Max enforcement on Lake Mohave...

[HighRoller]

Anyone going to Lake Mohave this weekend be prepared.The AZ Dept of fish&game is teaming up with the Bullhead City Police Dept on Lake Mohave this weekend.Apparently they are going to have several"checkpoints"where they will be conducting safety and sobriety inspections.I would guess the inspection points would be at places like Telephone cove,Gasoline Alley and Katherine's landing.Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up so you can get your ducks in a row.

[hd&boatrider]

HighRoller:
Anyone going to Lake Mohave this weekend be prepared.The AZ Dept of fish&game is teaming up with the Bullhead City Police Dept on Lake Mohave this weekend.Apparently they are going to have several"checkpoints"where they will be conducting safety and sobriety inspections.I would guess the inspection points would be at places like Telephone cove,Gasoline Alley and Katherine's landing.Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up so you can get your ducks in a row. Thanks HR for the heads up. I know I appreciate it. Was that in the paper out there? If so what paper?

[GlastronGuy]

Sounds good. It ought to make the water safer for everyone.

[Free Agent]

The first thing that draws their attention, and has for decades, is make sure to have your registration sticker on your hull.
If you are AZ even the Calif cops will write you, if you are Nev or Cali,, the AZ cops will still write you
This has been going on this time of year as long as I can remember.
- The Turbos
"Loose Your Head and Your Ass Will Soon Follow"
[ May 14, 2003, 06:13 PM: Message edited by: Free Agent ]

[HighRoller]

Heard it on the local radio station.I'd have to say the biggest thing they get people for is life vests.You have to have an adequate number of APPROVED life vests plus one throwable flotation device.They might also check for a flame arrestor and of course they'll probably want to check for alcohol impairment.

[hd&boatrider]

HighRoller:
Heard it on the local radio station.I'd have to say the biggest thing they get people for is life vests.You have to have an adequate number of APPROVED life vests plus one throwable flotation device.They might also check for a flame arrestor and of course they'll probably want to check for alcohol impairment. Plus I think you also need an airhorn or a whistle.

[Essex502]

How 'bout a fire extinguisher? :)
Seriously...If my cooler is empty I am "alcohol impaired" - not enough, that is.

[Powerquestboy]

I got nailed at Katherine’s landing last year when they were doing this, they had cops on jet ski’s and they pulled everyone over to the dock to get checked out. We had good registration, correct number of life vests, they checked our Fire extinguisher to make sure it was good and or had been serviced recently. They nailed us for not having a throw-able. They also got us for not having a “kids” life vest on a 12 year old in the boat, they said the one he was wearing was too big. Luckily they cut us a little slack since we were helping out with a Boy Scout retreat. I told the lady that most of the time 24 and 25 year old guys don’t have kids on the boat and therefore don’t carry kid’s life vests. Those guys were serious, they had a houseboat that they were taking people into and arresting them, doing field sobriety tests. It was amazing they were pulling people off their boats and putting them in hand cuffs faster than you could believe. The thing that was the worst is there was no way of avoiding them, good registration, bad registration, it didn’t matter. If you were coming into the marina you got pulled over.

[Boozer]

How the heck do you go boating and NOT drink lots of Beer?
There are 2 things I NEVER go on the water without. Beer and condoms.
I have vests in the boat but never knew you needed a throwable flotation device. Thats pretty good to know.
Sounds like a money making gimmick to me.

[Chase]

Well Boozer, lets be creative, you probably have a dock line on board right, and the condoms----well blow one up, tie it with the rope and throw it to the person overboard.....you have spend no money other than your neccesities...
idea

[Boozer]

Well if that is the case i should be able to consider the fenders as throwable flotation devices.

