Wow, this AMs topics on rec.boats has to set a new record. I think I saw one
or two boating topics between all the spam for boat numbers/names, the flame
wars, and the political wars. All this after my filters, too. What utter
junk.

I shouldn't whine because I play some of the games some of the time.... at
least not often.

I'm not suggesting everyone stop enjoying what they are doing. I'd just like
to see some boating issues also under discussion for a change. Even Lloyd's
diesel for Christ's sake. I'm desperate.... the weather's not conducive to
being on the water most days so surely we can find something to discuss????

Butch

"JDavis1277" wrote:

Wow, this AMs topics on rec.boats has to set a new record. I think I saw
one
or two boating topics between all the spam for boat numbers/names, the
flame
wars, and the political wars. All this after my filters, too. What utter
junk.

I shouldn't whine because I play some of the games some of the time.... at
least not often.

I'm not suggesting everyone stop enjoying what they are doing. I'd just
like
to see some boating issues also under discussion for a change. Even
Lloyd's
diesel for Christ's sake. I'm desperate.... the weather's not conducive
to
being on the water most days so surely we can find something to
discuss????

Butch

That's just great: yet another post complaining about how
little anyone here discusses about boats - yet that doesn't bring up
any boat topic.

I don't have much boat related, but I'll at least try:

We started welding our custom trailer together. It's pretty fun - though a
bit
cold out there when working. We designed it ourselves. Seems pretty OK
but I think we did make one mistake. The front cross-member that the tongue
pole attaches to is about 9 inches further back than I had wanted/planned.
This
puts the cross-member a little further under the bow - and might mean that
the
boat has to set a few inches higher. We were shooting for the bottom of the
transom to be 28" off the ground (when level) but it might end up higher.

In another week or so we'll be ready to bring it inside and put it under the
boat
to get the center of gravity point and decide where the axels need to go to
get the proper tongue weight. (Thanks again for the December thread about
ideas on how to measure tongue weight.)

On a different topic - I'm starting to plan what antique boat shows and
other
events we want to do this summer. The Antique & Classic Boat Society has
a nice list of shows at this link. We're thinking of going to the July 30
show
in Skaneatles NY, maybe the Aug 6th show in Clayton NY, and maybe some
of the ones in upstate NY in August. Anyone who has info on these shows
or might want to meet up at some let me know.

http://www.acbs.org/Public/Calendar.htm

Sometime this year I want to go down the Hudson (we're near Albany) and then
cruise around New York, the Statue of Liberty, etc. Anyone with info about
sights on the Hudson or marina recommendations around New York City?

Oh, and we'll probably be in Boston for the 4th of July. I'm hoping to be
out
in the harbor to see the annual turning around of the USS Constitution.

Peace,
Gary

On 14 Jan 2004 14:35:50 GMT, (JDavis1277) wrote:

Wow, this AMs topics on rec.boats has to set a new record. I think I saw one
or two boating topics between all the spam for boat numbers/names, the flame
wars, and the political wars. All this after my filters, too. What utter
junk.

I shouldn't whine because I play some of the games some of the time.... at
least not often.

I'm not suggesting everyone stop enjoying what they are doing. I'd just like
to see some boating issues also under discussion for a change. Even Lloyd's
diesel for Christ's sake. I'm desperate.... the weather's not conducive to
being on the water most days so surely we can find something to discuss????

Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"My rod and my reel - they comfort me."

St. Pete, 12 Lb. Test

Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?


Not likely.

1. No problem with background check and security clearance.

2. I'd like to think that I could pass the physical, but God only knows. I
turn 50 in a couple of months, and I'm about 50 miles south of buff. Can
you say sea slug?

3. I would truly enjoy the pursuit of a Captain's license.

4. But, the bottom line is that my boat is a PLEASURE vessel. I'm not
looking for anybody to pay for its use, and I wouldn't want anybody
dictating how/when/where it was used. My bathing suit wouldn't pass for a
uniform, and I'm pretty sure they would frown on sipping a cold beer while
on duty. I'm a working stiff with a job, and treasure my boat as a place to
get away from many of life's impositions. I'm fortunate to have a 12-month
boating season (79 degree high today, woohoo!), and I take full advantage of
it. It would be a bad trade for me. But since I'm inland, most likely a
moot question for me since I have nothing much to guard, with the possible
exceptions of Hoover and Glen Canyon Dams, which actually would be
tactically devastating targets if hit successfully. But I wouldn't think
they'd likely be targeted from the water. More likely from above, I would
think. Interesting question, though.

