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Author Topic:   Riding on bow of Montauk in Florida

Landlocked posted 03-02-2012 09:31 AM ET (US)
Going to a new area of Florida this year - Panama City. I was told by a friend yesterday to be very careful about letting my kids ride on the bow of the Montauk as it was the quickest way to get stopped [and to] get a ticket.
When underway, They are always sitting with hands and feet inside the rails. Can someone local give me your take on this. I checked the Florida Boating Rules and found nothing.
I did find some historical threads here but was wondering if anyone had recent experience. Thanks--Ll.
an86carrera posted 03-02-2012 12:45 PM ET (US)
As long as their hands and feet are inside the boat there should not be a problem.
Len
Jeff posted 03-02-2012 01:46 PM ET (US)
There may be kind of a grey area "IF" you do not have the bow railing installed on the boat. If the bow railing is intact and they are sitting inside the railing and not hanging out beyond it, there should be no reason to stop you. At least per USCG regs but, I doubt Florida has more rigorous standards.
Ridge Runner posted 03-02-2012 02:19 PM ET (US)
Yes I agree, I was stopped in a no wake zone because my girlfriend had her feet outside the bow under the railing. The agent told us just stay inside the boat with no body parts hanging overboard.
Landlocked posted 03-02-2012 02:21 PM ET (US)
Thanks guys.
Kids are getting big and I'm running out of alternative places to put them!
C.
GBayWhaler posted 03-02-2012 02:27 PM ET (US)
Put them on a wakeboard or skis.
SpongeBob posted 03-02-2012 02:56 PM ET (US)
As Len says as long as their bodies and body parts are inside the boat there is no problem. These boats are made for sitting in the front. My kids were always sitting on the two front seats on our 22' Outrage leaning into the and on the railings. Never had a problem and the Marine Patrol and Sheriffs boats have a presence in Sarasota bay. Now if it was a standard '70's runabout with a raised deck I could see a problem. But not on our Whalers.
Jeff
Landlocked posted 03-02-2012 03:04 PM ET (US)
Could put them and the wife on a tube and drag it behind me. Sure would be a lot quieter....
contender posted 03-02-2012 04:34 PM ET (US)
This is no bull, anyone has to be inside the boat, no bow riding, against Florida law, also depending on the age of your kids they need to wear a life jacket at all times..
bkjones posted 03-02-2012 09:35 PM ET (US)
Been boating in FL for 20+ years and there is no law or regulation against riding on the bow. As long as everyone is inside the boat (the bow being inside the boat) you're good to go. Nobody hanging anything overboard.
Landlocked posted 03-02-2012 10:53 PM ET (US)
Life jackets aren't an issue. They always have them on. even when anchored. Just worried about whether or not I'd be asking for trouble with them riding on the bow. It's not an issue anywhere else I boat but I was warned that around Panama City it was asking for trouble.
Original bow rails are still on the boat and they would just be riding on the bow, not hanging over the side.
Ll.
BMR posted 03-03-2012 08:18 AM ET (US)
The law of common sense says to keep your body parts inside the boat white the engine is running. Far too many boaters get hurt or killed by riding in an unsafe way on a boat.
As they say at Disney...please keep your arms and legs inside the tram at all times.
Mambo Minnow posted 03-03-2012 09:10 AM ET (US)
Contender is correct. I was boating on Black Creek in Clay County Florida and the FWC made my older children get off the bow of my Conquest. They were inside the railing while we were idling up the creek. I could understand if I was at speed, but some of the Conquests have a bow pad on top of the cuddy to specifically accommodate seating there.