[Chase]

Make sure the rope is 50 feet, that is the minimum here in Canada...
Another item that is legal here is a waterski tow-rope.
:) :D

[HavasuDreamin']

One thing to keep in mind is that if your are anchored, you can be smashed out of your mind and the cops can't do jack sh*t about it. The key is you need to be anchored. Your boat being turned off is not good enough because you are still technically under way....current/drifting.
Pulling people over with no probable cause makes you want to camp out on the water and stay the hell away from the marinas and ramps. http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/devil/evil_lol.gif

[spectratoad]

This is just a lack of knowledge question. If I have all proper decals, horns etc... (need to get lifejackets). Is this a case of illegal search. They can't do that to you in a car. or does it fall back on some vague rules that says by use of the lake, river etc... that implies consent to search. :confused:
I know they can usually come up with some reason that they pulled you over for inspection but to go through your boat is a little on the edge I would think.

[Boozer]

spectratoad:
This is just a lack of knowledge question. If I have all proper decals, horns etc... (need to get lifejackets). Is this a case of illegal search. They can't do that to you in a car. or does it fall back on some vague rules that says by use of the lake, river etc... that implies consent to search. :confused:
I know they can usually come up with some reason that they pulled you over for inspection but to go through your boat is a little on the edge I would think. Have you not been pulled over in California lately? I can't think of a single time I have been pulled over in So Cal and not had my car searched.
One night I had a cop stop me just to ask what I was doing driving around at 2am. The next thing I know I have 5 cops in my face with shotguns telling me to step out of a stolen vehicle. A Vehical that was titled, registered, and insured in my name. 15 minutes and several death threats from Chino PD later, I was told "I must have run your plate wrong and it came back stolen I think we have all had enough excitement for not one night." The real kicker is that the cop who originally stopped me was someone who's pool I had cleaned on a weekly basis and had even had me over at his house a few times for bar b q's. The cock didnt even give me an apology.
The list of police run ins goes on from there. Everytime they stop me it tends to be for some stupid reason and has nothing to do with my driving, my car always gets searched along with myself and my passengers and I always drive away without a ticket.

[Chase]

I don't know if the laws are the same there as they are here, but law here requires you to have certain items on board (changes as per the diffrent sizes)to meet regulations. I don't know if they have the right to search your boat without just cause, but it is your responsibility to be able to show to the law enforment people all of these items, such as the fire extinguisher, manual bailing bucket, flashlight, tossable lifeline, noise maker such as a whistle, anchor or paddle, and most important-a life jacket for all people on board.
Again, I have been stopped and was able to show all of the required goods to the officer, and I didn't look like I had been drinking, nor did anyone else so I think in a situation like that they can't come aboard.... :confused:

[Essex502]

I believe if your are Coast Guard registered and have no numbers then you automatically give any police agency the right to board your vessel.
The Supreme Court of this fine nation has said that a cop making a traffic stop does search your vehicle without probable cause. (1998 ruling) Couldn't find anything later.

[Essex502]

Essex502:
I believe if you are Coast Guard registered and have no numbers then you automatically give any police agency the right to board your vessel.
The Supreme Court of this fine nation has said that a cop making a traffic stop does search your vehicle without probable cause. (1998 ruling) Couldn't find anything later.

[Super D]

After going through this "inspection" a couple years ago, I am still at odds - is this good because you shouldn't be drunk on the water, or is this just fascism 'cause they harrass you w/o cause? "IF" it is under the guise of "SAFETY", then wouldn't they inspect your boat BEFORE you go out on the water, not AFTER? I simply won't go through Katherine's anymore. But I also am not an idiot who goes overboard (no pun) on the booze while operating the boat. Either let the missus drive (sober), or use moderation. Be sure to bring visine, too! They don't test for my "medication" (yet). :cool:

[Tinkerer]

Here in Mich. they don't have the right to search your boat without probable cause. They can only look into a compartment that is open. They can't go into your cabin even if the door is open unless they can see something suspicious.

[stix818]

What constitutes probable cause? When I worked at Mudshark's pizza in High School I would get pulled over at least 4-5 times a week and they would search my car. They never found anything but they said they had "probable cause" because I was coming out of the Indian Village or a low income area. I think the "probable cause" excuse is HORSE $HIT!!!!!!!

