Why we should refrain from speaking to press

If only we could expect such responsible journalism as the standard. Thanks for sending this around (and it reinforces my prejudice against a "tin boat" on coastal waters......)

All the best,

SJS
 
If only we could expect such responsible journalism as the standard. Thanks for sending this around (and it reinforces my prejudice against a "tin boat" on coastal waters......)

All the best,

SJS
Click to expand...
Just curious: How would a wooden boat of the same dimensions have performed differently? Would it have been less likely to swamp or flip?
 
Thanks for posting that article.
So often we can sit back and point out where someone has used poor judgement, but this one indeed seems to be more a tragedy of fate. A good lesson to me that there are no such things as "milk runs" in conditions like the ones described.
 
Lawrence~

My comment re my "tin boats" bias was a bit tongue-in-cheek - but I would not use any really light hull in coastal waters, especially because of the wind. So, it's not the hull material as much as the mass. I grew up with wood or 'glass hulls and aluminum was typically found only in very light cartoppers and such. I had such a 12-footer kick out from under me on my 1-acre pond. Nowadays, though, it seems that there are numerous very seaworthy aluminum boats out there. I do not know what these hunters were using - but I like a boat with some inertia to it. Also, hull shape - including freeboard and decking - are all critical characteristics.

In any event, I hope I did not distract from the value of the very informative and well-written article about this truly tragic loss.

All the best,

SJS
 
Steve: Your comment did not distract from the article and I did not find it judgmental. As I mentioned in another thread about float coats, several years ago I flipped a "tin can" (a 16' Duroboat) on its back while en route to an offshore island. It happened incredibly fast and needless to say it was a sobering experience. I've spent a lot of time since then thinking about what I can do to ensure it never happens again and I'm open to new ideas. Best, Lawrence
 
I agree with steve about aluminum boats being light and affected by the wind. Wood and glass boats are a little heavier and not affected as much. I use a flat bottom boat at my blind to retrieve birds. Certain days we will not go out. Wait till they hit the other shore and drive around.
All boats have their limitations, WE have to use our heads. As a capt, all of them should have had pfd's on. See my post...
Be Safe Guys...
 
Have to agree on your statement about hull mass over materials. I crossed the exact spot in a gale in my 19' Carolina Skiff back on January 13, 2004 heading into the wind against the outgoing tide. The mass of the hull performed well but it was a wet and slow ride. I even cut off the marked channel into the marsh to avoid the chop but to the opposite side of the channel. We cut the hunt short as the gale increased to what seemed like 40-50 knots and coming back was easier with the wind at the stern. That is a hunt I will remember for ever for two reasons; shot a $100 reward band on a black duck and the weather conditions that day. Today I wouldn't dare head out in those conditions even with the same boat as it is easier to go another day. I find I can take in the entire experience more on a bluebird day than when the wind is shooting ducks in and out of spread like bolts of lightning; although I do a lot of shooting I miss a heck of a lot more and often come home with less on these "ideal days."
 
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