There are people who have gone out and bought boats and motors

[applegrove]

and have driven to Houston to help out. (CNN) Everyone is doing what they can, how they can. Vibes for the safety of all the first responders and citizen rescuers.

[drray23]

1. good for them but im not sure flood waters in the middle

of a city are the ideal spot to learn how to operate a boat you just purchased. Seasoned swampers and fishermen from around the bayous are probably the best bet..

[applegrove]

2. I was wrong.

Last edited Wed Aug 30, 2017, 09:40 PM - Edit history (2)

On second thought maybe not so easy to boat in shallow water with hidden dangers.

[drray23]

3. true but you need to be able to recognize obstacles

under water, dodge floating debris, be aware of how shallow can the water be before you hit or choke your engine, etc...
I dont mean to demean their admirable efforts, just saying they better be on the lookout. its harder than it looks.

[applegrove]

4. Yes. They are all very brave.

[GulfCoast66]

5. I have been boating all my life

Everything for a kayak, a 12 foot bateau to a 24 foot center console. And to me it is easy. And apparently you are in the same boat as I.

But before you contend again they are easy to maneuver, spend a few hours at your local boat ramp watching all the noobs trying to launch and then land their boats. After spending 20 minutes trying to back the trailer down the ramp, the make every mistake in book on the easiest part of boating...getting it into the water. And I could write a novel on watching them trying to land.

Now take that level of competence, or lack there of and transfer it to flooded roads with hidden signs, cars, poles and even fire hydrants in rapidly flowing water. That, my friend is a recipe for disaster.

Operating a small boat in rapidly moving water is very tricky. And that does not even mention trying to get scared, panicked and often overweight people into the boat without cutting them up with the prop that you forget to put into neutral because you cannot figure out how to approach the person with the current working against you.

Have a nice evening.

[applegrove]

6. Yes the debris is dangerous. I'm used to canoeing, sailing, small motor boating

on a big deep lake. Not the same thing.

[GulfCoast66]

7. I grew up in S Louisiana

Fish the Florida gulf coast now. It is tricky even in good conditions. I would be hesitant to go to Houston the even with my experience. I like to think I would but being too far away and owning a boat too large to be of help I do not have to take the measure of my courage!!

And having boat it on large lakes in northern states you're correct, it's a world of difference and they are so fun and worry free.

Have a great evening

[applegrove]

8. Cottage is in Quebec. But yes. The same topography as northern US.

I did do white water canoeing so too I'm not scared of a little mayhem.

[Not Ruth]

9. You must have not spent many Sundays on a boat ramp

Personally I spun a few props and ran aground on shoals when I was learning. Somewhat expensive lessons even near home, with parts available and a friend that could haul the boat with a hi lo. Nothing is more challenging than shallow water with no navigation to warn you about hitting stuff.

[applegrove]

10. I was wrong.

[Drahthaardogs]

11. That's not true. Boating in running water is dangerous stuff

Not hard to get yourself killed

[applegrove]

12. I was wrong.

[Drahthaardogs]

13. No biggie

I used to run the rivers in Alaska. Scared me more than the ocean.

[Not Ruth]

14. I have seen some wild stuff done by people that knew their waters like I know my bedroom

Spent some nights by bridges in the Florida Keys. It is common to have a guy standing up in a flats boat (an overpowered 2x4 that can run top speed through shallower water than it can float in) go through bridge supports at 60mph with no lights and no navigation. Me, I would crash and die in 5 minutes.

[applegrove]

15. We once went on a camping trip with two 9 horsepower motorboats.

On our way home early the next morning we started to play chicken with the two boats. That part of the lake was pretty empty of cottages but it was just our luck that on man was out fishing and saw us and called our parents. We were so busted.