. Running down race markers and sailboats with broken rudders into the wee hours and worst weather Bellingham Bay had to offer. Surfing the confused waves in Georgia Strait after ignoring the rising wind on the way back from Roache Harbor(the chocolate dipped doughnuts were great). As an adult restoring the same whaler to operational condition I am far more aware of what can go wrong. As the NFL players and a former CW'er, Kawika Chetron, demonstrated, if you leave the boat it dosen't matter who's boat you were in. The water is the killer, in Florida it just may take longer that here in the Northwest.
The idea of taking a 38 year old boat and pouring money into it has much more merit when the construction and design of the boat provides a good foundation. I think this is what is the attraction that we feel for the Whaler. I have taken the approach of using the good hull design, recognizing the limitations (low freeboard, limited weight carrying capacity in the stern) of a '71, 16'7" hull and go from there. Redundant batteries(above the swampped high water mark) and Fuel tanks (tall and narrow,center mounted), fuel Filters, Radios (a bailout kit with GPS and portable vhf that floats)and a number of ergonomic touches that will make the boat more usable for the single operator fishing that I anticipate the boat will most be used for. Which in it self is a risk and a source of self reliance.
towboater posted 08-25-2009 01:33 AM ET (US)
Blue.
Admitting you are a novice (a little fear) is a good thing.
Too much fear is not.
The easiest guys to teach (fastest to learn) have natural ability...or above average common sense. Thats all it is.
Learn from others, trust your instincts.
mk
Newtauk1 posted 08-25-2009 01:50 AM ET (US)
I take no additional chances because its a Whaler. Sinking is not my biggest concern on a vessel. Sinking is way down the list of factors for injury and/or fatalities on the water.
sapple posted 08-25-2009 10:35 AM ET (US)
Being relatively new to boating I suspect I am more cautious than most. I have only taken water over the bow on two occasions in three years of very active boating. Even then, it was only a few gallons, both times from boat wakes, no big deal. On several occasions when venturing out of inlets into the ocean, when the waves got too big for my comfort, I turned around and headed back to inland waters.
I agree with Newtauk1 that there are a lot of other things to worry about besides sinking. A few weeks ago I was anchored about a half mile off shore in Charleston, SC. It seemed like a very picturesque scene no obvious hazards. However, there was a very strong and fast outgoing tidal current. It occurred to me that if I was alone and fell overboard, it would be very difficult, if not impossible to swim back to the boat. Even if two people were in the boat and one of us fell overboard, they could be swept perhaps hundreds of yards away before the other could raise the anchor, start the engine and reach them, especially, if the person on board was very inexperienced. If I were alone in that situation again, I would probably tie one of my stern lines to my belt.
BlueMax posted 08-25-2009 10:51 AM ET (US)
Newtauk - that's a bit of what I'm talking about, folks that may go somewhere because they think the boat can, not thinking/understanding that the body maybe can't.
Tow - Exactly why I got the Whaler myself, I love the ride, the rails and the reputation and have confidence derived from all three. I certainly am not afraid, but it can get interesting out there. I know the boat can survive my maneuver, but will the family? So I take each new wave with study and practice and get better at crossing bigger wakes and waves all the time - thing is by me, some parts of the ICW are very narrow and when those big machines go through (we also have quite a few fishing trawlers) it's impossible to avoid 4-6 foot wakes with only 3-4 feet from shore to maneuver - and then if they come in some kind of double set.... Gotten wet feet and legs from scooping waves several times - Montauk just spits it out the back and keeps on going forward. I Love it. I'm getting better at reading the water patterns (colors/actyions etc) but still have to learn how to read the bottom a lot better.
Deep - I hear you on trusting the equipment. It is good to know that people who do push themselves and equipment to extremes in harrowing seas and situations trust BW for a reason. Again, the rep is a reason for purchase with me too. So I feel I {i]can[/i] go anywhere my seamanship will allow - as you and tow point out though, I find it best to go with common sense and just a little bit of daring - I love the challenge and adventure of boating and the confidence to attempt, achieve and grow given the BW that is holding and keeping me (I am only getting out of the crawl phase and starting to walk steady in my Whaler - soon enough I will be adding twin 12 gal tanks and heading further from shore).
