www.iFourWinns.com

Until you hit something!

Not so sound like a jerk, BUT 3 years ago I was involved in a boating accident at night. THANK GOD I was not the Capt. or my boat. We were only doing 17kph when we hit a sail boat. We had one death and 2 were banged up. LET ME TELL YOU! NO FUN AT ALL!

The Police, the lawyers, grand jury and the Ins Co.

http://www.patriotledger.com/x227169100 ... Hull-coast

Just to set the RECORD straight, ALL charges were dropped for the lack of evidence.
Just to show how things get out of hand. The USCG and the Harbor Master were never there.

POINT IS, it did happen. So when I read the above post, I just shake my head.

Boating at night or boating at noon seems like they are exactly the same to me. In either case, I don't want to go faster than I can see. By that, I mean a speed at which I can stop or turn away from something that comes into view in front of me. Sure, it is usually the case that you can see further in the day, but if it's foggy or raining, you'd be able to see a lot further on that clear night with a bright moon.

I agree that you really can't rely on seeing other boat's lights. Most of them are pretty lame, if they are on at all, and very easy to lose in the any shore lights.

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2004 Horizon 230
Volvo/Penta 5.7 DuoProp

While I appreciate your advice & don't want to portray myself as ignorant, speed is rarely the cause of an accident.
Driving outside of your skill level or driving at a speed not suited to the specific conditions is normally the cause.
I frequently drive my car at 70MPH at night and always slow down if conditions warrant it.
Us Aussies are not on overcrowded lakes like many Americans.

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

It sure happened in Miami on July 4th this year.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nati ... /12269335/
I was supposed to go out with friends but changed my mind at the last minute. My friends boat actually witnessed the accident and helped with one of the young girls that died of her injuries. Mad dash to make it back to the boat dock from what I hear.

Its all about common sense really. You have to know:

1. Your skill level.
2. Your vessel.
3. The water your on.

The lives of your passengers (and other boaters) are in your hands. Its a big responsibility, and one that should be taken serious. In my 7 mile stretch of water, I know where the current flows, where the back eddys are, the average depth in the channel, where the mooring fields start/end, and where "known" water hazards are. Even with all that, I don't like boating at night without a moon.

I am going out on the big lake this Saturday for a fireworks show. I'll leave the ramp early to get out and put eyeballs on where I'll be boating later at night. Make sure my spotlight is charged and my LED running lights are all working.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Maybe I over reacted, but it hits home if you will. Until you been though it, you don't know.

As to "Aussies are not on overcrowded lakes like many Americans." My accident was not on a lake but in a harbor, no other boaters in sight and it can happen to you.

IF you did not read the story, the boat we hit was on its mooring.

What fireworks are these? Should I trailer to come watch the show?

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop

Annual Summerfest at Porter-On-The-Lake, halfway between Youngstown, NY and Wilson, NY, southern shore of Lake Ontario. Its a small to medium sized event, but come on down. The only thing that might keep me off the water is any significant northerly/easterly winds. The waves can really start stacking up and it is NOT enjoyable near the shore line.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

So where do you launch from? This seems to be the event

http://www.niagarariverregion.com/news/ ... -july-19th

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop

That's it! Hmmm, you could avoid the hassles of the Queenston/Lewiston bridge and launch from the ramp at Niagara On The Lake, ONT, then just motor over (about 3-4 miles). Or if you come to the USA, there is a public ramp in Youngstown.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I'll PM you if we decide to come down, weather permitting of course.

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop

Ok, sounds good.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I would not boat at night in the Long Island Sound where I live...I've stopped going out to see fireworks on the 4th of July because there are just too many crazy amateur boaters out there! You can be a highly skilled boater, yet you're at the mercy of other boaters who lack any skill whatsoever. And going fast at night?! Invitation to death. Speed at night can and does kill. Last summer on the Hudson River north of NYC a couple people died when a power boat slammed into a barge anchored near the Tappanzee Bridge.....

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"For My 50th"
1996 238 Vista
5.7VolvoGL DP
Previous boats; 91 Cobia 19' Cuddy, 87 Starcraft 16' BR,
67 Winner BR, 65 Arrow 14'

Night boat rides are great. I am always extremely careful and don't go far. The only time I do it is if we are on vacation where I can dock the boat overnight. Don't like taking out in the dark.

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1994 FW Horizon 190
5.0 OMC Cobra

we boat at night all the time . go and pick up some dinner to eat on the boat and watch the sunset.on nights with a bright moon just cruise around with the reflection from the moon

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1989 245 vista
5.7 cobra