Doesn’t bother me one bit. I’m over that age and I’d still take it if they required me to. If each person learns one single item about boater safety, it’s worth it.
As far as the PFDs being mandatory, I would support that too. Until it becomes mandatory, it will only be optional and they only have to be “accessible.”
Watch your own bobber, as they say.
Give it up Matt. If you don’t want to do it take up bank fishing or golf.
I get your point and I cant say I’m against the new rule. But I disagree with Boats being way more Dangerous. As a insurance agent we have way more claims from ATV’s than boats and have way more boats insured. SxS are starting to become one of the highest claim toys out there. Some rather serious claims as well.
And of those claims, how many were on the water and resulted in injury?
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Fair amount on the water. Lots of people hitting bottom or Rocks and taking out lower units. Not many causing injuries. Only a few in my 9 years of being a agent
Give it up Matt. If you don’t want to do it take up bank fishing or golf.
I’d much rather get these feel good pricks out of office.
Doesn’t bother me one bit. I’m over that age and I’d still take it if they required me to. If each person learns one single item about boater safety, it’s worth it.
As far as the PFDs being mandatory, I would support that too. Until it becomes mandatory, it will only be optional and they only have to be “accessible.”
Watch your own bobber, as they say.
Well yeah, I’ll take it too now that I’m required to, doesn’t mean i support it.
I literally am watching my own bobber, this is my bobber being told to take yet another course, and pay yet another tax to use the equipment I’ve been taxed on the purchase of, and taxed on the use of.
Take the course if you want, don’t tell me I need to.
Take the course if you want, don’t tell me I need to.
I understand.
I can appreciate your point of view on the subject. Eventually it’ll just be the norm along with all kinds of other training for operating an automobile, snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, firearm, etc.
I understand.
I can appreciate your point of view on the subject. Eventually it’ll just be the norm along with all kinds of other training for operating an automobile, snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, firearm, etc.
This is already the norm when you are younger and want to operate these things. You must take a test to operate any of these things. Once you become 18+ it was not required but highly suggested. (except motorcycle or firearm)
There are many who didn’t grow up in a boat and have not had experienced operators training them how to properly use it. Even back in mid 90s when I took my watercraft safety course, I pointed things out I learned that none of my uncles or grandpas knew.
I don’t understand the pushback from making sure people understand the proper rules and what to do. This makes everyone safer.
Totally, I agree
What’s with the arbitrary Age 41 cutoff as referenced in the original post?
I see just as much questionable boat maneuvering/handling on the river out of the crowd 50+ than I do the 30-40 age bracket.
I specifically remember 2 encounters that still scare me to this day involving people who wouldn’t have to take boater safety under this legislation. One involved a Tuna boat driven by a guy that was probably in his early 60s who legitimately never saw us spot locked probably 100 yards OUT of the channel but got so close and turned at the last second that we hit the deck in an 18′ boat and felt spray. He went over a wingdam then but because of the river height he probably missed rock by a foot or so. The second encounter was a few summers ago where we were pulling cranks on a point on Lake Pepin and a boat just continued to come at us with it’s nose in the air plowing water then gunning it to get on plane staring at a graph until we had to hastily move and pull in rods, fire up the big motor, and nudge out of his way. This guy turned around and apologized admitting he “never saw us” despite it being 3 adult males shouting from a Lund Tyee on a dead calm day. I’d estimate he was into his 60s as well and couldn’t begin to see over the bow with how he was handling the boat. He went on to tell us how he was trying to figure out his new side imaging and “hadn’t looked up in a while”
Well yeah, I’ll take it too now that I’m required to, doesn’t mean i support it.
I literally am watching my own bobber, this is my bobber being told to take yet another course, and pay yet another tax to use the equipment I’ve been taxed on the purchase of, and taxed on the use of.
Take the course if you want, don’t tell me I need to.
It may seem like it, but you are not alone on your view. Like you I’d also take it if mandated, but think its just one more form of government control. Some here are all in Favor of the Government making all decisions for them on everything. Others don’t want the Government in control of anything. Then some in the middle. To me there are just far more things causing injury or harm to our country than this issue. Idiots are idiots, and no amount of training will change some of them.
