Ask the Captains

Do you have questions about boat handling, communications, and navigating the local Ohio River? Send them in and we'll try to get you a good answer. Are you on the Forum? Many of these questions came from there, and these are the short answers. See the PortKY River Forum (link to left) for more information from our members.

Submit your inquiries using the feedback link above. -Eric

Previously submitted questions (listed newest to oldest):

08/10: [At a restaurant] Why do I need my captain's license? I've been on the river for 30 years now and never needed one.

Well then, respectfully, I'm not sure if I can help you. In all seriousness, I encourage everybody to keep learning and broaden their skills. You will become a safer and more aware boater in ways you never imagined. Who knows--one day you may decide to use your license to earn a secondary income. -Eric

08/10: Why don't you have more pictures and information about parties on the water?

I decided early-on to focus on safety, education and information for the Louisville river boater. I'm a family man and don't have time to do everything.

Here are some links to a few of the local social organizations:

• The Louisville Sail and Power Squadron
• Harrods Creek Boat Owners Association
• Knights of Columbus

Also, see the Links/Resouces tab to the left for a few more sailing groups. -Eric

08/10: Capt. Eric, what type of boat do you have?

We have a cruiser that we keep in a local marina and a '90 Wahoo 1850. I use the Wahoo, affectionately known as the "Pod Racer," for most of the zipping around required by the maintenance and picture-gathering for this site.

Above is a picture of the "Pod Racer," . If you see it, feel free to stop by and introduce yourself.

 

08/10: [Forum] We were thinking about putting in at Cox’s Park and going down to catch Waterfront Wednesdays. Does anybody have any information about docking/anchoring during this event.

From "iflyboeing": I have been many times. If your boat is trailerable, then you're in the size range where you can shoe horn in somwhere. (ie, you should be able to get a spot). Biggest issue is that you'll be heading back after dark. Pay very close attention to the presence of commercial traffic. You will be passing the Louisville Marine Terminal where there are often fleeting operations going on. Just maintain good situational awareness. Make sure you have a VHF radio as well.

From Eric: See the "Events" link for more information on Waterfront Wednesdays.

08/10: [Forum] Does anyone know how much they charge to launch a jetski right there in (Harrods) creek?

Eric: That is a private operation. Visit: link

08/10: "Do I need a VHF Radio on the Ohio River?" (Overheard this question at a boat store)

That's an emphatic "Yes." See "Featured Articles" under "Operating Your Boat" for a detailed explanation of why. -Eric

08/10: Can I park my boat overnight downtown?

The answer is a qualified "yes." See the "Marinas & Fuel" link to the left for more information. -Eric

08/10: How far is it to Madison?

Short answer--downtown Madison is Mile 558, roughly 45 miles from Louisville. I would suggest that you consult one of our "PortKY River Cards" for a quick view, and don't forget to take along a set off USACE Ohio River Navigation Charts. -Eric

 

07/10: Why can't I get an offer on my boat (for sale)?

Short answer is 1) Repo'd boats are flooding certain markets, 2) credit is harder to come by, 3) buyers are having a harder time using home equity for purchases, 4) banks are requiring more of a down payment, 5) with fewer buyers and a depressed market, boats are being valued lower, 6) many otherwise qualified buyers are sitting on the sidelines.

There is a bright side in that people are still buying, and those on the sidelines will usher in the recovery when their confidence returns. I would suggest making your boat the nicest out there to grab the attention of buyers. If you're moving up, I'd say take the loss on the smaller boat and take advantage of the prices on the bigger ones. New boats are still expensive because production was slowed and supply was reduced over the past few years. You'll also notice less floor-planning.

Talk to your broker for more information. -Eric

 

07/10: Where can I get a copy of the "PortKY River Cards?"

These cards are produced as supplies run low and are distributed to several local marine stores. Grab one for you and another for your friends. If you find them useful, I would ask that you make a small donation to the site to offset the costs (see cards or the "Feedback" link above for the address). -Eric

07/10: Sometimes, when I am the sole boater around (say, next to one of the islands), huge swells appear seemingly out of nowhere. I have guessed that these are due to locks releasing water. Is this correct?