[Boatcop]

Several appeals court decisions, including one in the Supreme Court (US v Villamonte-Marquez) uphold the ability for Marine Enforcement Officers to inspect vessels without probable cause.
The argument is that, unlike cars who's safety equipment is fixed to the vehicle, required boat safety equipment is portable and can easily be removed.
There is also no practical way to set up a check-point, like DUI road blocks (in most areas) to inspect for compliance with safety regulations.
The counter argument was that boats could be checked at ramps and docks before getting underway. The Supremes found that if that were the case, those with private docks and ramps would not have to comply with the law, since they would never be checked.
Also, the inspection would be limited to identification, registration documents, sanitation, and safety equipment. If during the inspection, evidence of other criminal activity is observed, (such as alcohol impairment, or drug evidence) then the probable cause doctrine is met, and a further search is warranted.
One reason to look in the cabin area is for proper marine sanitaion devices (if equipped) and proper ventilation for any on-board galley stove. Another is to see if the official number is properly affixed to the inside of the hull, in the case of CG Documented vessels.
Engine compartments can be inspected for backfire flame arrestors and ventilation.
As far as the OUI Checkpoint on Mohave is concerned, these are conducted in the same way as a DUI checkpoint on the road. With proper advance publication of the operation, and a set of guidelines as to the scope of the operation.
Now I know most, if not all, of the Marine Officers working on the Lakes and River out here, but have never heard of "Max Enforcement". Is he a new guy? :confused:
:D

[beyondhelpin]

I was thinking when it come to the water, Maritime laws apply. Which I think gives them the right to search your boat. The most common missing item is a throwable flotation device followed by a proper fire extinguisher. You dont need a airhorn or whistle if you have a horn on your boat. We are allowed to have an open container in the boat in Okieland. Can you guys do that out west.
Boozer
They don't have the right to search your car without probable cause. Sometimes they will trick you into giving them permission. I'm sure some of them will also invent probable cause.

[Wicky]

It's all about the money!!!!
MONEY MONEY MONEY $$$$$$$$$$$
Lots O' MONEY!!!
Super D said it best! If they realy wanted to save lives they would be proactive instead of reactive!!
Wicky

[Boatcop]

And I'll say it again, Wick.
If it was about the money, we wouldn't offer our boating courses for free. We'd charge up to 50 bucks a whack, like some areas do.
We also wouldn't be encouraging our judges to reduce or suspend fines for those who complete a safe boating course.
I don't know how it is in other States, but in Arizona, No (read "none", "zero", "zilch", "nada") fine money comes back to the agency that issues the citations.
Don't give me the bull about the fines going into the county or state treasury to fund us either. We are paid by state grants, getting funding from a portion of Marine fuel taxes and registration fees. We get paid the same whether we write tickets or not.
All we care about is reducing accidents, injuries and deaths on our waterways. My boss, and his bosses could give a rat's ass if I and my team write none, or a thousand tickets. It makes no difference to them.
The only thing they care about is when I total up the accident data at the end of the year. If it's down, then I've done a good job. If it's up, then I haven't, and have to try harder next year.
When people start taking responsibilty and driving sober, making sure they have proper equipment, respecting the environment, and operating in a safe manner, then there will be no need for tickets, arrests, check points, or even my job for that matter.
But judging from the attitude of some on this board, that day is a very long time off, if ever.

