PWC (again)

[Sans Bateau]

Just been out in the car and heard the tail end of an report on Radio 4, seems that the residents of Borth in West Wales are trying to ban PWC's from their bit of coast.

From what I heard, the PWC's are deliberately driving into pods of dolphins, I'll say that again, because I didnt believe it either, PWC's are deliberately driving into pods of dolphins!

When the reporter spoke to some PWC owners, "from the Midlands", they claim no one in their 'club' would ever do that, or that they had never even seen a PWC anywhere near the dolphins. Well of course they would'nt, would they?

I suppose untill they catch Bin Laden, PWC owners will remaid public enemy No 2.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jfm]

on my soapbox about UK newsreports

ETAP, this smells strongly like inaccruate reporting. UK TV and newspaper journos like sotries with this kind of angle, much more interesting than saying the PwCs were just zooming around open water harming no-one. Gut instinct tells me PwC drivers are not hitting dolphins deliberately and wholesale.

When I say it's accruate reporting, of course it might be technically accurate, like it includes the word "reportedly" because some local resident mentioned dolphins.

But let's not help distribute UK stories like this when we know they generally get the core piece (locals protesting) correct but make up lots of the details (harming dolphins). I dont want to bring up M5 again but remeber the Telegraph said she was blown onto lee shore with her sails up and in strong currents -their only correct info was that she went aground

I have no idea about the facts, not been to NW Wales this year. All I'm saying is, let's be circumspect about these kind of news reports I'm not/never have been a PwCer by the way.





<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BrendanS]

I heard the article. It was quite clear that some councillors and residents didn't want the pwc'ers there - at any cost. The pwc'ers who were interviewed were far more reasonable, and pointed out they'd only actually seen one pod of dolphins all season

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[KevB]

Another yawn.....

Sounds like a load of b*ll*cks to me. Vindictive locals saying anything to give the pwc's a bad name whilst bolstering their argument against them.

And some people believe it!!

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://static.photobox.co.uk/public/images/45/99/10714599.s.jpg?ch=97&rr=16:00:39>Nirvana</A>

 

[Sans Bateau]

Re: Another yawn.....

I only passed on what was reported. If though it is a load of B*ll**ks spread by vindictive locals, plus a degree of exageration by the reporters, as suggested by jfm; then we have to also assume that what the PWC owners said is also distorted.

My only close quarter experiance of PWC riders is a bunch of loud, tatooed thugs who get their enjoyment out of making everyone elses day a bloody missery, as experianced, Medina entrance, Studland and Osborne Bay. So if the locals of Borth have also had that experiance who can blame them.

There are those who would rather believe that PWC owners are much maligned little angels.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Colin_S]

Re: Another yawn.....

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

My only close quarter experiance of PWC riders is a bunch of loud, tatooed thugs who get their enjoyment out of making everyone elses day a bloody missery

<hr></blockquote>

You've not met many then....................

Off to polish my PWC, shout at the wife and kids, kick the dog and contemplate getting my first tattoo.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jfm]

Hatred of PwCs

I must say PwCs provoke profound reactions. I have no axe to grind, never had a pwc, tho often rented them in 15min chunks off the beach in Caribee holidays etc.

But people do hate them. I mean all other things being equal, a Pwc zooming about will attract more tut tuts than a tiny speedboat doing same speed and course. Wonder what pwcers can do to calm things down a bit?

[deleted the wiggo reference. Losing my marbles. Twaz a reference to the Which Boat Inspired You thread on mobochat]<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by jfm on 13/10/2004 19:48 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[jenku]

Re: Hatred of PwCs

I must say I do like them better than the average powerboat. PWCs do create lesser wakes and I am quite sure they will do everything not to hit me as they will most certainly be harmed far more than I on impact.

On the other hand they are loud, but powerboats can be that, too.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.sail.to/alacrity

 

[bedouin]

Re: Another yawn.....

I think all of us must have had experiences of PWCs behaving in a fashion that is at least annoying, if not downright dangerous; whereas we probably don't notice those who behave in a quiet, considerate fashion.

It only takes a few Yobs to give the entire genre a bad name

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Colin_S]

Re: Another yawn.....

Likewise a lot of things in life including one of my current pet hates, kids on scooters, peds, etc.