Stay Safe,
Max
pglein posted 08-25-2009 11:06 AM ET (US)
I will sometimes shove the throttle down when climbing the face of a big wave to get the boat to launch into the air, just for fun, because I know the boat can take it. I wouldn't do that it most other boats. But that's about it. I don't go out in conditions that I otherwise wouldn't. There are just too many other things that could go wrong.
R T M posted 08-25-2009 11:36 AM ET (US)
Back in the day when I was a teenager I took alot of chances, and did dumb and crazy things in boats, we probably all did. Not that we were naive, its just we felt invincible. Your outlook changes when you become an adult and take your family boating, and their safety becomes paramount. Nowadays, when I`m out in my 13 footer, even by myself I don`t worry much. I don`t run out in the Gulf, out of sight of land, and the Whaler does give me confidence that I won`t hole it and sink, on the many rocks, just below the surface. And I feel it is seaworthy in any seas I am out in. I never wear my life jacket or kill switch, But I also never move about in the boat if its in gear. My biggest fear is falling overboard and hitting my head on a rock. Most of the water around here is less than 5-6 feet, and the bottom is very rocky.When I`m running my raceboat at the Antique boat meets, its a different story, I always wear my racing life jacket, helmet, and connect my kill switch to the jacket. I won't take it out, if I`m the only boat out, I watch the direction of the wind, and if it gets choppy I stay ashore, and I never get too far away. If I get in trouble I hope someone sees me. I would never take the raceboat out by myself, like on a local lake unless some one with another boat was with me. I feel more confident driving the raceboat at the Classic Race Boat Regattas as they have chase boats, scuba divers in seadoos and an ambulance on shore. We are not racing, that's a whole nother thing, but sometimes adrenaline takes over and makes you less cautious.
rich/Binkie
Tohsgib posted 08-25-2009 11:45 AM ET (US)
If it does not kill you, it makes you stronger.
Well since I am still alive from my teenage years I guess that is true. Do I press it because it is a Whaler...no. I press it because I know what I and my equipment are capable of. Then again because of all I have seen and done, I am probably the most cautious person you know and will be the first to tell somebody "don't do it". Mainly because I think they are not experienced enough...like "I am not confident that I would go out in this...you DEFINATELY should not go" kinda thing. Then again put me in the right situation and I will pull out a few tricks from my bag. In a nut shell, experience is king, confidence will probably kill ya without it.
Whalerdog posted 08-26-2009 08:58 AM ET (US)
Having had boats since 1967 I always liked the excitment of rough water. I raced offshore boats for years up to 145 MPH I have been in some rea rough water at some good speeds.
Mow I just wanted to ride around and picked a Whaler as I remebered the ride I had in 1968 on a 13' with a 33 hp Johnson. Whalers are solid and seaworthy snd I wanted no problems. I don't fish but I do get my rocks off in my 39 MPH 19' 115 hp boat by going out in rough inlet waters ( Jones Inlet NY) and in the surf.
Boat is amazing and most would not do what I do but then it is like someone climbing a mountain or other things.
I regularly take it out the inlet and float in 6 foot waves eating a snack. I'll run the inlet and surf the waves back in 8-10 breaking waves or drop off the face and count the seconds off till it hits. I do wait till the water is warm and I am not so stupid when the water is cold.
no one else will go out with me in the rough and I did tape up a camcorder once behind the plexi to let some see it is OK. They still didn't think it was OK. People feel safer in a big boat that rolls were I would not feel safe.
gnr posted 08-26-2009 10:30 AM ET (US)
I bought my Whaler in no small part because I often found myself in conditions that merited a much better and safer boat then I was in. Of course I don't expect the Whaler to save me from myself but there is a definite sense of added security knowing that I will at least have something to hang on to if the worst happens.
On a somewhat related note...
I had an experience on my bike this weekend where a lifetime of taking risks with most everything I've driven/ridden paid of HUGE. Back wheel locked up solid at 60mph sending me into a 300' skid that had the Softtail sideways from one side to the other 5 times before I somehow managed to get the thing stopped. A lot of luck and the experience of having been there before, albeit on a smaller scale, kept me from making the mistakes which could have slammed me over highside and ruined my day in a hurry.