[77charger]

I have been thru the system personally in boatcops area.I can tell you it aint about money or screwing you over but more like a hard learned lesson.They are more concerned about not SEING YOU A SECOND TIME(the DA told me that they already had 4 deaths and they just want to prevent more)And i never met boatcop but he told me where i can get my boatersafety course and what i need to tell the court for an extension on it).Or you are toast.For me it was a leeson learned and i will not drink and drive(btw i was a rare one who got nabbed for .096)feel i got off lucky so i'll leave it at that let alone explaining to my wife what happened.My brother also got one before me but by a sbdo sherrif on havasu now CA it is about money and money only his cost 4 times as much as mine plus attorney fees.From what i have learned besides knot tying :D Is that when you are on water you can be stopped for any reason and yes a boatcop can pull you over randomly to give your vessel a safety inspection at any time and if you have been drinking better pray it aint a CA cop.

[UtlGoa]

Also just for info, You can get a ticket for your registration (CF #'s) on your vessel while in tow. Keep that in mind when your towing down the freeway, or through the city on your way to the lake, or river.

[HighRoller]

We can only hope that all the officers have the same attitude as BoatCop.I have never heard anything from him that makes me think he's anything less than professional.Unfortunately a lot of the officers in my area are far less than professional,and much less than courteous.I think they need more training,and need to be more alert to the REAL problem.On the stretch of river where I live the PWC's are the real danger.We have unexperienced people piloting rental PWC's with little or no knowledge of navigation or maritime procedure.I have always stated that a 4 hour boating safety course should be mandatory before renting a Sea Doo.That way those who do hit the water will be educated with the basics,and those who don't want to take the course(because they don't care)will stay onshore.

[midmagic]

Boozer is a prime example why we are paying so much for boat insurance. Please stay in Denver Boozer and grow up for Gods sake!!!

[spectratoad]

Thanks for the info Boatcop. I just think that the propable cause is something that should be upheld. I agree with Super D. I drink in moderation by day and if the urge strikes I will catch up at night when I am just sittin' in camp. I was just wondering how the inspection laws were in other areas.

[v-drive]

Come on Boozer, what were you doing. that is not the way things happen. I've lived in southern california my whole life and I have never been treated that harsh unless I did something to provoke it. I'm not saying there aren't cops with attitude but for the most part these guys do a great job. :cool: v-drive
[ May 16, 2003, 06:10 AM: Message edited by: v-drive ]

[Wicky]

Allow me to quote Pink Floyd, "money, money, money, mooooney, money!!!!

[Boozer]

midmagic:
Boozer is a prime example why we are paying so much for boat insurance. Please stay in Denver Boozer and grow up for Gods sake!!! How is that the case? I get hasselled by the man non stop in California but have never been issued a ticket or been involved in an accident in the state of California and I am the reason you pay so much for Boat insurance?
I'll make sure to stay here until I become a boring old stiff such as yourself. Okay?
Until then I'll by the 3 B's. And the three P's Party, Porn, and P*$$Y!
Have fun at the Elk Lodge playing Bingo with your grandmother tonight midmagic.

[Boozer]

midmagic:
Boozer is a prime example why we are paying so much for boat insurance. Please stay in Denver Boozer and grow up for Gods sake!!! How is that the case? I get hasselled by the man non stop in California but have never been issued a ticket or been involved in an accident in the state of California and I am the reason you pay so much for Boat insurance?
I'll make sure to stay here until I become a boring old stiff such as yourself. Okay?
Until then I'll live by the 3 B's. And the three P's Party, Porn, and P*$$Y!
Have fun at the Elk Lodge playing Bingo with your grandmother tonight midmagic.

[MagicMtnDan]

We got stopped by the floating armada (cops on PWCs circling around in the no wake zone making sure EVERYONE came in to the dock for complete inspection).
All the drivers got field sobriety tests - they had us looking up into the sun asking us questions (why are your eyes red?! they ask me after doing 65MPH in the wind). They take a few of us inside houseboats for more detailed testing. Had us counting on our fingers (touch each finger to your thumb and count), they even made my buddy recite the alphabet backwards (English is not his native language and he's dyslexic!).
It was a more than thorough testing process and because my eyes were red (hadn't been drinking) I was in the houseboat (floating police station) for over 1/2 an hour. My buddy was being tested in his boat and then on the dock while his wife and kids watched.
I think random checks are good but some of this stuff was, in my opinion, over the top. At least they did it to everyone who came anywhere near the gas stop (forget the name of the place). But the drunks who knew about it just kept on flying down the river.

