Common Sense ....

[Phil Lilley]

The problem with speed limits is the wakes. A lot of boat owners just do not know what their boats do at low speeds. I don't know how many times I've people go by me on the lake, all smiles and waves, and never look behind them to see me hanging on for dear life from their huge wake. They actually think they did me a favor by slowing down. I don't get mad - I actually laugh about it now.

[ness]

The one common thing about all the problems here and on Table Rock -- guys with boats.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

The problem with speed limits is the wakes. A lot of boat owners just do not know what their boats do at low speeds. I don't know how many times I've people go by me on the lake, all smiles and waves, and never look behind them to see me hanging on for dear life from their huge wake. They actually think they did me a favor by slowing down. I don't get mad - I actually laugh about it now.

Had it not been for this site, I would have thought that was the respectful thing to do. I don't get on the water nearly enough to know all of the "Courtesies" that should be practiced.

The one common thing about all the problems here and on Table Rock -- guys with boats.

That sure is interesting, wonder what could be done to solve these problems......

[Aggressor1988long]

I idle during fog conditions! Why risk your life ir someone elses. Most of it is because people are in a big hurry to wet there line. I have a air horn I bought at walmart when I come down there early.

[Aggressor1988long]

Hey phil you might want to start selling flares lol.

[Mitch f]

I was making my way across Table Rock once in the fog and some douche in a bass boat was going full tilt and darn near hit me. I figured we were both idiots. But I feel I was less of an idiot. I guess he figured he had a GPS and that entitled him to run full tilt. I will never do that again.

[brother dave]

This is a great topic! : D

[BIG K]

staying at blue haven resort for the last two weeks and fishing the upper trophy area every morning i get alot of fog expeirence. Here is what i do i leave the dock very early no sun on the fog helps alot. I run on the right. i break the nose over on plane no faster.i sit up in an elevated position. i think alot of people hear the roar of the engine getting the boat on plane and asume im flying down the lake over the last 40 years i have had a close call or two nothing serious. this last two weeks the kayaks strung all the way across the lake have been terrible even in the fog. i asked several of them if they were given any instruction and the answer was always no. so yes common sense goes along ways and there will always be new people on the lake that dont have any idea what they are doing.

[Gatorjet]

Fog aside, because when I can't see very far at all I don't run much more than a fast idle. Trying to balance between not moving against the current at all, and creating a very big wake, I try to keep my boat on plane as much as possible. As has been mentioned in other threads on the topic of boating courtesy, my boat on plane may disturb some people. But I guarantee if I were plowing stern down like many "courtious" boaters seem to do, those people would be much more disturbed, and endangered!

Also, although the "rule" of staying on the right mentioned by Bill is somewhat valid, it is not the law, and in some instances it is safer, and more courtious for me to run the shallow side, where others can't go, keeping on plane while I pass boats drifting down the channel. The Gator might sound, and look intimidating to some, but having lots of experience navigating it through twisty, narrow rivers on plane, I am in full control of it on "big water" like Taneycomo.

On the subject of Kayaks, they have a right to be on Taneycomo. But the people enjoying them also need some common sense. The group I say floating right down the middle of the lake in the fog was not exhibiting very much of it. Most people I see in Kayaks are keeping close to the bank, on one side or the other. I realize this, and am extra cautious if I need to run the "skinny" water. I'm not really in favor of official added regulations, but like we have to do riding ATVs in off road parks, a bicycle flag on the kayaks would be a very good safety precaution.

[Ham]

On the subject of Kayaks, they have a right to be on Taneycomo. But the people enjoying them also need some common sense. The group I say floating right down the middle of the lake in the fog was not exhibiting very much of it. Most people I see in Kayaks are keeping close to the bank, on one side or the other. I realize this, and am extra cautious if I need to run the "skinny" water. I'm not really in favor of official added regulations, but like we have to do riding ATVs in off road parks, a bicycle flag on the kayaks would be a very good safety precaution.

This !