Newtauk1 posted 08-26-2009 10:38 AM ET (US)
I feel the Whaler hedges the bet. I feel more comfortable about the boat at the slip in heavy rains and wondering if the bilge pumps is working. Being a Dad has changed my behavior regarding risk taking more than anything. I suspect that if I were young and single I may have taken more chances on a Whaler versus another sinkable brand. I did not have a boat when I was single which might have been a good thing. I am trying to instill the best seamanship practices with my young son so that he does not take certain risks later on.
Ablewis posted 08-26-2009 07:27 PM ET (US)
The sea movies post made me think of this....Every boat owner should watch the "Perfect Storm" movie a couple of times. Better yet, read the book and the detailed description on how you die from drowning.
WT posted 08-26-2009 07:36 PM ET (US)
Yes, I'll push it a little more because I have a Whaler.
I LOVE being out on the ocean. The problem for me is that the ocean is about 125 miles drive/tow for me. After waking up a 3 am and driving that distance, I'm going to get my boat wet when sometimes I should not.
Warren
Traveller posted 08-26-2009 08:10 PM ET (US)
I have a 2008 Montauk 170, and have tried not to push the envelope in it. I have had to navigate some pretty rough inlets in NE FLorida, but that was to get home after being outside all day. I've been doing that for decades, so it isn't too bad. Just a navigation exercise.
This year I placed 8th in the 23 & Under Class in Division 5 of the SKA. That qualifies me to fish in the National Championship out of Biloxi, MS in November.
The run to one of the big oil rigs, CA 25, is 28 miles straight south into the Gulf beyond the west end of Horn Island. That's a long way in a little boat, even with EPIRB and Mustang life jackets. I am still deciding whether making such a trip would be "daring" or folly.
Russ 13 posted 08-26-2009 10:47 PM ET (US)
I believe that when we are young, the lack of experiance
helps to fuel the "I am invincible" feeling.
As we gain experiance & knowledge, hopefully our decisions improve.
I enjoy the good build & sea keeping of Whalers, on my sixth one now....
But proper planning and safety should always be first...
If it's too rough to enjoy the trip, maybe the best decision, is to reschedule it on a better weather day.
The boat may be unsinkable, the occupants are not.
2manyboats posted 08-27-2009 03:28 PM ET (US)
Do I ever go where I shouldn't or go when I shouldn't absolutely not, but I may go where and when YOU shouldn't.That doesn't mean there hasn't been times I wished I was somewhere else. But I decided a long time ago I was not going to be an old man sitting on shore looking out over the water wondering what it would be like to be out there. Experience, confidence in your equipment and seamanship skills once acquired allow you to boat in conditions others stay home in. Heck anybody can go on a nice day.
Landlocked posted 08-28-2009 10:40 AM ET (US)
My dad gave me the following advice when I got my first 4x4. "When you have to lock it in, it's probably a good time to either stop or turn around". I give the same advice to my guys out doing field work. Four wheel drive gives you an extra chance to get out of a sticky situation, it's not necessarily a license to keep going. Same goes for whalers.
DeeVee posted 08-28-2009 11:00 PM ET (US)
Landlocked,
Well put.
Doug Vazquez

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: A Question of Daring
BlueMax	posted 08-24-2009 06:21 PM ET (US) I read with a little sadness that a young police officer from Eastport, Long Island (out by my wife's sister) died in rough water conditions here in Brown's Inlet near my home. He was 37 with a 2yr old and one on the way and the family was down here on vacation. He was wearing pdf but was found face down in the waves of the Atlantic, his PWC sank during the initial recovery - no answer as to what may have happened but we know the inlet can be extremely rough and hazardous for breakers and with Bill having churned by, it was even more dangerous and he shouldn't have been out there in that spot (at least not alone) to begin. This along with thinking about those NFL guys in FL (still)just got me wondering - I am pretty cautious on the water in general but especially when dealing with or crossing bigger wakes and waves simply because I know I am a novice - one of the reasons for purchasing the Whaler as the family boat was the unsinkable reputation. Now - I do not take chances as I said - I know I am a novice and am just feeling my way, however I do approach each watery challenge with the confidence that I know I have the best beneath me. My question is this - how many of you take additional "chances", maybe go where you probably shouldn't or when you probably shouldn't, maybe stay out longer than you probably should simply because you have a Whaler? How many have that "extra layer of immortality" in their mind when they go out and confidently go places because they are in/on a Whaler that you would not consider doing in almost any other similar sized/rigged boat?. Just curious if any of you push a little harder and further because "It's a Whaler!" - and to what extent?
