Members Ranger Dave Posted May 9, 2011 Members Posted May 9, 2011 Just in case anyone else out there is not aware (like I was), the Hwy 123 bridge at Alrich is closed to boaters under the bridge as well as car traffic above even though it is not clearly marked. I was stopped by the Coast Guard and was issued a warning. The patrolman kept insisting that the restriction zone was clearly marked but I had to disagree with him. The middle bay under the bridge has a large sign stating for boats to keep out and the north bay under the bridge has buoys in the middle. However, the south bay is wide open with no signs or buoys. The two south-most buoys (one on each side of the bridge is directly in front of the south bridge piers. This leaves the space between the south brige pier and the south bank open (about 20' wide). I just figured the south bay was being left open like they did on the 245 bridge last year. Guess again. The patrolman indicated that this is the most violated rule presently on the lake. Possibly because it isn't clearly marked? I didn't argue with the patrolman too much since he issued me a warning and I didn't want to push my luck but I honestly don't think it is clearly marked. I was also issued a warning because my life jackets were inside my front deck compartment. My throw cushion was on top of the deck. I guess I have been in violation all of my life. The rule book says the throw cushion must be "immediately" available and that life jackets must just be available. However, there is another note that says life jackets cannot be inside a "locked" or "closed" compartment. Hope this helps prevent someone from getting a ticket.
Flysmallie Posted May 9, 2011 Posted May 9, 2011 Hope this helps prevent someone from getting a ticket. If you would wear that life jacket that would solve one problem. The law has stated for awhile that they could not be in a closed compartment. Best place for it is on your body.
Gilly Posted May 9, 2011 Posted May 9, 2011 R ........Best place for it is on your body. Roger that. Time and again it seems like some one has to drown early in the year before folks get it through their thick skull. The 245 bridge last summer had about the same markings it sounds like but it was possible to go under it. What's changed or were we all in violation? Longer span maybe? www.drydock516.com
Members Ranger Dave Posted May 9, 2011 Author Members Posted May 9, 2011 R Roger that. Time and again it seems like some one has to drown early in the year before folks get it through their thick skull. The 245 bridge last summer had about the same markings it sounds like but it was possible to go under it. What's changed or were we all in violation? Longer span maybe? I don't know what has changed. There was definitely a passing lane under the 245 bridge. I used it many times. It would stand to reason that if it was possible to pass under the 245 bridge then it would also be possible to pass under the 123 bridge. I guess the Coast Guard or the Corp just doesn't think we need to go on the east side of the bridge. It would be a different story if there was a Corp sanctioned ramp on the east side of the bridge.
rangerman Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 In the closed compartment they will stay..Not tripping over the things on the deck of the boat. and don't go out on a major lake in a small boat more suited for small waters...that would prevent alot of drownings.
Members nobutt56 Posted May 10, 2011 Members Posted May 10, 2011 i have known a few people like you. dont wear life jackets. some have drowned. life jackets wont do you a darn bit of good unless you wear them. go ahead and not wear them ill read about you someday.
Hunter91 Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 Without looking it up. Does it say that your lifejackets have to be out at all times or just when the engine is running? We make a rule of wearing them when the big engine is above idle speed but not while we fish with just the trolling motor.
minnowhooker Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 I was stopped at Stockton two years ago and the water patrol never mentioned anything about not having having a throw cushion. I believe Arkansas requires it but I didn't think Missouri did.
Gilly Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 Without looking it up. Does it say that your lifejackets have to be out at all times or just when the engine is running? We make a rule of wearing them when the big engine is above idle speed but not while we fish with just the trolling motor. http://www.boat-ed.com/mo/handbook/pfds.htm Has to be available 'readily'.... Usually we put ours on the back of the seat when fishing, on when motoring. www.drydock516.com
minnowhooker Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 I needed an excuse to go to Bass Pro.....................Thanks
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