Ask the Captains

Questions about boat handling, communications, and navigating the Ohio River? What about buying a boat? This is where we'll attempt to provide the answers. We expect to add responses frequently, so be sure to check back!

Click here to submit a question to our panel (shown below):

Previously submitted questions (listed newest to oldest):

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?

• 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.

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.

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...

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