[hot_diggity_dog]

Heads up at Windsor Beach Launch ramp as well.
On the big weekends the Rangers will be watching you as you are putting your boat on the trailer, as well as the driver going to pick up the trailer.
I know of a few guy's that got pulled over in the parking lot while driving back to pick up the boat.
They have mobile breathalizers too!
BE ALERT NOBODY HURT!!!!!!
HDD :cool:

[Seadog]

People forget that cops are human too. A bad experience may be due to one of them having a bad day, or them dealing with a bunch of jerks all day. I have had few problems when I have been pulled over because I don't give them any BS. If I get caught doing wrong, I admit it. I treat them with the same courtesy that I expect of them.
People like Wicky who have an additude, are always a target. They resent authority or treat the cops with sarcasm and/or derision.
I just have one question? How would you like to spend your summer holidays, or any holidays, playing watch dog over a bunch of self-centered drunken idiots?

[spectratoad]

I just have one question? How would you like to spend your summer holidays, or any holidays, playing watch dog over a bunch of self-centered drunken idiots? Seadog, I agree they are humans and allowed to have a bad day. I also have had few(closer to zero) problems with officers. But if as you said above is a problem for them I will tell the same thing I tell my nurse or teacher friends when they bitch about their hours (nurses) or the low pay (teachers). You knew that when you decided to work in that field. Get over it. Being a Police Officer is not a 9 - 5 job and you work while everyone else has fun and you deal with alot of A$$holes. That is why I didn't become an officer. Just my .02

[Boozer]

spectratoad:
I just have one question? How would you like to spend your summer holidays, or any holidays, playing watch dog over a bunch of self-centered drunken idiots? Seadog, I agree they are humans and allowed to have a bad day. I also have had few(closer to zero) problems with officers. But if as you said above is a problem for them I will tell the same thing I tell my nurse or teacher friends when they bitch about their hours (nurses) or the low pay (teachers). You knew that when you decided to work in that field. Get over it. Being a Police Officer is not a 9 - 5 job and you work while everyone else has fun and you deal with alot of A$$holes. That is why I didn't become an officer. Just my .02 High 5 to you Spectra I couldn't have said that better myself. I shot you 5 stars for that one.

[Danhercules]

I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold! :D

[Essex502]

It's very simple...I give any officer who I talk to - whether its a "stop" or casual meeting - respect and I have never had trouble.

[Boozer]

Danhercules:
I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold! :D To heck with that dude. Just get a friend who doesn't like to drink to be in the boat with you. That way you can drive the boat till you start gettin smashed and let the sober person take over after you've had a couple to drink.
Just make sure you teach the person how to load the boat BEFORE you get drunk!!

[Essex502]

Saying the above...
I also believe traffic officers due have an "implied quote" of citations they need to write. Let me explain my thoughts...
If a certain station has an average of, say 50 citations per officer per day, then if a traffic officer is WAY under that average, don't you think in his performance review his commanding officer won't question his performance? Just like you or me, if we are perceived that we are below certain performance levels we'll be called on it. BTW...I have been told this is true by several LAPD and LA County Sheriffs including a high ranking LA Sheriff. They may not force an officer to write more tickets but they will certainly question his performance. This usually leads to change in performance, i.e. greater quantity of citations being written. BTW (again)...I was also told that if the officer's citation average is WAY over the station average he is also questioned about that too.
[ May 16, 2003, 07:49 AM: Message edited by: Essex502 ]

[UtlGoa]

Lets see here, being that I am a police officer, and I do write TICKETS on and off the water. The simple thing to do is NOT BREAK THE LAW! It's your RESPONSIBILITY to know the law and OPERATION of your vessel before you put it in the water.