JMARTIN	posted 08-24-2009 06:56 PM ET (US) No, I do not push a little harder because I am in a Whaler. In my area the water is cold and the shoreline can be nasty. Motor failure could put me on the rocks real quick and the rocks do not care if the boat is unsinkable. Little pieces of boat float well also. John
deepwater	posted 08-24-2009 09:07 PM ET (US) I haven't launched yet ,,ever,, that i did not have a small knot in my gut,,good weather gone bad or someones day just sucks and needs me and my whaler for a tow in a bad inlet,, how many of you have been out to the deepwater alone,,do you realy feel just how big it is ,,I was that crazy old SOB out 50+ miles chasing tuna for 3 days,,alone with one motor,, Did i ever push the envelope just because it was a whaler,, yes i did,,more than once,,because i believed in the ledgened and i trusted my equipment,,I had the shit scared out of me several times and i learned how to read an inlet and i did better and i had the green water over the bow waist deep several times to prove it ,,that Montauk let me test myself and let me learn my limits and come home,,yes Max im that or was that guy,,17 years running the boat in lots of beautiful weather gone bad,,I am so glad i had the whaler under my ass so i could be here today,,i hate having her up for sale but i have to,,she deserves to be wet and deep
roloaddict	posted 08-25-2009 01:07 AM ET (US) As a youth in my whaler I felt invincible. Running down race markers and sailboats with broken rudders into the wee hours and worst weather Bellingham Bay had to offer. Surfing the confused waves in Georgia Strait after ignoring the rising wind on the way back from Roache Harbor(the chocolate dipped doughnuts were great). As an adult restoring the same whaler to operational condition I am far more aware of what can go wrong. As the NFL players and a former CW'er, Kawika Chetron, demonstrated, if you leave the boat it dosen't matter who's boat you were in. The water is the killer, in Florida it just may take longer that here in the Northwest. The idea of taking a 38 year old boat and pouring money into it has much more merit when the construction and design of the boat provides a good foundation. I think this is what is the attraction that we feel for the Whaler. I have taken the approach of using the good hull design, recognizing the limitations (low freeboard, limited weight carrying capacity in the stern) of a '71, 16'7" hull and go from there. Redundant batteries(above the swampped high water mark) and Fuel tanks (tall and narrow,center mounted), fuel Filters, Radios (a bailout kit with GPS and portable vhf that floats)and a number of ergonomic touches that will make the boat more usable for the single operator fishing that I anticipate the boat will most be used for. Which in it self is a risk and a source of self reliance.
towboater	posted 08-25-2009 01:33 AM ET (US) Blue. Admitting you are a novice (a little fear) is a good thing. Too much fear is not. The easiest guys to teach (fastest to learn) have natural ability...or above average common sense. Thats all it is. Learn from others, trust your instincts. mk
Newtauk1	posted 08-25-2009 01:50 AM ET (US) I take no additional chances because its a Whaler. Sinking is not my biggest concern on a vessel. Sinking is way down the list of factors for injury and/or fatalities on the water.
sapple	posted 08-25-2009 10:35 AM ET (US) Being relatively new to boating I suspect I am more cautious than most. I have only taken water over the bow on two occasions in three years of very active boating. Even then, it was only a few gallons, both times from boat wakes, no big deal. On several occasions when venturing out of inlets into the ocean, when the waves got too big for my comfort, I turned around and headed back to inland waters. I agree with Newtauk1 that there are a lot of other things to worry about besides sinking. A few weeks ago I was anchored about a half mile off shore in Charleston, SC. It seemed like a very picturesque scene no obvious hazards. However, there was a very strong and fast outgoing tidal current. It occurred to me that if I was alone and fell overboard, it would be very difficult, if not impossible to swim back to the boat. Even if two people were in the boat and one of us fell overboard, they could be swept perhaps hundreds of yards away before the other could raise the anchor, start the engine and reach them, especially, if the person on board was very inexperienced. If I were alone in that situation again, I would probably tie one of my stern lines to my belt.