My first guess would be wakes and propwash from barges. These tend to trail some barges for over a mile. -Eric

To your wakes and propwash, I would add wave reflectivity. Often the waves will reflect from the banks (especially where there is a vertical surface like barge or sea walls, and will actually increase in size as the waves pile up on top of each other. My oberservations from the commercial tows have been the propwash and the standing wave they create run parallel with the river banks, and can also be additive with other barge traffic. Since they are traveling with the path of the river, that could account the the "appear seemingly out of nowhere" as described in your question. I was caught between two tows going opposite directions...the bottom of the standing wave was so deep I lost sight of the horizon! -PH, Engineer & Boater

Most likely those wakes were caused by a fast moving boat that was gone before the wake broke at the shoreline. -George

 

07/10: I am planning a surprise 40th birthday party for a friend of mine, and I’m trying to find someone with a cabin cruiser who I could pay to pick us up at Tumbleweed...

That sounds like a commercial operation, so make sure you find a licensed captain who meets the USCG requirements to ensure the safety of you and your guests. With a licensed captain, you get somebody who's been trained in not just the navigation rules, but also deck safety and first aid. They've also been enrolled in a random drug-testing program and had were also subjected to felony background checks.

I can recommend a few local services who do exactly what you're asking for. -Eric

06/10: Do you know what is going on with the barges at the end of 12 mile? It looks as if they are removing them. That would be fantastic! I can’t find anything about it, so I would really like to know. Thanks!

Those are being removed for scrap. Boaters should exercise caution in that area, as there may be submerged metal and sharp edges in that area. -Eric

05/10: This (the newsletter) is awesome! How can I get on the e-mail list for the website?

The e-mails are sent out as news accumulates, which can be every month in the summer or sporadically in the winter. All you have to do is register for the forum and you'll be on the list.

Also, thanks for the compliment!-Eric

01/10: Where can I list a slip for sale?

We have disabled that feature on the site. Besides checking for ads at the marinas, I would suggest you check with the newspaper classifieds or Craigslist.org. -Eric

01/10: Who are the local brokers?

Besides the dealers, I would suggest you look up Paradigm Yacht Sales, A&S Yacht Sales and American Yacht Sales. They list their boats in YachtWorld.com and BoatTrader.com, and you can see them at the boat shows.

01/10: I have a handheld Garmin GpsMap 60csx. I was curious about buying some more in depth software for marine use. anyone have any experience with the Garmin inland lakes software?

The PC software is called "MapSource BlueChart". The CD is "BlueChart Americas". The region to unlock is "US (including Alaska & Hawaii)">>"US INLAND RIVERS" Region US036-Inland Rivers, Jul 08.

Once you buy the disk, you can go online to "unlock" a portion of the disk, which was Inland Rivers if I remember correctly. Next, I was able to copy that part of the CD to the PC. From there, you can use it on the PC and upload to your GPS unit. They have a newer software version out now called BlueChart G2, but I think you'd be fine with the old one on your 60cx.

Having said all that, I'm not sure if you need GPS charting capability on the river unless you plan to travel. -Eric

01/10: Where can I attend a safe boating course?

The United States Power Squadron is America's largest non-profit boating organization dedicated to safe boating through education. The Louisville Sail and Power Squadron was chartered in 1959 as a unit of the United States Power Squadron. LSPS promotes safe boating through education, civic service and fraternal activities. For more information about classes, activities, or membership call visit our website (link) . -LSPS

12/09: Does anyone know of a good site that contains water temperatures.

We have a link on the "Weather" page on the site, but I have thought about moving it to "River Conditions Here are the links I use: -Eric
http://www.portky.com/wx.html
http://www.lrd-wc.usace.army.mil/navtemp.html

11/09: Can you get an inspection sticker from the Police, Sheriff's dept, or someone else? I'd like to have the peace of mind that I have passed the safety inspection, and avoid the hassle of being stopped on a nice afternoon for a routine safety inspection.