What’s with the arbitrary Age 41 cutoff as referenced in the original post?
I see just as much questionable boat maneuvering/handling on the river out of the crowd 50+ than I do the 30-40 age bracket.
I specifically remember 2 encounters that still scare me to this day involving people who wouldn’t have to take boater safety under this legislation. One involved a Tuna boat driven by a guy that was probably in his early 60s who legitimately never saw us spot locked probably 100 yards OUT of the channel but got so close and turned at the last second that we hit the deck in an 18′ boat and felt spray. He went over a wingdam then but because of the river height he probably missed rock by a foot or so. The second encounter was a few summers ago where we were pulling cranks on a point on Lake Pepin and a boat just continued to come at us with it’s nose in the air plowing water then gunning it to get on plane staring at a graph until we had to hastily move and pull in rods, fire up the big motor, and nudge out of his way. This guy turned around and apologized admitting he “never saw us” despite it being 3 adult males shouting from a Lund Tyee on a dead calm day. I’d estimate he was into his 60s as well and couldn’t begin to see over the bow with how he was handling the boat. He went on to tell us how he was trying to figure out his new side imaging and “hadn’t looked up in a while”
I highly doubt a class training would change anything in either of those 2 boat drivers. Once again, Idiots are idiots
I’m sort of landing on being for this. Most of us on this site spend plenty of time on the water and know how to handle a boat, but a large chunk of boaters don’t really have a clue. They don’t know that there are “rules of the road” boaters should follow so a lot of the time, they aren’t being jerks, I suspect a lot of them just plain old don’t have any idea what they just did was wrong.
Then again, I also think a lot better enforcement of the law wouldn’t hurt much either. I see so many party barges running around and by the afternoon, look out! Then there are those wake board boats that leave a small tidal wave behind them and the jet skiers that are just nuts. I don’t think any course will solve those issues, but it just might give the three times a summer boater a bit more of an idea on how to behave. Can’t be a bad thing and a few more dollars into the DNR would be a good thing, if they spend it on securing access, stocking or a few more officers.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>buckybadger wrote:</div>
What’s with the arbitrary Age 41 cutoff as referenced in the original post?I see just as much questionable boat maneuvering/handling on the river out of the crowd 50+ than I do the 30-40 age bracket.
I specifically remember 2 encounters that still scare me to this day involving people who wouldn’t have to take boater safety under this legislation. One involved a Tuna boat driven by a guy that was probably in his early 60s who legitimately never saw us spot locked probably 100 yards OUT of the channel but got so close and turned at the last second that we hit the deck in an 18′ boat and felt spray. He went over a wingdam then but because of the river height he probably missed rock by a foot or so. The second encounter was a few summers ago where we were pulling cranks on a point on Lake Pepin and a boat just continued to come at us with it’s nose in the air plowing water then gunning it to get on plane staring at a graph until we had to hastily move and pull in rods, fire up the big motor, and nudge out of his way. This guy turned around and apologized admitting he “never saw us” despite it being 3 adult males shouting from a Lund Tyee on a dead calm day. I’d estimate he was into his 60s as well and couldn’t begin to see over the bow with how he was handling the boat. He went on to tell us how he was trying to figure out his new side imaging and “hadn’t looked up in a while”
I highly doubt a class training would change anything in either of those 2 boat drivers. Once again, Idiots are idiots
Agreed that stupidity knows no age limits…young or old and that a course doesn’t probably teach common sense.
I still don’t really get the age thing. If legislation is going to make a 40 year old boater take an online course, there shouldn’t be an age limit. Grandpa running his tuna boat shouldn’t be exempt.
I took boat safety whenever it was required for me to operate a boat/jetski solo, which I think was 12. So had I not driven a watercraft in the 30 years since, it would still be good. Seems legit.