BlueMax	posted 08-25-2009 10:51 AM ET (US) Newtauk - that's a bit of what I'm talking about, folks that may go somewhere because they think the boat can, not thinking/understanding that the body maybe can't. Tow - Exactly why I got the Whaler myself, I love the ride, the rails and the reputation and have confidence derived from all three. I certainly am not afraid, but it can get interesting out there. I know the boat can survive my maneuver, but will the family? So I take each new wave with study and practice and get better at crossing bigger wakes and waves all the time - thing is by me, some parts of the ICW are very narrow and when those big machines go through (we also have quite a few fishing trawlers) it's impossible to avoid 4-6 foot wakes with only 3-4 feet from shore to maneuver - and then if they come in some kind of double set.... Gotten wet feet and legs from scooping waves several times - Montauk just spits it out the back and keeps on going forward. I Love it. I'm getting better at reading the water patterns (colors/actyions etc) but still have to learn how to read the bottom a lot better. Deep - I hear you on trusting the equipment. It is good to know that people who do push themselves and equipment to extremes in harrowing seas and situations trust BW for a reason. Again, the rep is a reason for purchase with me too. So I feel I {i]can[/i] go anywhere my seamanship will allow - as you and tow point out though, I find it best to go with common sense and just a little bit of daring - I love the challenge and adventure of boating and the confidence to attempt, achieve and grow given the BW that is holding and keeping me (I am only getting out of the crawl phase and starting to walk steady in my Whaler - soon enough I will be adding twin 12 gal tanks and heading further from shore). Stay Safe, Max
pglein	posted 08-25-2009 11:06 AM ET (US) I will sometimes shove the throttle down when climbing the face of a big wave to get the boat to launch into the air, just for fun, because I know the boat can take it. I wouldn't do that it most other boats. But that's about it. I don't go out in conditions that I otherwise wouldn't. There are just too many other things that could go wrong.
R T M	posted 08-25-2009 11:36 AM ET (US) Back in the day when I was a teenager I took alot of chances, and did dumb and crazy things in boats, we probably all did. Not that we were naive, its just we felt invincible. Your outlook changes when you become an adult and take your family boating, and their safety becomes paramount. Nowadays, when I`m out in my 13 footer, even by myself I don`t worry much. I don`t run out in the Gulf, out of sight of land, and the Whaler does give me confidence that I won`t hole it and sink, on the many rocks, just below the surface. And I feel it is seaworthy in any seas I am out in. I never wear my life jacket or kill switch, But I also never move about in the boat if its in gear. My biggest fear is falling overboard and hitting my head on a rock. Most of the water around here is less than 5-6 feet, and the bottom is very rocky.When I`m running my raceboat at the Antique boat meets, its a different story, I always wear my racing life jacket, helmet, and connect my kill switch to the jacket. I won't take it out, if I`m the only boat out, I watch the direction of the wind, and if it gets choppy I stay ashore, and I never get too far away. If I get in trouble I hope someone sees me. I would never take the raceboat out by myself, like on a local lake unless some one with another boat was with me. I feel more confident driving the raceboat at the Classic Race Boat Regattas as they have chase boats, scuba divers in seadoos and an ambulance on shore. We are not racing, that's a whole nother thing, but sometimes adrenaline takes over and makes you less cautious. rich/Binkie
Tohsgib	posted 08-25-2009 11:45 AM ET (US) If it does not kill you, it makes you stronger. Well since I am still alive from my teenage years I guess that is true. Do I press it because it is a Whaler...no. I press it because I know what I and my equipment are capable of. Then again because of all I have seen and done, I am probably the most cautious person you know and will be the first to tell somebody "don't do it". Mainly because I think they are not experienced enough...like "I am not confident that I would go out in this...you DEFINATELY should not go" kinda thing. Then again put me in the right situation and I will pull out a few tricks from my bag. In a nut shell, experience is king, confidence will probably kill ya without it.