<hr width=100% size=1>I own a PWC - wanna make something of it?

 

[gandy]

Here's the solution ...

http://www.west.net/~lpm/hobie/archives/v1-i2/humor.shtml

Tony S

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Seafort]

The Real Answer....

...Is to go sailing in the Grenadines where PWCs are banned.../forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Dave.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ColinW]

Re: Considerate PWCs

The reason you don't notice quiet, considerate PWC riders is because there aren't any. It is entirely down to the behaviour of PWCs that the Windermere speed limit will be introduced in April and it is entirely down to the behaviour of PWCs that similar regulations will probably be introduced on Loch Lomond. These are people who regard the buoys marking the edge of a nature reserve as a personal slalom course!
I read last week that a report commissioned in Queensland, Australia found that PWCs were responsible for an incredible 1 in 10 serious accidents in the area.
PWC riders are just prats who haven't got the brains to pass a test so they can ride a motorbike.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[robp]

Re: Hatred of PwCs

Only time I have ever driven one, was similar to you, rented off Fort Lauderdale. Good fun for 30 minutes but I don't feel the need to do it often. But boy did the police boat jump all over the chap who strayed (to seaward) outside the bouyed area? They actually took him away. To be fair, they probably would have done that to any fast craft in the area but it demonstrates what they mean by zero tolerance.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[robp]

Re: Considerate PWCs

And that is an incredible generalisation that will put their backs up! I get as pissed off as anyone when I see bad behaviour on them but I've also seen two or three PWC's assisting a dinghy sailor that was in trouble and too far from base. And no, they hadn't caused it!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sans Bateau]

Re: PWC abusers

You are right colin, I have not met many of them, the PWC rider who is out for their own enjoyment without causing nuisance is unlikely to pop across and seek mine, or anyone else’s approval. The only ones I have 'met', and I can assure you I had no desire to meet them anyway, were absolute brain dead tossers.

A PWC machine sitting on its own is totally harmless. Owners need to ensure they police other, less responsible users. The PWC users interviewed for the Borth report, were most likely very responsible people, as any, even half guilty yob would be keeping his head down.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[KevB]

Oh dear, what a plonka

Nothing like a little generalisation is there

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://static.photobox.co.uk/public/images/45/99/10714599.s.jpg?ch=97&rr=16:00:39>Nirvana</A>

 

[TomIsitt]

Re: Considerate PWCs

In the last couple of years I have assisted (in my noisy smelly motorboat) three sailboats that were in difficulties. Not one said thank you or gave any indication that they were even remotely grateful for my help. Does that mean that all sailors are miserable, ungrateful, sour-faced t*ssers? Does that mean that next time I should let the miserable sods sink? Should I make sweeping generalisations about a group of water users based on those personal expriences? Should I bandy about meaningless statistics to back up my prejudices (nine out of ten serious accidents in Queensland had absolutely nothing to do with PWCs)?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ColinW]

Re: Considerate PWCs

I have had so many days fishing ruined by tossers on jet skis that getting their backs up is frankly something I don't worry about. Whenever there is an opportunity to add to the negative image of jet ski riders I will take it. Don't blame me, blame the tw@ts who travel a mile to buzz me because I'm the only person they can see to "impress". If there were responsible riders out there then surely they would have taken action to protect their sport from the "irresponsible minority"- regulations, licences, code of conduct etc. The reason they haven't is because irresponsible, selfish behaviour is the norm. Anyone who speaks up against them is a miserable killjoy, well I will be a very happy, miserable killjoy if I can in any small way help get them banned!



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[robp]

Re: Considerate PWCs

First thing is, that the nature of the vehicle does attract a substantial number of users who we would better off without. Also that a substantial amount of accidents on the water can be attributed to PWC's. That I believe most of us accept. There are however, users, clubs and of course the RYA, who ARE attempting to self regulate. Calling ALL of them tossers or whatever your first post called them, will just help promote the view that ALL sailors are miserable gits who want ALL the water for themselves. I never heard of any social problem that was resolved by sweeping generalisations and heavy handed statute. Yes it might need licensing and soon. Same as Pot Bouys etc. But where do you think this government will stop?? We can't afford to be bigoted.

<hr width=100% size=1>