It may seem like it, but you are not alone on your view. Like you I’d also take it if mandated, but think its just one more form of government control. Some here are all in Favor of the Government making all decisions for them on everything. Others don’t want the Government in control of anything. Then some in the middle. To me there are just far more things causing injury or harm to our country than this issue. Idiots are idiots, and no amount of training will change some of them.
are you against hunters safety? snowmobile safety? speed limits? seat belt laws? drivers license testing? distracted driving laws? is that all “government control” too?
just remember, for every stupid law out there, there’s idiot’s actions that caused the need for the law. Undesirable actions often lead to the need for legal intervention.
I took boat safety whenever it was required for me to operate a boat/jetski solo, which I think was 12. So had I not driven a watercraft in the 30 years since, it would still be good. Seems legit.
Same thing here.
I couldn’t begin to figure out how I’d verify that or where any documentation is for it. Firearms safety is the same.
Same thing here.
I couldn’t begin to figure out how I’d verify that or where any documentation is for it. Firearms safety is the same.
If you call the DNR they can send you a card, or I believe when you update your DL they can look it up and put it on your license as well (not 100% on this). I had to get a new boat safety one for a discount on my boat insurance, and it was surprisingly easy from the DNR.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BigWerm wrote:</div>
I took boat safety whenever it was required for me to operate a boat/jetski solo, which I think was 12. So had I not driven a watercraft in the 30 years since, it would still be good. Seems legit.Same thing here.
I couldn’t begin to figure out how I’d verify that or where any documentation is for it. Firearms safety is the same.
Same boat here . I actually needed a hunters safety ### to apply for a tag in Wyoming or Montana cant remember off the top of my head. I did somehow get a copy of the card from my state – no clue if its legit or not . The course was over 20 years ago. My buddy just made up a number and got a tag lol .
Give it up Matt. If you don’t want to do it take up bank fishing or golf.
This is actually a pretty good way to get the boaters to behave. I shore fish and golf. I’m not much of a golfer but the rivers only about 75 yards wide anyhow.
are you against hunters safety? snowmobile safety? speed limits? seat belt laws? drivers license testing? distracted driving laws? is that all “government control” too?
For a 60 year old who has done lots of these things for many years I am. Other not. They are all a form of Government control. Like I said some want total Government control ( from your post I’d say you ) , Other none, and some in the middle ( myself ) there are things I think they should just stay out of. A boat safety course is one of them.
Are you in favor of a course you need to take to handle a kitchen knife??? Probably more people injured by them each year than by boaters.
Both boater fatalities in my county last year were persons over 60.
Both boater fatalities in my county last year were persons over 60.
Was that the person who caused the accident or the person who Died over 60?
Do you think a boater safety class would have made a difference?
Like I said, if they make it a requirement for my age i will do the class. I truly don’t think it will make me a better boater, but who knows.
If I remember right both were alone. 1 Guy was trying to get something out of the water, and one was duck hunting or fishing in between hunting.
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/boatwater/accident_summary24.pdf?v=2024.06.27-17.00.34
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This link is interesting. Seems like Hennepin county needs a apartment pool safety training certificate more than any boater safety.
I was just curious as to how many deaths we had last year right after the post about being 60 and thought it was interesting. Kinda surprised actually we have plenty of recreational boating in Ottertail so I figured it was more than two overall anyhow.
Are you in favor of a course you need to take to handle a kitchen knife??? Probably more people injured by them each year than by boaters.
I could care less how someone handles a kitchen knife in their own house. Doesn’t affect me or the general public in any way.
Someone unsafely operating a boat or jet ski does actually affect me, and you. Or in theory it certainly could. You selected a really poor example to compare here.
This is exactly why there’s a kill switch law, but no PFD law. A screaming boat without an operator is a danger to people and property. Someone not wearing a PFD has no bearing on public safety. It only affects them if they fall in.
Gim
You missed my point. My point was aimed at the comment about government control and some people’s thoughts that we need more of it to protect ourselves. Like I said I was not for or against a boating safety class. I just don’t see the point for those who have boated for 40+ years of their life.
Gim
You missed my point. My point was aimed at the comment about government control and some people’s thoughts that we need more of it to protect ourselves. Like I said I was not for or against a boating safety class. I just don’t see the point for those who have boated for 40+ years of their life.
This was my point, although it seems that the folks that need it the most are the only group that this won’t at all effect (those over 41.)
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