jmorgan40 posted 03-03-2012 10:45 AM ET (US)
Ll,
When are you going and do you have a place to stay yet. I take the 20 Outrage down about 4 times a year but I plan on leaving it there in June. I have a great place I rent on the lagoon, they have a boat dock you can use so you don't have to keep putting the boat in and out. Boat ramp is only a few blocks away. It has water, elec, and a fish cleaning station. Wife likes it because it is right across the street from the beach
Teak Oil posted 03-03-2012 03:45 PM ET (US)
Riding on top of the cuddy of a Conquest is a lot different than riding in the bow of a Montauk. You are telling me its illegal to ride ahead of the console on every center console boat in FL? There must be literally 300,000 CC's running around FL there would be no way to enforce a rule like that, especially on a Montauk with bow rails
Mambo Minnow posted 03-03-2012 06:07 PM ET (US)
The FWC interprets it for enforcement by whether or not there is seating designed forward. As the Montauk has a sun pad for the foc'sle, I do not see how they would rule against it.
scottfarm posted 03-03-2012 09:57 PM ET (US)
Check out the Dolphins on the left just as you clear the jetties. The wife and kids will love it. You can swim with them. I've never heard or seen anyone stopped for bow riding.
jmorgan40 posted 03-04-2012 01:52 AM ET (US)
Those dolphin outside the pass are so cool, I had some friends down from Jersey a couple of years ago and they were doing acrobatics all around us. It was like a free sea world show
jmorgan40 posted 03-04-2012 01:58 AM ET (US)
Ll,
Here is the link to the place I rent. Great location to rent if you have a boat. I have rented this unit at least a dozen times. Tell her Joe Morgan sent you.
http://www.flipkey.com/panama-city-beach-condo-rentals/p265044/
Here are some other units in the same complex.
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-west/ panama-city-beach/gulf-lagoon-beach/st-thomas-square
Landlocked posted 03-05-2012 10:21 AM ET (US)
Hey Joe,
Thanks for the info. I believe the place we've rented is in the same complex - kind of right behind the little amusement park/go cart tracks and the Wendy's. It too has a dock. I didn't see this one when we were looking - would have fit our needs very nicely. If this year goes well, we'll check it out next year.
We'll be down there May 26 through June 6. the guy that we rented from allowed us to rent a full week and then a partial second. (Wanted to catch part of the opening week of snapper season)
I was amazed at how reasonable the prices are in the area compared to Perdido.
Planning on Taking my 9 year old on one of the tours to swim with the dolphins to kind of learn the do's and dont's and then hopefuly do it on our own after that. Taking scuba gear down as well.
contender posted 03-05-2012 09:48 PM ET (US)
Landlocked: Heads up...Dolphins are a federal protected mammal, do not get caught feeding them or touching them, and the Marine Patrol are hard nose on this issue... There is a place in Orlando you can go to swim with the Dolphins called Discovery Cove, its a park with limited access, one price includes lunch and some other stuff, extra cost to swim with the Dolphins...
bc posted 03-05-2012 10:15 PM ET (US)
Landlocked,
The is a cool place behind Shell Island to anchor and check out the island. We met at the Knoxville (Tellico Lake) trip which I think was around 05'. We'll be in PC sometime in May. That trip with the Montauk should be a great trip! I sold my 15' last year. May rent a pontoon boat a day or two.
jmorgan40 posted 03-06-2012 05:52 AM ET (US)
Ll,
Yes, PCB is much more reasonable than Perdido. Perdido Key is one of my favorite places on the panhandle. Since I found St. Thomas Square and the owner give me such a good deal we make the trip down often with the Outrage. With the rising price of gas, we may leave the boat down in Florida. For what I save in gas pulling it down, we can rent even more.
Landlocked posted 03-06-2012 11:54 AM ET (US)
BC,
Hey man - Yes - the East Tennessee Trip was a lot of fun. I remember you. Still have some pics round here somewhere.
My email is in my profile - drop me a note if it turns out you'll be down there same time - maybe we can hook up for some fishing.
Chris.
fishgutz posted 03-06-2012 01:31 PM ET (US)
Landlocked, I saw a little girl on the intracoastals near Nokomis get her hand mangled pretty bad trying to pet a "wild" dolphin. Not a good idea. They are wild animals and could be very unpredictable. I would never try to interact with them in the water.
