Got a citation today!

[skiboarder]

We were just coming in to the launch in the slow no wake all of a sudden here comes water patrol flyin our way! I look at my friends and were like what the hell did we do? My brother was sitting on the sundeck facing the back of the boat. We were going slow no wake and the cop said that it was dangerous and that we were getting a ticket. I said I didn't know that we couldn't do that in the slow no wake and that I would never do that going fast he said it doesn't matter that he could have gotten chopped up by the prop. What a jack as#. I am taking it to court because I do not think I was in the wrong! What does everyone think about this?

[Wet-N-Frugal]

First, I'm guilty of the same practice. Occasionally, at no more than a putt, I'll move the boat with a rider (or skier) sitting with their feet on the swim deck. When the boats underway everybody is sitting in a seat.

Sounds like you were operating your boat in a civilized manner, and it's unfortunate this happened to you. I don't pretend to know WI rules and regs, but here in WA it states:

"Not maintaining proper seating regulation aboard your vessel. In Washington, it is unlawful to allow any person to ride or sit on the bow, gunwales, transom, or on the decking over the bow of the vessel while underway unless such a vessel is provided with adequate guards or railing to prevent passengers from falling overboard. Passengers or other persons aboard a vessel may occupy these areas of the vessel to moor or anchor the vessel, to cast off, or for any other necessary purpose"

I'm sure we all have war stories, so for what it's worth here's one of mine: Years ago while boating in OR, we had two adults and six very young kids in an idle boat; two were about to go tubing. Everyone had their own seat. All the youth had life-vests on. We were approached by the Sheriff and the (new) deputy. The deputy thought we had too many people on board. This boat didn't have a persons limit, but rather a weight limit (like our Toytotas). There was no way we exceeded the weight limit. Not winning that argument, She decided a full boat inspection was in order... right down to 'the white glove test' on the belly of the carb. We passed everything right up to the last thing, the fire extinguisher. The one on-board was twice the size of the legal minimum, yet the needle was border line green. And you should of heard the satisfaction in her voice when she took note of it. We were cited and kicked off the lake. Man we were very upset about it at the time. I wrote a letter to the judge, and the fine was reduced somewhat.

Anymore I don't point my frustrations with the law enforcement officers, but rather the DUMB a$$es who operate their boats in a lethal manner... for then the law tightens the screws on all of us , even for the small silly stuff.

-WNF-

[skiboarder]

Yah I here yah just think that there were better things for him to do like chase down jets skiers getting to close or something like that. He was just pissed off he had to work labor day and took it out on me. He was very upset when he aproached us and came in very fast and dangerous almost hit me.  He told me the court date was opional but I told him I would see him there and I am fighting it somewhat.

[skiboarder]

Wisconsin laws

While operating a motorboat to allow any person to ride or sit on the gunwales, tops of seat, backs or sides or on the decking over the bow while under way, unless such person is inboard of guards or railings provided on the boat to prevent passengers from being lost overboard, except for anchoring, mooring or cast off.

I am going to tell the judge that we were going to throw out the anchor because he never asked me if we were!  Hopefully that will get me out of a $160 fine.

[Ktown]

If the guy had said something about Carbon Monoxide poisioning or something remotly worthy, it would make sense, but telling you he could have been thrown from the boat is lame.  I used to ride around with folks on the swim platform all the time.  I also used to keep my engine running while we changed out riders or if we were just sitting waiting on someone.  However, I have read a lot about CO poisioning and how dangerous it is to be near the exhaust of the boat (especially the swim platform).  This has even caused problems for wake surfers as well.  As for the ticket, you may want to see if you have to pay a court fee?  If so, it may not be worth fighting.  If not, then it can't hurt. In Florida, if the cop/patrol doesn't show, they drop the charge.  Good luck.

[wakehead]

I agree with K'town. I read US Gov study and  the study done by Fresh Exhaust on CO level on ski boats. I am alarmed by how high it can get at either idling or at speed below 5 mph near platform or transom  In fact it was as high as 1200 ppm about 6 x of dangerous level set by CDC. If somebody gets poisoned and falls off, you got a unconscious person in water. Luckily, level becomes so low at wakesurfing speed, Us Gov. concluded that there is a minimal concern. K'town is absolutely right we should always turn off the engine during change-over.

[dawsonr]

[skiboarder]

Well thank you for your comments it is good to hear from the other side to. The thing is if he was so worried about our saftey than why didn't he check for all the things that mattered like, proper amount of pfd's, if I had a throwable, fire exstwisher(sorry dont know how to spell) or if I was over weight with my fat sacs full stuff like that. I have never had a boating citation in all my years on the water and thats because I respect everyone out there and drive with care. Just think he should of given me a warnning thats all, it would of never happened again!!!!

[dawsonr]

[flyn2001]

While I am definitely no police officer, I would have to agree that the best way to make a situation go "Your" way would be to be Honest and show respect to the Judge/Officer.  I bet as a minimum, your ticket will be lowered.  Be sure not to use the "I didn't know I couldn't do that" phrase because I have tried this in my teenage years in court and they fired back w/ the "ignorance is no excuse for the law" rebuttal.  I often wonder why cops don't give out more warnings to people, especially when they have clean histories.  In the grand scheme of things, 99% of them just want to keep people safe.  Good luck!

On a side note, when I was in college I owned 2 jet skis.  I was the guy who was blazing parallel to the shoreline at about 20' distance (stupid!).  I got a citation (that I deserved) and showed in court on the court date.  The officer didn't show and they made me pay like $10 bucks and didn't put it on my record.  Cross your fingers....maybe he won't show!!

[skiboarder]

I will try guys, thats all I can do right? I dont go to michigan much but If I do I would love to talk epics sgt Dawson.

[dawsonr]

Skiboarder, we never heard how you made out with your citation.  Believe me when I say I am not trying to get you going again if it did not go your way, just curious how you did in court.  Judges do tend to go with the Officer, but will on ocassion see things from the "Violator's" point of view.

Dawson