23 replies to this topic

[ltr450rider]

This was a topic in Hot Boat magazine before they went under.

The big question was, "Should there be a license to operate any watercraft?"

I say YES.

The past 20 years have seen a huge increase of boat and SeaDoo/Jetski traffic on waterways in the western region. When you put that many people on a lake or river, there are bound to be accidents. But most of these accidents can be prevented by educating those who operate a boat. We are required to have a license to drive a car which is just as dangerous as driving a boat.

How many times have you seen someone operate a boat through the channel in Havasu, try to dock or trailer a boat, or even drive on the complete wrong side of the river? Half of these people, simply aren't educated.

Anybody can go to any watercraft dealership and drive directly to the lake without any formal training on how to be safe and no understanding of the general unwritten rules of the water. You cannot drive a car off a dealerships car lot without proof of license.

Just like on the road, you will never be able to get rid of the A-holes who believe everybody should get out of THIER way. These are the people we need to be vigilant of and stay as far away from them as possible. They simply don't care.

Let's hear your opinion.

[RiverBum215]

Are you talking about making people take a boater safety course for a license or making people actually take a driving test on a boat/jet ski along with a safety course?

I could see making boating safety courses mandatory for anyone owning a boat. Make it so you must so proof you took the course when you pay for registration or something like that

[Paul]

yeah but wouldnt that also change the age limit? if so, i say NO...if not, i say YES

[ltr450rider]

RiverBum215 said:

Are you talking about making people take a boater safety course for a license or making people actually take a driving test on a boat/jet ski along with a safety course?

I could see making boating safety courses mandatory for anyone owning a boat. Make it so you must so proof you took the course when you pay for registration or something like that

Either one works. I would like one to be mandatory. There doesn't even need to be a behind the wheel test, just a written test would work. It would ensure that people at least know the rules.

[DJ SpunN]

Well i like what the desert industry is doing. Anytime you buy a quad you get a free safty course. Also if you go to a dune tour the company i work for does they have it there free to all. Great idea and something I think no matter your skill level you should ade to.

and yes the way the water is today there needs to be a age limit on driving just like a car and a course should be taken and a cert should be there, were the money from that goes is another story.

[RiverBum215]

ltr450rider said:

Either one works. I would like one to be mandatory. There doesn't even need to be a behind the wheel test, just a written test would work. It would ensure that people at least know the rules.

I think a written test would work.

Even people who just rent a jet ski should have to be tested before they are allowed leave with the rental

[RiverBum215]

[quote name='DJ SpunN']and yes the way the water is today there needs to be a age limit on driving just like a carQUOTE]

I thought you had to be 16 and up to drive anything on the water

[Paul]

RiverBum215;1671][QUOTE=DJ SpunN said:

and yes the way the water is today there needs to be a age limit on driving just like a carQUOTE]

I thought you had to be 16 and up to drive anything on the water

i thought it was 12...

[RiverBum215]

Paul;1672][QUOTE=RiverBum215 said:

i thought it was 12...

maybe it is only 12. If thats the case then i say 16 minimun

[Paul]

RiverBum215;1674][QUOTE=Paul said:

maybe it is only 12. If thats the case then i say 16 minimun

well if they change it then they should change it in 3 years

[Damn_Hooligan]

I hate rules....lol...but mostly I hate stupid people...I think you should have to take a common scene test first....lol

every state has a different age for driving on water

[RiverBum215]

Paul;1675][QUOTE=RiverBum215 said:

well if they change it then they should change it in 3 years

hahahahahhahahahaha

[ltr450rider]

As far as age goes, the first time I drove a boat I was 9 years old. My cousin was right there in the seat where he could grab the controls at any time. I put a boat on a trailer when I was 11. I was one lucky azz kid to have that opportunity.

If there has to be an age limit to get a license or certificate, then so be it.

I do have to say that most kids I have seen driving a boat, the parent has been right there with them ready to take over.

As far as money goes. It just cost me $64 to get my class B, that is not alot of money. I'm sure they can get the price down for just printing the info and test papers.

[Paul]

ltr450rider said:

As far as age goes, the first time I drove a boat I was 9 years old. My cousin was right there in the seat where he could grab the controls at any time. I put a boat on a trailer when I was 11. I was one lucky azz kid to have that opportunity.

If there has to be an age limit to get a license or certificate, then so be it.

I do have to say that most kids I have seen driving a boat, the parent has been right there with them ready to take over.

As far as money goes. It just cost me $64 to get my class B, that is not alot of money. I'm sure they can get the price down for just printing the info and test papers.

once when we camped out in lake mead, everyone gott drunk and coudnt drive the boat (there was only 4 people) and i drove the boat back 2 the dock,roped the boat,drove the truck down (that was hard) and put the boat on the trailer then i called another person that was at the river house to bring someone 2 drive the truck back...it was crazy

[RiverBum215]

Most of the time i see the parents in the boat if the kid was driving but what i hate is the 10-12 year old kids on the jet skis. Most of the time they have no idea how dangerous they are driving

[RiverBum215]

Paul could be the exception

[Paul]

haha yes i am

[Damn_Hooligan]

Paul sounds like my kid...Good job Paul

[ltr450rider]

RiverBum215 said:

Most of the time i see the parents in the boat if the kid was driving but what i hate is the 10-12 year old kids on the jet skis. Most of the time they have no idea how dangerous they are driving

Bingo, this is what I'm talking about too. I cannot tell you how many times a kid on a jetski turned right in front of the boat doing 40-50 mph. They don't understand that they are not the only ones on the water. Boat's dont have brakes, they don't stop like a car does.

[Paul]

Damn_Hooligan said:

Paul sounds like my kid...Good job Paul

haha thats why everyone likes me

[DJ SpunN]

well look at the sate of mn they have a horse power regulation, if the boat is so big then you have to be so old. I agree with that, I think if we are to start teaching how to drive a boat start them out small. I do not see a kids behind 450hp in the river on a busy weekend with a lot of other people that may be drunk. Sorry kids dont have that knowledge to watch for every little thing and you are putting other peoples lives at risk, kids dont always think about that

[Paul]

DJ SpunN said:

well look at the sate of mn they have a horse power regulation, if the boat is so big then you have to be so old. I agree with that, I think if we are to start teaching how to drive a boat start them out small. I do not see a kids behind 450hp in the river on a busy weekend with a lot of other people that may be drunk. Sorry kids dont have that knowledge to watch for every little thing and you are putting other peoples lives at risk, kids dont always think about that

i sometimes gotta be behind 320 hp and yeah i agree most people that are my age wouldnt look for all the other boaters like 10-14 year olds riding jetskis are goin 2 fast and alot of accidents happen from that.

[DJ SpunN]

Paul said:

i sometimes gotta be behind 320 hp and yeah i agree most people that are my age wouldnt look for all the other boaters like 10-14 year olds riding jetskis are goin 2 fast and alot of accidents happen from that.

this is what i am talking about, you admitting it is great that you understand and not fighting back saying oh age is a number! Yes sometimes kids, and guys, can be to exited about driving the holy cow that they pay less attention.

[Paul]

DJ SpunN said:

this is what i am talking about, you admitting it is great that you understand and not fighting back saying oh age is a number! Yes sometimes kids, and guys, can be to exited about driving the holy cow that they pay less attention.

yeah i completely agree with you cause out of all the accidents that have happen alot of them have been from not paying attention