Please excuse the language in this article. http://www.cracked.com/ article_15853_the-6-cutest-animals-that-can-still-destroy-you.html
Landlocked posted 03-06-2012 01:40 PM ET (US)
Understand completely. Simply want to swim near them/see them in their environment. Would never approach. got my butt kicked by my daughters pet rabbit the other night and i'm gonig have the scars to prove it. I know animals are un-predictable.
There is a pretty reputable guide service that takes folks out to Shell Island to swim with them. No feeding/no touching. Thought we'd do that first and see how it goes.
davej14 posted 03-08-2012 04:39 PM ET (US)
Hey fishgutz, my wife and I just got back to NY after spending Feb in Sarasota, what a paradise. Almost looked you up on the way back through Jacksonville but the wife wanted to see Savanna so no time. Maybe next year. How do you think the D14 would be on the intercoastal ?
Back to the thread. There are some places that you can swim with the manatees, I think in the Crystal Springs area. I don't think there would be much danger in that.
bvs posted 03-17-2012 03:20 PM ET (US)
Interesting topic. The 2012 Colorado Boating Statutes and Regulations state:
“#218 - PROHIBITED OPERATION
“3. No person shall operate a motorboat with any person riding or sitting on either the starboard or port gunwales thereof, or on the decking over the bow, or in any other unsafe position except when the boat is being moored or anchored.”
Though not specifically stated, this is also taken to mean that no body parts can be extended over the gunwales, as I learned when I was “stopped” by a park ranger years ago. My 2 sons were sitting on the bow of my Montauk, inside the railings, and their legs were dangling over the side of the boat. We were poking around in a small cove, moving forward at “dead slow” - no wake, no boats around. This prompted a visit by the ranger, who very nicely explained that body parts should not extend beyond the gunwales. Before this, I had no clue that we were violating any regulations. The experience with the ranger was pleasant enough and informative. No ticket or citation, but “parts” always stay inboard while underway at any speed.
- Bill

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Author	Topic: Riding on bow of Montauk in Florida
Landlocked	posted 03-02-2012 09:31 AM ET (US) Going to a new area of Florida this year - Panama City. I was told by a friend yesterday to be very careful about letting my kids ride on the bow of the Montauk as it was the quickest way to get stopped [and to] get a ticket. When underway, They are always sitting with hands and feet inside the rails. Can someone local give me your take on this. I checked the Florida Boating Rules and found nothing. I did find some historical threads here but was wondering if anyone had recent experience. Thanks--Ll.
an86carrera	posted 03-02-2012 12:45 PM ET (US) As long as their hands and feet are inside the boat there should not be a problem. Len
Jeff	posted 03-02-2012 01:46 PM ET (US) There may be kind of a grey area "IF" you do not have the bow railing installed on the boat. If the bow railing is intact and they are sitting inside the railing and not hanging out beyond it, there should be no reason to stop you. At least per USCG regs but, I doubt Florida has more rigorous standards.
Ridge Runner	posted 03-02-2012 02:19 PM ET (US) Yes I agree, I was stopped in a no wake zone because my girlfriend had her feet outside the bow under the railing. The agent told us just stay inside the boat with no body parts hanging overboard.
Landlocked	posted 03-02-2012 02:21 PM ET (US) Thanks guys. Kids are getting big and I'm running out of alternative places to put them! C.
GBayWhaler	posted 03-02-2012 02:27 PM ET (US) Put them on a wakeboard or skis.