On Wed, 14 Jan 2004 15:46:32 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On 14 Jan 2004 14:35:50 GMT, (JDavis1277) wrote:

Wow, this AMs topics on rec.boats has to set a new record. I think I saw one
or two boating topics between all the spam for boat numbers/names, the flame
wars, and the political wars. All this after my filters, too. What utter
junk.

I shouldn't whine because I play some of the games some of the time.... at
least not often.

I'm not suggesting everyone stop enjoying what they are doing. I'd just like
to see some boating issues also under discussion for a change. Even Lloyd's
diesel for Christ's sake. I'm desperate.... the weather's not conducive to
being on the water most days so surely we can find something to discuss????

Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"My rod and my reel - they comfort me."

St. Pete, 12 Lb. Test

Would I get to mount a .50 calibre on the bow?

John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!

Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?

Probably not, I don't live near a major port.


John H wrote:

Would I get to mount a .50 calibre on the bow?

Looking for a way to get up on plane quicker?

Actually I think an M249 would be more likely, Mama Deuce would probably shake
your boat (and mine too) to pieces.





RG wrote:
Not likely. (snip for brevity)
4. But, the bottom line is that my boat is a PLEASURE vessel. I'm not
looking for anybody to pay for its use, and I wouldn't want anybody
dictating how/when/where it was used. My bathing suit wouldn't pass for a
uniform, and I'm pretty sure they would frown on sipping a cold beer while
on duty. I'm a working stiff with a job, and treasure my boat as a place to
get away from many of life's impositions. I'm fortunate to have a 12-month
boating season (79 degree high today, woohoo!), and I take full advantage of
it. It would be a bad trade for me.

Totally agree. I put in my time in Uncle Sam's Canoe Club, and have no wish to
play weekend warrior or revisit "glory days" (which they weren't).


But since I'm inland, most likely a
moot question for me since I have nothing much to guard, with the possible
exceptions of Hoover and Glen Canyon Dams, which actually would be
tactically devastating targets if hit successfully. But I wouldn't think
they'd likely be targeted from the water. More likely from above, I would
think. Interesting question, though.

I dunno, the British had some very serious ordnance experts work on the problem
of dam removal during WW2 and concluded that a special depth charge sunk right
against the upstream face and detonated at the bottom, would be the easiest and
surest way to take out a big dam.

For the Hoover Dam, I think it's more likely that terrorists would try a truck
bomb. I understand they've closed the road across the top of the Hoover Dam,
though.

Regards
Doug King

On Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:13:16 -0500, John H
wrote:

On Wed, 14 Jan 2004 15:46:32 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On 14 Jan 2004 14:35:50 GMT, (JDavis1277) wrote:

Wow, this AMs topics on rec.boats has to set a new record. I think I saw one
or two boating topics between all the spam for boat numbers/names, the flame
wars, and the political wars. All this after my filters, too. What utter
junk.

I shouldn't whine because I play some of the games some of the time.... at
least not often.

I'm not suggesting everyone stop enjoying what they are doing. I'd just like
to see some boating issues also under discussion for a change. Even Lloyd's
diesel for Christ's sake. I'm desperate.... the weather's not conducive to
being on the water most days so surely we can find something to discuss????

Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"My rod and my reel - they comfort me."

St. Pete, 12 Lb. Test

Would I get to mount a .50 calibre on the bow?

Sure, why not? Put a Vulcan 7.62 mm mini-cannon on the T-top for
those high speed runs at the terrorist Zodiacs.

Torpedo tubes too if your boat is big enough. ;)

Ok, well, actually, I was thinking of unarmed security type stuff.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"My rod and my reel - they comfort me."

St. Pete, 12 Lb. Test

On Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:29:49 -0500, DSK wrote:

~~ snippity ~~

4. But, the bottom line is that my boat is a PLEASURE vessel. I'm not
looking for anybody to pay for its use, and I wouldn't want anybody
dictating how/when/where it was used. My bathing suit wouldn't pass for a
uniform, and I'm pretty sure they would frown on sipping a cold beer while
on duty. I'm a working stiff with a job, and treasure my boat as a place to
get away from many of life's impositions. I'm fortunate to have a 12-month
boating season (79 degree high today, woohoo!), and I take full advantage of
it. It would be a bad trade for me.