[Seadog]

In no way did I imply that any officers have an attitude about working these shifts. I have to assume that they knew, going in, that this is their lot in life. My comment was for those who are out there having fun. They should respect and applaud those who willingly give up such pleasures so that we may enjoy our activities with as much safety as possible.
As far as quotas, what can I say. Most methods of evaluating personnel are inadequate. Taken to extreme, it is not right. However, while it might mean the difference between a warning and a ticket, I know of few officers that let ticketing get in the way of what's important.
We have a few speed traps in OK that are the pits, but in all of these cases, the city hires them to do the job for the city's coffers. Most of these 'officers' are at the bottom of the law enforcement pool, generally at the level of security guard.

[stonehedge]

Can't comment on PC, the sky is the limit, and even if it weren't its rather easy to find a way in. As far as not breaking the law, well thats subjective also. If they don't need PC, and its all about "saving us from ourselves" well bend over and take the fifth and shove it up our collective behind. I for one keep it super, extra clean and still get many visits from the law when on the river. If its not a "safety inspection, or a "sound check" then its something else. The boat looks fast, and its shinny, so its a target. I prepare for this by having my "legal bag"........I have a dedicated duffle bag with ALL of the required stuff in prestine condition. Plus extra's, just in case. This includes reg., whistle, horn, fire ext., PFD, Life jackets, and paddle. All in one bag, that is pulled out at the first site of the law(if in fact its in the fanging mood) Yes, I run the legal stickers and CF #'s and mufflers and water through them. I try real hard to always cruise and be safe. Plus keep the empties WAY out of site and the full coldies in the hands of non-drivers. Also empty the empties often, no need for more ammo against you? Right? But even with all this, I still get many visits, Like I said, looks fast and its shiny! Target. Many on this board have truely fast and beutiful boats, which are targets, regardless of booze or safety, just easy prey. Plain and simple. Some say money, some say this and that. Well I for the record say "stats, baby stats" Just be mindful your a target, and your rights on the water are zero! Any good lawyer can have his day in court and you can blow huge holes in the violations and the acts leading up to the actual arrest, but why go though all that? Just have 100% of the needed iteams, keep the craft up on all reg. issues, and kiss that cops ass,(in a polite tactful manner) but make him earn that stat if it comes down to the real deal. Save your comments for the judge and jury, not the cop. The only right you have is that. Even if you are Jesus and are as sober as a church mouse, and are riding in the holy chariot, you will still get fanged and jacked up, but make them earn that stat, and be very mindful of everything that is taking place, and make sure your passengers are aware of the event as well. Because rights or no rights, last time I checked this still is America and we do have a few rights left. Some have died for those rights, including the law enforcement officers.

[superdave013]

Boozer:
Danhercules:
I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold! :D To heck with that dude. Just get a friend who doesn't like to drink to be in the boat with you. That way you can drive the boat till you start gettin smashed and let the sober person take over after you've had a couple to drink.
Just make sure you teach the person how to load the boat BEFORE you get drunk!! Boozer, how old are you man?

[Danhercules]

quote:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Danhercules:
I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To heck with that dude. Just get a friend who doesn't like to drink to be in the boat with you. That way you can drive the boat till you start gettin smashed and let the sober person take over after you've had a couple to drink.
Just make sure you teach the person how to load the boat BEFORE you get drunk!! Well, I got my boat so I could drive it, not to ride in it. Now a Bayliner, sure I would let anyone behind the wheel (sober of corse). Dont get me wrong, I will party with the best of them, but when my boat is parked.

