www.iFourWinns.com

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, which mean that folks who only boat 2 or 3 times a year will descend on our waterways. We always try to be extra vigilant on these holiday weekends and usually come in early to enjoy the evening safely with our marina friends.

On my lake this will be the second year with a “No Refusal Weekend”. In short this means that a judge is on duty and will sign an order to draw blood on the spot for anyone who refuses a breathalyzer test. A mobile lab on loan from the Houston PD is sent to the ramp / dock and the results are analyzed on the spot. Arrests were way up last year and we had no serious incidents. Hopefully this year we will have fewer arrests with no incidents. The word is out.

Anyway, everyone please be careful and have a safe and fun boating holiday.

_________________
Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

Amen to that. I want everybody on this forum to still be a member next week!

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

It already started. I went and gas'd up yesterday to prepare for the weekend (over $200!) and decided to just drop anchor out of the channel and enjoy the 90 degree weather. I can't tell you how many times people were flying by me. Mind you, the River was not busy at all yesterday and there was no reason why people had to drive so close to us. Really pisses me off. I go out of my way to ensure that if another boat is coming I get as far away as possible to not disturb them with a large wake. I also ensure I slow down when passing another boat for the same reason. Seems like I'm the only one doing this out there though.

_________________
2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

I like this idea. Keeps everyone safe!

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Had an incident a few years back on a holiday weekend. More times than not we stay off the water on holiday weekends now. Just not worth risking my family's well being. We get a ton of traffic, and most of those people do not have a clue. With a 3 year old and two one year olds just learning to walk...it is just a recipe for disaster.

Stay safe...

We still go out and the police patrols are always heavy! Wife hardly ever has more than one drink if any so she will be the captain this weekend.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Boating in the US seems so much different to boating in the UK, possibly because a lot of it is Sea based, rather than lake based. I would never consider deliberately boating at night, due to the possibility of meeting unmarked lobster pot lines and there's no "party" culture/ coves; we'd all have to wear thermal fleeces, at least as far as where I boat, with the promised 54 F temps and Northerly winds this public holiday weekend. There's more of a show off mentality/ pratts apparently in the affluent / busy Southern part of the UK.

Graham

It is a different world indeed. We have several dockside bars masquerading as restaurants. On weekend nights the game wardens wait for departing drunks and pick them off one at a time. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. At least it's not as bad as Louisiana where they have drive-thru daiquiri shops for cars.

_________________
Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

I shall find a nice quiet cove and stay there. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. I don't think I have ever spent a Memorial Day in Ohio with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. I can't wait to get there!

_________________
2003 268 Four Winns Vista
F-350 King Ranch Diesel (Tow)
1990 Four Winns Fredom 180

+1 on the weather, I can't remember the last time temps were pushing 90 before June in Green Bay! Water is still WAY to cold to jump in, so we will be just cruising a couple of times.
Always busy this weekend on the water, play it safe and have a great weekend all!

_________________
Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR

I've been planning and preparing all week for our holiday weekend boat camping trip. I guarantee we are ready. Thanks to this board, I've been reminded about everyone else that will be out there and will take extra notice and precautions.

Thanks and everyone have a safe and wonderful weekend. Happy Boating!

_________________
1998 Four Winns 205 Sundowner

TV: 2011 Toyota Tundra/2002 Chevy Tahoe