www.iFourWinns.com

I just saw this on a "friend's" personal blog. Apparently the laws that are put in place to keep people (or kids) alive aren't important. I was so red-hot when I saw this I was ready to pick up the phone and call my friend directly (and it was with someone else's children). This was taken over a month ago, but wow. What would you do? (besides never letting my child on his boat)

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2005 Horizon 200LE w/5.0 Volvo GXI

Depends on your relationship with him (both current and what you want it to be in the future). You might not be able to do much other than keep your kids off his boat.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Yep...I would have to agree. There was a member here questioned once as he posted pictures of his kid out without a jacket on and he took great offense to it. I would not have a problem calling him out even if he was a friend. But you have to be ready to deal with him and how he takes your criticism. Not only would I not let my kids on his boat...I would not want to boat with him at all.

Too bad this guy doesn't take subtle hints, but I'll make a point of it. We've been friends for a long time (although live a good distance apart), but seems some people don't know any difference until someone brings it up. I rather him have his feelings hurt then accidentally tossing a 6 yr old out of his jet boat (16 ft seadoo) that can barely swim.

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2005 Horizon 200LE w/5.0 Volvo GXI

That's on a 16' jet boat? What are the laws in that area concerning children, life vests, and boat sizes? I know kids should wear them at all times (we all should), but here in MD all kids under the age of 13 are required by law to wear them on any vessel underway that measures under 21' LOA. I hope he had least had vests onboard....not that having them on the boat does any good when the kids are in the water....

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'01 Vista 298

Unless the boat has a cabin (Cuddy or Cruiser, or yacht rated) or anchor is set than a child under the age of 13-14 (i can't remember which exactly) must wear a vest while underway. A class IV flotation device also has to be out and ready. If he has extra vests, i'm sure they are in that engine compartment.

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2005 Horizon 200LE w/5.0 Volvo GXI

I'd comment back something like " your going so fast it ripped the lifejackets right off those kids".

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There ya go .......

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

YEP, That'd work.

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H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum

In addition, I've never understood the rule that kids do not need to wear life jackets when in a cuddy or cabin. I have a buddy who allows his kids to ride in their cuddy without life jackets. Whenever we've gone out on their boat, I've required my kids to wear their jackets regardless of where they are in the boat.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

Not sure about other states but here in WI we are under US coast guard laws that are the same you speak of here with kids needing them unless in a cuddy(dumb law) or anchored. If my boat should happen to flip over and my kids are in the cuddy with no jacket on there is not much chance.

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1989 205 Sundowner
5.0 HO OMC Cobra

I've never really thought about it before, but the no life jacket required in the cabin may be just for the off-chance of a boat flipping or sinking while the kids are in the cabin. It would actually be easier for them to get out without a life jacket...or for an adult to swim in and pull them out. A PFD would keep them pinned against the top and make it more difficult to swim through a doorway or hatch. Not much different than on an airline when they say don't inflate the vest until you're off the plane. Just thinking out loud...

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'01 Vista 298

There's a fine line between being concerned about safety and being an obnoxious busybody. Yeah, yeah, shrill cries about "SAVE THE CHIIIIILDREN!!!!" aside. Yes, it's a fantastically dumb idea to have small children onboard an small open boat without lifejackets, especially when running at speed. It's even dumber to do that with someone else's children (your liability risks are not worth it). It's just far too easy for a child to be ejected from the boat when hitting a wake or other waves. A PFD at least gives you the chance of retrieving them alive, buy unconscious due to hitting the water at that speed. Without a PFD they'd sink like a stone, surely to their death.

My take would be more along the lines of noting I'd seen the picture and asking if they had enough child-size lifejackets. And offering to loan them an extra or two if they need them next time. Helps to offer a solution too, instead of just criticism alone.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

He has to know the LAW, but you can't fix stupid. I would simply reply, nice pic and post one of your kid(s) in the boat wearing PFD's and having a blast....and maybe one of the dog (if you have one) wearing a PFD...which reminds me I need to get one for the dog.

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

I was looking at doggy vests just the other day. I'm still not sure if I want to take the dog or not. My two biggest fears would be his nail ripping a seat or even worse having him jump overboard and have to find a way to fish him out without jumping in myself. He weighs 125 pounds so I don't think I could just reach over and grab him.

I would love to take him out. We do everything else together. He loves to ride in the jeep, and he even helped me roof the back porch on the house.

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1989 205 Sundowner
5.0 HO OMC Cobra