[Boozer]

superdave013:
Boozer:
Danhercules:
I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold! :D To heck with that dude. Just get a friend who doesn't like to drink to be in the boat with you. That way you can drive the boat till you start gettin smashed and let the sober person take over after you've had a couple to drink.
Just make sure you teach the person how to load the boat BEFORE you get drunk!! Boozer, how old are you man? Younger then you. :)

[superdave013]

Boozer:
superdave013:
Boozer:
Danhercules:
I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold! :D To heck with that dude. Just get a friend who doesn't like to drink to be in the boat with you. That way you can drive the boat till you start gettin smashed and let the sober person take over after you've had a couple to drink.
Just make sure you teach the person how to load the boat BEFORE you get drunk!! Boozer, how old are you man? Younger then you. :) I can tell. I had that same kind of thinking in my early '20s.

[Ziggy]

Can't beat a ice cold H20 oozing down the throat in 100+ degrees. No hangovers and ill feelings from overloading on H20. Never been hassled for driving with a water in the hand either, no reason to be checked if they see that.
I respect cops and have several aquaintences who are officers. They want to be treated the same way you are expecting to be treated, with respect, its not that hard. Only when I've had a smart comment have they been on the harsh side, learned that in the younger years of my life.
Play by the rules, expect a fun day! Don't, you won't(or chances are higher you won't).
I've watched BoatCops do their work and I have to say I generally see them only react to the ones that needed to be stopped rightfully...sometimes its just a newbie goofing in the no-wake zone or truely a cranked up boozer doing stupid shit. I appreciate what they are trying to do in these cases but sting type operations are tough to swallow since they are often less than random.
Remember everyone, they are just doing their(chosen) jobs and some of us have given them the reason to be there to begin with. Nobody enjoys being stopped but if you go by the law then you have nothing to worry about or loose other than a little time.

[Wicky]

Seadog:
People forget that cops are human too. A bad experience may be due to one of them having a bad day, or them dealing with a bunch of jerks all day. I have had few problems when I have been pulled over because I don't give them any BS. If I get caught doing wrong, I admit it. I treat them with the same courtesy that I expect of them.
People like Wicky who have an additude, are always a target. They resent authority or treat the cops with sarcasm and/or derision.
I just have one question? How would you like to spend your summer holidays, or any holidays, playing watch dog over a bunch of self-centered drunken idiots? Sorry Seadog but, I hate to burst your bubble. Generally, I am hanging out with a cop or two or three and I never get into trouble. My attitude is not directed towards cops. It is directed towards wasted tax money and revenue generation through policing. Boatcop is definitely the exception to the rule. Here in ADA county, 50% of all revenue generated by citations goes right back to the police station. If you don't call that having a vested interest you are truly one dumb mofo. Most places across the country are the same. Get a clue doughhead!!!
Oh yeah, btw, when any of my friends are in trouble our cop friends somehow bail us out before any further consequences. It's not what you know...............ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!

[miketsouth]

Originally posted by Danhercules
I like beer. Hell, I love beer. I drink a lot of beer. I am a newer boat owner, I still drink a case a day on the boat. But now its Odouls. I wait till I park my boat before drinking the good stuff. I still have one or two regular beers during the day. I CANNOT get a DUI. I would loose my Biz. So, the Doulies will have to do. By the way, they are no that bad, but they have to be very cold! :D
I drink the doolies too. GOT to be cold. Makes for a much more enjoyable, safer and longer day. Still got to piss just as much. If i drank that many cokes or pepsies i would die. Same thing: one real one at long intervals, if someone offers. I also take some cold cut italian subs, peperoni and cheeze crackers.
mikeT

[Kachina26]

I had some N/A beer made by Guinness, it's pretty good. I have only found it at Bashes in Havasu.

[CA Stu]

Only woosies get drunk and boat.
Real men get drunk and clean their gun collections.
Cheers
CA Stu

[shueman]

As BoatCop said:
When people start taking responsibilty and driving sober, making sure they have proper equipment, respecting the environment, and operating in a safe manner, then there will be no need for tickets, arrests, check points, or even my job for that matter.
I'm 100% behind check-points, water patrols, saftey inspections, etc. You really have to "watch out" on busy week-ends. I highly recommend the free Water Safety Course.
Lowers the Insurance Premium as well.