Whalerdog	posted 08-26-2009 08:58 AM ET (US) Having had boats since 1967 I always liked the excitment of rough water. I raced offshore boats for years up to 145 MPH I have been in some rea rough water at some good speeds. Mow I just wanted to ride around and picked a Whaler as I remebered the ride I had in 1968 on a 13' with a 33 hp Johnson. Whalers are solid and seaworthy snd I wanted no problems. I don't fish but I do get my rocks off in my 39 MPH 19' 115 hp boat by going out in rough inlet waters ( Jones Inlet NY) and in the surf. Boat is amazing and most would not do what I do but then it is like someone climbing a mountain or other things. I regularly take it out the inlet and float in 6 foot waves eating a snack. I'll run the inlet and surf the waves back in 8-10 breaking waves or drop off the face and count the seconds off till it hits. I do wait till the water is warm and I am not so stupid when the water is cold. no one else will go out with me in the rough and I did tape up a camcorder once behind the plexi to let some see it is OK. They still didn't think it was OK. People feel safer in a big boat that rolls were I would not feel safe.
gnr	posted 08-26-2009 10:30 AM ET (US) I bought my Whaler in no small part because I often found myself in conditions that merited a much better and safer boat then I was in. Of course I don't expect the Whaler to save me from myself but there is a definite sense of added security knowing that I will at least have something to hang on to if the worst happens. On a somewhat related note... I had an experience on my bike this weekend where a lifetime of taking risks with most everything I've driven/ridden paid of HUGE. Back wheel locked up solid at 60mph sending me into a 300' skid that had the Softtail sideways from one side to the other 5 times before I somehow managed to get the thing stopped. A lot of luck and the experience of having been there before, albeit on a smaller scale, kept me from making the mistakes which could have slammed me over highside and ruined my day in a hurry.
Newtauk1	posted 08-26-2009 10:38 AM ET (US) I feel the Whaler hedges the bet. I feel more comfortable about the boat at the slip in heavy rains and wondering if the bilge pumps is working. Being a Dad has changed my behavior regarding risk taking more than anything. I suspect that if I were young and single I may have taken more chances on a Whaler versus another sinkable brand. I did not have a boat when I was single which might have been a good thing. I am trying to instill the best seamanship practices with my young son so that he does not take certain risks later on.
Ablewis	posted 08-26-2009 07:27 PM ET (US) The sea movies post made me think of this....Every boat owner should watch the "Perfect Storm" movie a couple of times. Better yet, read the book and the detailed description on how you die from drowning.
WT	posted 08-26-2009 07:36 PM ET (US) Yes, I'll push it a little more because I have a Whaler. I LOVE being out on the ocean. The problem for me is that the ocean is about 125 miles drive/tow for me. After waking up a 3 am and driving that distance, I'm going to get my boat wet when sometimes I should not. Warren
Traveller	posted 08-26-2009 08:10 PM ET (US) I have a 2008 Montauk 170, and have tried not to push the envelope in it. I have had to navigate some pretty rough inlets in NE FLorida, but that was to get home after being outside all day. I've been doing that for decades, so it isn't too bad. Just a navigation exercise. This year I placed 8th in the 23 & Under Class in Division 5 of the SKA. That qualifies me to fish in the National Championship out of Biloxi, MS in November. The run to one of the big oil rigs, CA 25, is 28 miles straight south into the Gulf beyond the west end of Horn Island. That's a long way in a little boat, even with EPIRB and Mustang life jackets. I am still deciding whether making such a trip would be "daring" or folly.
Russ 13	posted 08-26-2009 10:47 PM ET (US) I believe that when we are young, the lack of experiance helps to fuel the "I am invincible" feeling. As we gain experiance & knowledge, hopefully our decisions improve. I enjoy the good build & sea keeping of Whalers, on my sixth one now.... But proper planning and safety should always be first... If it's too rough to enjoy the trip, maybe the best decision, is to reschedule it on a better weather day. The boat may be unsinkable, the occupants are not.
2manyboats	posted 08-27-2009 03:28 PM ET (US) Do I ever go where I shouldn't or go when I shouldn't absolutely not, but I may go where and when YOU shouldn't.That doesn't mean there hasn't been times I wished I was somewhere else. But I decided a long time ago I was not going to be an old man sitting on shore looking out over the water wondering what it would be like to be out there. Experience, confidence in your equipment and seamanship skills once acquired allow you to boat in conditions others stay home in. Heck anybody can go on a nice day.
Landlocked	posted 08-28-2009 10:40 AM ET (US) My dad gave me the following advice when I got my first 4x4. "When you have to lock it in, it's probably a good time to either stop or turn around". I give the same advice to my guys out doing field work. Four wheel drive gives you an extra chance to get out of a sticky situation, it's not necessarily a license to keep going. Same goes for whalers.
DeeVee	posted 08-28-2009 11:00 PM ET (US) Landlocked, Well put. Doug Vazquez