Totally agree. I put in my time in Uncle Sam's Canoe Club, and have no wish to
play weekend warrior or revisit "glory days" (which they weren't).

I understand that, but it's always stuck me as silly not to recruit
former vets to do this kind of work on a volunteer basis. I would
certainly volunteer to do it if this kind of program were available.

~~ snippity ~~

For the Hoover Dam, I think it's more likely that terrorists would try a truck
bomb. I understand they've closed the road across the top of the Hoover Dam,
though.

To bust the base of Hoover Dam would be an accomplishment unless they
got really, really lucky and got a nuke into a vent tube or something.

Even at the top, that Dam is huge. I'm not sure a truck bomb would
even dent it significantly.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"My rod and my reel - they comfort me."

St. Pete, 12 Lb. Test

On Wed, 14 Jan 2004 09:10:14 -0700, "RG" wrote:


Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?


Not likely.

1. No problem with background check and security clearance.

2. I'd like to think that I could pass the physical, but God only knows. I
turn 50 in a couple of months, and I'm about 50 miles south of buff. Can
you say sea slug?

3. I would truly enjoy the pursuit of a Captain's license.

4. But, the bottom line is that my boat is a PLEASURE vessel. I'm not
looking for anybody to pay for its use, and I wouldn't want anybody
dictating how/when/where it was used. My bathing suit wouldn't pass for a
uniform, and I'm pretty sure they would frown on sipping a cold beer while
on duty. I'm a working stiff with a job, and treasure my boat as a place to
get away from many of life's impositions. I'm fortunate to have a 12-month
boating season (79 degree high today, woohoo!), and I take full advantage of
it. It would be a bad trade for me. But since I'm inland, most likely a
moot question for me since I have nothing much to guard, with the possible
exceptions of Hoover and Glen Canyon Dams, which actually would be
tactically devastating targets if hit successfully. But I wouldn't think
they'd likely be targeted from the water. More likely from above, I would
think. Interesting question, though.

Thanks.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"My rod and my reel - they comfort me."

St. Pete, 12 Lb. Test

I dunno, the British had some very serious ordnance experts work on the
problem
of dam removal during WW2 and concluded that a special depth charge sunk
right
against the upstream face and detonated at the bottom, would be the
easiest and
surest way to take out a big dam.

For the Hoover Dam, I think it's more likely that terrorists would try a
truck
bomb. I understand they've closed the road across the top of the Hoover
Dam,
though.


No, the road is still open across the dam. Just drove across it last
November on a trip to Vegas. US Highway 93, which is a major highway, runs
right across the top of the dam. Guess it seemed like a good idea in 1933.
For a while after 9/11, commercial truck traffic, RV's and (GASP!)
trailered boats with enclosed areas were not allowed to traverse the dam.
That restriction didn't last long, but all vehicles pass through an
inspection point before being able to proceed to the dam since 9/11. The
good news is that construction has started on a bridge immediately
downstream of the dam (similar to Glen Canyon), that will carry all traffic
that now crosses the dam. Unfortunately, it is very challenging terrain,
and will take years to complete. Should have been done years ago, but very
big $ required to get it done.

I'm no where near qualified to understand the physics required to breach a
major dam. The depth charge scenario while plausible, would likely have to
be pulled off by divers to get the charge in position. The dams have always
had standoff boom lines that prevent vessels from getting too close to the
dams. I would imagine there is security personnel stationed on or near the
dams watching with high-powered optics any and all marine traffic activity
in the vicinity of the dam, but have never actually heard of such. Who they
would call on the radio to intercept suspicious marine activity is another
story. On-the-water law enforcement on the lakes is primarily handled by
National Park Rangers, and they are spread very thin.

There is a high volume of commercial air traffic that crosses directly over
Hoover every day and night (the dam is well lit) either taking off or
landing from McCarren Intl. in Las Vegas, or cross country traffic to and
from LAX. Also quite a bit of smaller aircraft traffic doing sightseeing
tours to the Grand Canyon out of Vegas. Wouldn't take much extrapolation of
the 9/11
scenario to imagine how easy it would be to destroy most of the water supply
and power generation capability for the entire southwest US, including
Southern California. Very scary, indeed.