SpongeBob	posted 03-02-2012 02:56 PM ET (US) As Len says as long as their bodies and body parts are inside the boat there is no problem. These boats are made for sitting in the front. My kids were always sitting on the two front seats on our 22' Outrage leaning into the and on the railings. Never had a problem and the Marine Patrol and Sheriffs boats have a presence in Sarasota bay. Now if it was a standard '70's runabout with a raised deck I could see a problem. But not on our Whalers. Jeff
Landlocked	posted 03-02-2012 03:04 PM ET (US) Could put them and the wife on a tube and drag it behind me. Sure would be a lot quieter....
contender	posted 03-02-2012 04:34 PM ET (US) This is no bull, anyone has to be inside the boat, no bow riding, against Florida law, also depending on the age of your kids they need to wear a life jacket at all times..
bkjones	posted 03-02-2012 09:35 PM ET (US) Been boating in FL for 20+ years and there is no law or regulation against riding on the bow. As long as everyone is inside the boat (the bow being inside the boat) you're good to go. Nobody hanging anything overboard.
Landlocked	posted 03-02-2012 10:53 PM ET (US) Life jackets aren't an issue. They always have them on. even when anchored. Just worried about whether or not I'd be asking for trouble with them riding on the bow. It's not an issue anywhere else I boat but I was warned that around Panama City it was asking for trouble. Original bow rails are still on the boat and they would just be riding on the bow, not hanging over the side. Ll.
BMR	posted 03-03-2012 08:18 AM ET (US) The law of common sense says to keep your body parts inside the boat white the engine is running. Far too many boaters get hurt or killed by riding in an unsafe way on a boat. As they say at Disney...please keep your arms and legs inside the tram at all times.
Mambo Minnow	posted 03-03-2012 09:10 AM ET (US) Contender is correct. I was boating on Black Creek in Clay County Florida and the FWC made my older children get off the bow of my Conquest. They were inside the railing while we were idling up the creek. I could understand if I was at speed, but some of the Conquests have a bow pad on top of the cuddy to specifically accommodate seating there.
jmorgan40	posted 03-03-2012 10:45 AM ET (US) Ll, When are you going and do you have a place to stay yet. I take the 20 Outrage down about 4 times a year but I plan on leaving it there in June. I have a great place I rent on the lagoon, they have a boat dock you can use so you don't have to keep putting the boat in and out. Boat ramp is only a few blocks away. It has water, elec, and a fish cleaning station. Wife likes it because it is right across the street from the beach
Teak Oil	posted 03-03-2012 03:45 PM ET (US) Riding on top of the cuddy of a Conquest is a lot different than riding in the bow of a Montauk. You are telling me its illegal to ride ahead of the console on every center console boat in FL? There must be literally 300,000 CC's running around FL there would be no way to enforce a rule like that, especially on a Montauk with bow rails
Mambo Minnow	posted 03-03-2012 06:07 PM ET (US) The FWC interprets it for enforcement by whether or not there is seating designed forward. As the Montauk has a sun pad for the foc'sle, I do not see how they would rule against it.
scottfarm	posted 03-03-2012 09:57 PM ET (US) Check out the Dolphins on the left just as you clear the jetties. The wife and kids will love it. You can swim with them. I've never heard or seen anyone stopped for bow riding.
jmorgan40	posted 03-04-2012 01:52 AM ET (US) Those dolphin outside the pass are so cool, I had some friends down from Jersey a couple of years ago and they were doing acrobatics all around us. It was like a free sea world show
jmorgan40	posted 03-04-2012 01:58 AM ET (US) Ll, Here is the link to the place I rent. Great location to rent if you have a boat. I have rented this unit at least a dozen times. Tell her Joe Morgan sent you. http://www.flipkey.com/panama-city-beach-condo-rentals/p265044/ Here are some other units in the same complex. http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-west/ panama-city-beach/gulf-lagoon-beach/st-thomas-square
Landlocked	posted 03-05-2012 10:21 AM ET (US) Hey Joe, Thanks for the info. I believe the place we've rented is in the same complex - kind of right behind the little amusement park/go cart tracks and the Wendy's. It too has a dock. I didn't see this one when we were looking - would have fit our needs very nicely. If this year goes well, we'll check it out next year. We'll be down there May 26 through June 6. the guy that we rented from allowed us to rent a full week and then a partial second. (Wanted to catch part of the opening week of snapper season) I was amazed at how reasonable the prices are in the area compared to Perdido. Planning on Taking my 9 year old on one of the tours to swim with the dolphins to kind of learn the do's and dont's and then hopefuly do it on our own after that. Taking scuba gear down as well.