The USCG Aux conducts checks and issues the stickers at Cox Park several times a year. We have the Louisville Sail and Power Squadron (LSPS) here as well. That sticker indicates that you took the time to demonstrate voluntary compliance, and I'm convinced it made the difference in not getting boarded a few times. BTW, there is an article on the VSCs under "Featured Articles."

In addition to the USCG/USCG Aux/LSPS Vessel Safety Checks, the LMPD provides voluntary inspections and can give you an LMPD sticker.- Eric

09/09: What are some good day trips in the area?

See Featured Articles (link at left) for some suggestions. -Eric

09/09: We are looking for a decent slip rental around the Louisville area.

The biggest marinas are listed on the site (see tab). I would suggest start by visiting the marinas or calling their harbormasters (if applicable) to find out about available slips. Sometimes you’ll see listings on our Forum or on Craigslist. Also, check the Sunday paper in the spring. -Eric

09/09: If people cause damage from their wake they are liable?

from "Ms. Mymoney": "If they cause an inconvenience - no. If they cause damage - yes. If they cause an inconvenience I still exercise my right to get loose on them though." Couldn’t have said it better myself- Eric

09/09: I've had difficulty finding pumpout locations. Also, Captains Quarter's requires that you bring your own adapter to screw into the pumpout port and clamp onto their hose. Is this normal practice in this area?

We’re going to add pumpouts to the site in the future. For now, you’ve got Tartan’s Landing, Captain Quarters, a few more up Harrod’s Creek, and one by Tumbleweed at the police docks.
-as for the adapters, that is the exception, but not the rule. -Eric

08/09: What would you all think about starting a voluntary directory of MMSI numbers with members' names, info, etc.? That way we could enter those into our DSC radios and unclutter channel 16. Plus it would be good practice in getting us all more friendly and competent with the DSC feature of our VHFs.

Good idea. Search the forum for the thread with MMSI. -Eric

06/09: Where can I find a beaching ladder for the bow of my boat?

Wesbar used to manufacture them, but that is no longer the case. Your best bet it to check e-Bay for occasional listings.

2010 Update: One of our sponsors now sells them--check the "Sponsors" link to the left. -Eric

06/09: I have the Garmin data card for my chartplotter...From what I gather, running the Ohio may be simpler, i.e., "just stay in the middle" for a 3ft draft boat, less confusing nav aids, etc. If so, I see no need to buy a set of Corps paper charts. Any opinions on this?

I would recommend you have a set on board as a backup. It also makes planning easier. If you have an insurance claim, they can ask you if you have current charts and know how to read them. -Eric

4/09: What is the status of the docks at Buckhead's?

They were badly damaged from Ike's winds in September. Update: as of 2010, there is no indication that those docks will be reinstalled. -Eric

10/08: What is the Kentucky State Law as it pertains to "Bow Riding"? Do you have to have a manufacturer's built in seat to ride on the front of the boat? What about a 40' Cruiser or Express where someone is laying on the front of the boat but against the upper deck which is a good 10 to 15 feet away from the bow or bow pulpit? Is this considered bow riding?

Above, a vessel with bowriders gets a friendly nod from authorities in the Thunder no-wake zone.

• From Eric: We've all seen it out there, and there have also been countless warnings and citations issued. For the textbook answer, I would suggest starting with the following links as a primer: "Prohibited Riding" is described at this KY link (5c.2). Additionally, here is a USCG link describing "Negligent Operation." Specifically, the USCG prohibites: "Bowriding, also riding on seatback, gunwale, or transom." Here is what KY currently defines as "Prohibited Riding":
  • If a vessel is operating faster than at idle speed, a person shall not ride:
    • (a) On an enclosed bow;
    • (b) Outside the protective railing of a pontoon boat or houseboat;
    • (c) On a seat which extends six (6) inches above the plane of the gunwales;
    • (d) On the sides, back, engine cover, seat back; or
    • (e) In an obviously dangerous position which could lead to falling overboard
• From George, regarding larger vessels:
  • "It is always at the very least imprudent, and in most states illlegal, for passengers to have their legs hanging off of any part of a vessel when it is underway. There our countless incidents involving death and serious injury that resulted from setting on the back of seats or dangling feet from a boat underway so the ruling is sound.
  • However, it has been my observation that the KY Fish and Wildlife officers can be a bit overzealous in enforcement of these regs when it comes to larger vessels that are designed for coastal or near coastal waters when these vessels are being operated safely and responsibly on inland rivers and lakes.
  • Concerning enforcement, a prolonged or heated confrontation would probably be ill advised. If cited for an alledged violation, I would think that pictures of the vessel and design criteria presented to the court would provide a defense that would be recognized.

