It would be all but impossible to sue someone, first, unless it's going to be a huge settlement no attorney will take the case unless you pay up front for his time, usually not enough money involved.
How about some buoys that keep boats on the opposite side of the river? This way the boats would be on the opposite side of the river at least keeping the wake energy down. First we would need a fish commission and coast guard that actually do their jobs other than harrasing people on jet skis and of course we would need them to follow their own laws.
Would you really need to sue someone to collect damages caused by their boat? Wouldn't it sort of be like hitting a car with your car? Assuming they have insurance, you just report the damage and file a claim. It is why we (most of us I assume) have insurance on our boats?
Try getting their insurance info when you are floating next to them on the river, and the only thing you know of them is their reg number on their boat.... if they do not give you the info you are not going to collect.
They would also need to turn the claim in to their insurance.
I agree that it would be hard to sue someone, for anything, including this. As it was pointed out, often just fixing your boat and moving on is cheaper and faster.
As nitsuj said though, I would think you could just report it. I don't know what the rules/laws are there and if it is considered an "accident" or not. If you have the registration #'s I guess you could file a claim and report that it was caused by said "other vehicle" and see if they can go after them for the damages. In that case may also need a report filed by fish and boat commission?
Either way, I agree that if someone truly damages your boat because they are being careless about their wake, then some kind of action should be taken. Hopefully at the VERY LEAST they are caused inconvenience and/or deductible for their insurance and perhaps it will open their eyes to the fact that they can cause damage in that way. Maybe they didn't even know - well of course they didn't even know - its what we've been talking about here, people are oblivious to the fact they are doing it most times.
And as others have pointed out, if word gets out they had to deal with this problem then perhaps it will help others realize they are responsible for their wakes as well.
As for preventative measures - education and increasing awareness is likely to be the most likely way to help. I am not against law change but as pointed it out it may be hard to pass and then subsequently enforce. There should be more of an emphasis on this subject in the courses I think, and certainly online and by word of mouth.
Terry, I think we all agree that the point should be no wake for entire season...isnt it sad that you need a law like that? Shouldn't we know better? Depends on who "we" is I guess.
As for damages, I am also not a lawyer but if there is damage to your boat you will need to identify the boat via name or reg number. If you dont get that, good luck to you. You do not need their insurance info. What you do need is proof they (wake) did the damage to your boat and that it was 100% that idiots wake that did it. Nearly impossible for many reasons. You would have the option to sue them assuming you can positively identify them in small claims court...no lawyer (or fees) needed, burden of proof is less here but still, good luck proving it.
Bottomline is its boating season (open season for a**holes) and the best thing u can do is try and be a good boater yourself and police your own dock. This will never end as there will always be water and there will be a**holes and when they meet, we get wakes.
No wake laws have been a topic that comes up every year at every Marina. This is not just limited to the Marina's on the Alleghen River.
There are many Boaters who just like to complain and forget that the rivers were here long before anyone. Finally we are talking about water (which as we have seen in the news is probably the most forgotten-about danger there is today) -- from flooding to just general damage that it can do.
When we purchase a boat -- regardless of size / weight / etc -- most of us consisder the boat by either the type / mfg that we grew up with boating or just became very excited about the sport, the HP, the style, along with the $$$$.
Most boat owners are male -- which is why the addage the bigger the better. This would probably lean toward both HP and Size (which already leans toward the dis-agreement side of additional restrictions and laws).
Having the entire 3-Rivers or even just the major branches No-wake from May to Oct is ridiculus -- (No one would be able to purchase anything more than a pontoon boat) and really men what fun would that be. (no water skiing, No tubing, no water sports period, No wind in your face).
Forget about the complaints from people sleeping on their boats and getting waked -- because no-one would own a cabin cruiser of any size.
Complaints are typically seen on weekends by boater sitting on their boat and after a "few" drinks (Really how responsible is that now) -- I have even seen the same people jump on wave runners in attempt to catch the boat (not saying how-much wake or disturbance that just created to their own Marina)
Must keep in mind: The owner has responsibilities also.
1. their boat must be secured to the dock properly (this includes having sufficient knowledge of using dock lines appropriately and providing adequate bumpers on their slip, e.g., using "Large Enough Tuna Balls and Fenders"
2. their boat must be in good maintenance -- this include having their boat cleats secure and tight. I'm and sure we can point to the boats not well maintained or it seems like a miracle that they are still floating.
3. If damage occurs: The owner must have proof of the 2 items as well as:
-- they have not been drinking and under the influence of any alcohol or durgs
---- or active and any activity that is "does not adhere to good common sense"
4. they need to prove that there was no previous damage that would have contributed to the "damage"
5. Finally and this is probably the biggest: What "assumed" Risks did the owner accept when agreeing to dock at Inherently danagerous Marina's
--- allow me to explain: Marina's that do not provide any wash area that would allow the wake to disabate at the shoreline. This includes Marina that are located by Steel or Concrete walls (Such Marina's as Schenly and the Light House comes to mind on the Allegheny). Even Marina's Like "Allegheny Lock 1" with its land side in a near verticle drop.
*** If any boat is docked at such Marina's then they "the Boat Owner" will be responsible for any damages to their boat or any boat that their boat does damage to while at that marina **** the only exception to this rule would be a boat causing a significant wake that cause damage while running within the 100 ft regulation ****
**** I get waked constantly at our docks -- by both "Go-Fast" boats -- Commercial traffic (which by the way is why we have the rivers we do -- they pay for the locks, as well as the navigation buoy's, etc) and even the Coat Guard / Boat and Fish Commission, etc.
****** You can't complain and accept the fact, as long as you are on water -- this will happen *******
Most boaters at minimum will attempt to stay as far as possible to the edge of the navigation channel in an attempt to be somewhat courteous. This is really the best you can expect. i.e. No Malicous Attempt to cause damage
The Allegheny river is over 90 miles in lenght and if you ever attempted to either to go north or south -- you know you are limited to the Lock schedule and at some locks the operators - such like Lock 5. (an hour and half is not totally un-common at lock 5 - even during the week) then locks 6,7,8,& 9 have such limited schedules on the weekend that you need to time it just right to have any time at all for boating in those pools.
There is so much in this world that needs fixed and of more importance than boaters running the navigation channel at minimum plane speeds causing wake's.
Move your boat to a better designed (inherently Less danagerous ) Marina or just live with it.
If you have money to burn - try to sue -- the lawyers will love you -- you won't make a penny.
Your money would best be spent on better moring lines and fenders for your slip or buy a bigger boat which is less effected by wakes.
I agree. I think if boaters used a bit more common sense and stayed a little farther away from marinas when at hull speeds, and if we all tied up properly and used big fenders, it would be a non issue. I've been waked pretty hard, but I've sustained no damage. I'm not a docking expert (believe me!) but I leave some slack in my line and use more fenders than I probably need. Not saying everyone who ever had damage from wake was in the wrong, but I'd bet more of them are improperly tied up than will admit. I think Bill nailed it. There is always going to be wakes, and there's always going to be boneheads. Get big fenders and try to make the best of it.
Of course, it's easy for me to talk. My boat is pretty old, a little scuff doesn't really bother me much. I know some of you have nice shiny new boats, I'd probably less easy going about wakes if I had a $100,000+ boat getting rocked.
No wake laws have been a topic that comes up every year at every Marina. This is not just limited to the Marina's on the Alleghen River.
There are many Boaters who just like to complain and forget that the rivers were here long before anyone. Finally we are talking about water (which as we have seen in the news is probably the most forgotten-about danger there is today) -- from flooding to just general damage that it can do.
When we purchase a boat -- regardless of size / weight / etc -- most of us consisder the boat by either the type / mfg that we grew up with boating or just became very excited about the sport, the HP, the style, along with the $$$$.
Most boat owners are male -- which is why the addage the bigger the better. This would probably lean toward both HP and Size (which already leans toward the dis-agreement side of additional restrictions and laws).
Having the entire 3-Rivers or even just the major branches No-wake from May to Oct is ridiculus -- (No one would be able to purchase anything more than a pontoon boat) and really men what fun would that be. (no water skiing, No tubing, no water sports period, No wind in your face).
Forget about the complaints from people sleeping on their boats and getting waked -- because no-one would own a cabin cruiser of any size.
Complaints are typically seen on weekends by boater sitting on their boat and after a "few" drinks (Really how responsible is that now) -- I have even seen the same people jump on wave runners in attempt to catch the boat (not saying how-much wake or disturbance that just created to their own Marina)
Must keep in mind: The owner has responsibilities also.
1. their boat must be secured to the dock properly (this includes having sufficient knowledge of using dock lines appropriately and providing adequate bumpers on their slip, e.g., using "Large Enough Tuna Balls and Fenders"
2. their boat must be in good maintenance -- this include having their boat cleats secure and tight. I'm and sure we can point to the boats not well maintained or it seems like a miracle that they are still floating.
3. If damage occurs: The owner must have proof of the 2 items as well as:
-- they have not been drinking and under the influence of any alcohol or durgs
---- or active and any activity that is "does not adhere to good common sense"
4. they need to prove that there was no previous damage that would have contributed to the "damage"
5. Finally and this is probably the biggest: What "assumed" Risks did the owner accept when agreeing to dock at Inherently danagerous Marina's
--- allow me to explain: Marina's that do not provide any wash area that would allow the wake to disabate at the shoreline. This includes Marina that are located by Steel or Concrete walls (Such Marina's as Schenly and the Light House comes to mind on the Allegheny). Even Marina's Like "Allegheny Lock 1" with its land side in a near verticle drop.
*** If any boat is docked at such Marina's then they "the Boat Owner" will be responsible for any damages to their boat or any boat that their boat does damage to while at that marina **** the only exception to this rule would be a boat causing a significant wake that cause damage while running within the 100 ft regulation ****
**** I get waked constantly at our docks -- by both "Go-Fast" boats -- Commercial traffic (which by the way is why we have the rivers we do -- they pay for the locks, as well as the navigation buoy's, etc) and even the Coat Guard / Boat and Fish Commission, etc.
****** You can't complain and accept the fact, as long as you are on water -- this will happen *******
Most boaters at minimum will attempt to stay as far as possible to the edge of the navigation channel in an attempt to be somewhat courteous. This is really the best you can expect. i.e. No Malicous Attempt to cause damage
The Allegheny river is over 90 miles in lenght and if you ever attempted to either to go north or south -- you know you are limited to the Lock schedule and at some locks the operators - such like Lock 5. (an hour and half is not totally un-common at lock 5 - even during the week) then locks 6,7,8,& 9 have such limited schedules on the weekend that you need to time it just right to have any time at all for boating in those pools.
There is so much in this world that needs fixed and of more importance than boaters running the navigation channel at minimum plane speeds causing wake's.
Move your boat to a better designed (inherently Less danagerous ) Marina or just live with it.
If you have money to burn - try to sue -- the lawyers will love you -- you won't make a penny.
Your money would best be spent on better moring lines and fenders for your slip or buy a bigger boat which is less effected by wakes.
I'm glad you typed all that because I really didn't want to I'm tired of reading don't wake my marina. I hate cry babies, and to all the cry babies here this post is for you!
The funny thing I MYSELF have had damage to my boat from a wake, guess what THAT WAS MY FAULT! I didn't have the proper fenders for where I was docked.
The way a see it if you don't like wakes GET OFF THE WATER!!!! Really what happened to common sense in this world it's disgusting!!
One more note while I'm ranting.... most people worry only about themselves and
the hell with the next guy. It's the way it is, that's why we are having this discussion. ....... End of Rant
Originally Posted by bmiller95
No wake laws have been a topic that comes up every year at every Marina. This is not just limited to the Marina's on the Alleghen River.
There are many Boaters who just like to complain and forget that the rivers were here long before anyone. Finally we are talking about water (which as we have seen in the news is probably the most forgotten-about danger there is today) -- from flooding to just general damage that it can do.
When we purchase a boat -- regardless of size / weight / etc -- most of us consisder the boat by either the type / mfg that we grew up with boating or just became very excited about the sport, the HP, the style, along with the $$$$.
Most boat owners are male -- which is why the addage the bigger the better. This would probably lean toward both HP and Size (which already leans toward the dis-agreement side of additional restrictions and laws).
Having the entire 3-Rivers or even just the major branches No-wake from May to Oct is ridiculus -- (No one would be able to purchase anything more than a pontoon boat) and really men what fun would that be. (no water skiing, No tubing, no water sports period, No wind in your face).
Forget about the complaints from people sleeping on their boats and getting waked -- because no-one would own a cabin cruiser of any size.
Complaints are typically seen on weekends by boater sitting on their boat and after a "few" drinks (Really how responsible is that now) -- I have even seen the same people jump on wave runners in attempt to catch the boat (not saying how-much wake or disturbance that just created to their own Marina)
Must keep in mind: The owner has responsibilities also.
1. their boat must be secured to the dock properly (this includes having sufficient knowledge of using dock lines appropriately and providing adequate bumpers on their slip, e.g., using "Large Enough Tuna Balls and Fenders"
2. their boat must be in good maintenance -- this include having their boat cleats secure and tight. I'm and sure we can point to the boats not well maintained or it seems like a miracle that they are still floating.
3. If damage occurs: The owner must have proof of the 2 items as well as:
-- they have not been drinking and under the influence of any alcohol or durgs
---- or active and any activity that is "does not adhere to good common sense"
4. they need to prove that there was no previous damage that would have contributed to the "damage"
5. Finally and this is probably the biggest: What "assumed" Risks did the owner accept when agreeing to dock at Inherently danagerous Marina's
--- allow me to explain: Marina's that do not provide any wash area that would allow the wake to disabate at the shoreline. This includes Marina that are located by Steel or Concrete walls (Such Marina's as Schenly and the Light House comes to mind on the Allegheny). Even Marina's Like "Allegheny Lock 1" with its land side in a near verticle drop.
*** If any boat is docked at such Marina's then they "the Boat Owner" will be responsible for any damages to their boat or any boat that their boat does damage to while at that marina **** the only exception to this rule would be a boat causing a significant wake that cause damage while running within the 100 ft regulation ****
**** I get waked constantly at our docks -- by both "Go-Fast" boats -- Commercial traffic (which by the way is why we have the rivers we do -- they pay for the locks, as well as the navigation buoy's, etc) and even the Coat Guard / Boat and Fish Commission, etc.
****** You can't complain and accept the fact, as long as you are on water -- this will happen *******
Most boaters at minimum will attempt to stay as far as possible to the edge of the navigation channel in an attempt to be somewhat courteous. This is really the best you can expect. i.e. No Malicous Attempt to cause damage
The Allegheny river is over 90 miles in lenght and if you ever attempted to either to go north or south -- you know you are limited to the Lock schedule and at some locks the operators - such like Lock 5. (an hour and half is not totally un-common at lock 5 - even during the week) then locks 6,7,8,& 9 have such limited schedules on the weekend that you need to time it just right to have any time at all for boating in those pools.
There is so much in this world that needs fixed and of more importance than boaters running the navigation channel at minimum plane speeds causing wake's.
Move your boat to a better designed (inherently Less danagerous ) Marina or just live with it.
If you have money to burn - try to sue -- the lawyers will love you -- you won't make a penny.
Your money would best be spent on better moring lines and fenders for your slip or buy a bigger boat which is less effected by wakes.
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Originally Posted by bmiller95
I'm tired of reading don't wake my marina. I hate cry babies, and to all the cry babies here this post is for you! 
2007 Rinker 246 cc