contender	posted 03-05-2012 09:48 PM ET (US) Landlocked: Heads up...Dolphins are a federal protected mammal, do not get caught feeding them or touching them, and the Marine Patrol are hard nose on this issue... There is a place in Orlando you can go to swim with the Dolphins called Discovery Cove, its a park with limited access, one price includes lunch and some other stuff, extra cost to swim with the Dolphins...
bc	posted 03-05-2012 10:15 PM ET (US) Landlocked, The is a cool place behind Shell Island to anchor and check out the island. We met at the Knoxville (Tellico Lake) trip which I think was around 05'. We'll be in PC sometime in May. That trip with the Montauk should be a great trip! I sold my 15' last year. May rent a pontoon boat a day or two.
jmorgan40	posted 03-06-2012 05:52 AM ET (US) Ll, Yes, PCB is much more reasonable than Perdido. Perdido Key is one of my favorite places on the panhandle. Since I found St. Thomas Square and the owner give me such a good deal we make the trip down often with the Outrage. With the rising price of gas, we may leave the boat down in Florida. For what I save in gas pulling it down, we can rent even more.
Landlocked	posted 03-06-2012 11:54 AM ET (US) BC, Hey man - Yes - the East Tennessee Trip was a lot of fun. I remember you. Still have some pics round here somewhere. My email is in my profile - drop me a note if it turns out you'll be down there same time - maybe we can hook up for some fishing. Chris.
fishgutz	posted 03-06-2012 01:31 PM ET (US) Landlocked, I saw a little girl on the intracoastals near Nokomis get her hand mangled pretty bad trying to pet a "wild" dolphin. Not a good idea. They are wild animals and could be very unpredictable. I would never try to interact with them in the water. Please excuse the language in this article. http://www.cracked.com/ article_15853_the-6-cutest-animals-that-can-still-destroy-you.html
Landlocked	posted 03-06-2012 01:40 PM ET (US) Understand completely. Simply want to swim near them/see them in their environment. Would never approach. got my butt kicked by my daughters pet rabbit the other night and i'm gonig have the scars to prove it. I know animals are un-predictable. There is a pretty reputable guide service that takes folks out to Shell Island to swim with them. No feeding/no touching. Thought we'd do that first and see how it goes.
davej14	posted 03-08-2012 04:39 PM ET (US) Hey fishgutz, my wife and I just got back to NY after spending Feb in Sarasota, what a paradise. Almost looked you up on the way back through Jacksonville but the wife wanted to see Savanna so no time. Maybe next year. How do you think the D14 would be on the intercoastal ? Back to the thread. There are some places that you can swim with the manatees, I think in the Crystal Springs area. I don't think there would be much danger in that.
bvs	posted 03-17-2012 03:20 PM ET (US) Interesting topic. The 2012 Colorado Boating Statutes and Regulations state: “#218 - PROHIBITED OPERATION “3. No person shall operate a motorboat with any person riding or sitting on either the starboard or port gunwales thereof, or on the decking over the bow, or in any other unsafe position except when the boat is being moored or anchored.” Though not specifically stated, this is also taken to mean that no body parts can be extended over the gunwales, as I learned when I was “stopped” by a park ranger years ago. My 2 sons were sitting on the bow of my Montauk, inside the railings, and their legs were dangling over the side of the boat. We were poking around in a small cove, moving forward at “dead slow” - no wake, no boats around. This prompted a visit by the ranger, who very nicely explained that body parts should not extend beyond the gunwales. Before this, I had no clue that we were violating any regulations. The experience with the ranger was pleasant enough and informative. No ticket or citation, but “parts” always stay inboard while underway at any speed. - Bill