• And finally, from Eric: How's that for a half answer? Have fun, be safe, and if you let your friends ride out front (at idle, of course), be aware of those twin 26" meat grinders down there.

So What about this one? Snap-on sunpad not quite as legal. I can guarantee you from talks with the authorities that they will stop you if they see this.

9/08: (After the 75 mph winds from Ike in September...) I drove down to the river last night to check on my boat and when I drove by the area of the Louisville Boat Club, I noticed that several boats sunk while tied up. Any idea what happened?

Several boats were swamped from the waves generated by the winds, which were in excess of 40 kts. steady gusting to over 50 kts. for several hours. There is a point where the bilge pumps just couldn't keep up, and those unfortunate boats sank.

8/08: I know sailboats have the right of way under sail, but what do you think about a sailboat that takes a wide-open river and does a quick tack putting himself on a collision course with you right off your port front? I had a guy do it to me yesterday, so I sped up to avoid a collision. I waked him, but it was my best option rather than stopping or turning.

From George: The sailboat that you had the encounter with was within his rights according to the USCG Rules Of the Road. Your response was correct to avoid him. You are only respsonsible for "damage" from your wake, not discomfort.

From Eric: "While the Sailing Vessel had the Right of Way according to the rules, he also has a responsibility per the Rules of the Road to avoid collision. When he turned in front of you, you should have sounded the Danger/Doubt Signal consisting of Five Short Blasts. It is entirely possible that he pushed his Right-of-Way a little too far by causing uncertaincy and a risk of collision."

8/08: I'd like more information on getting a safety check?

From Eric: See "Featured Articles" for a summary from Rick Schal on Vessel Safety Checks. Also, there are some links provided under "Links/Resources."

I noticed that the charts say all vessels must contact Vessel Traffic Services between Twelve Mile Island and downtown Louisville when the McAlpine Upper is greater than 13'. Does this include me pulling out of the Louisville Yacht Club?

From George: I believe that is for commercial traffic. However, if you were to lock through you would need to contact them. I did a high water rescue once for a disabled houseboat, and they fouled props down around the Kingfish, and I was talking to Louisville traffic on that one.

You mentioned in your "Running the Boat at Night" article that your radar should be on from the time you leave the dock. Is this a requirement for recreational boats or just commercial operators?

From George: It is a USCG requirement that radar equipped vessels are required to have their unit on and a radar watch posted when they are underway. It is not normally enforced on recreational vessels but I put that bit in there to convince folks to use the radar evry time they use the boat day and night. That's the only way to learn how to use it and to ensure that it will work when you need it. Besides they already paid for it and doesn't cost any more to use it.

Reply: Does this mean a boat with radar needs two people at the helm?

• From George: The rule (inland) is not interpreted that way. The helmsman can be the entire watch section except when entering a lock (the Master must be on the bridge) or during high water when the Coast Guard requires Louisville Traffic to communicate with all vessels up and down bound in this area.

We had a problem on Six Mile Island with a barge getting too close and mooring at the "Federal Mooring Bouys for Emergency Use Only." Can they do that?

Long answer. See the "Local Knowledge" link to the left...

 

What is the story with "Party Cove" located behind Six Mile Island?

Long answer. See the "Local Knowledge" link to the left...

We'd like to introduce our panel: