Hurricane Pass.... That rings a faint bell... Dunedin, right?

I think that's where I "stuck the landing" at the end of Macho Man by cutting the turn to soon and about sent Forrest across the bow...

Right after I mumbled "we probably ought to pull the boards up"

yes - dunedin
The pass is between 2 state parks (honeymoon island and caladisi island) - there are lots of shifting sands (shallows) making it pretty tight in spots, esp at low tide, TONS of kayaks, dingys, SUPs and Power boats. Few powerboaters ever slow down, and the big ones throw huge waves ... and don't care at all.

I've no clue about the magical 10hp threshold. I agree with you that safety training can be improved across the board, the tough part is legislating and then enforcing in an effective manner (to actually increase safety, not just add revenue from licensing or penalties).

Mike

They probably had to pick a number and 10 sounded nice enough... Smaller and it's probably considered a "trolling motor" or something like that (not being a power boater, I wouldn't be an expert on that).

I guess a 10 HP engine could get a small johnboat on a plane?

I suspect most folks actually do help their kids gain the requisite safety attitude before boating alone, although the few outliers will be the ones causing headlines (and further nanny-state regulations)

And perhaps if there were less wrongful death lawsuits for what should be properly classified as Darwin awards, we may not need all of this government oversight?

As in the incident involving the two kids who went missing, do you blame the parents for letting them use the boat... even though they told the kids not to go offshore (or whatever)? I wouldn't unless there was evidence that these kids couldn't be trusted in the first place.

I agree Jay. Our society has reached a point where people can't accept that sometimes really bad things happen that may or may not have been prevented, but think that everything is worthy of a lawsuit and/or a new law. Personal responsibility has taken a back seat.

As a parent, I know that luck has a big part in getting through life. We can teach our kids all the right things to do, how to make their own decisions, and how to choose friends. But, some things just happen sometimes.

And, anyone who thinks they can "control" or protect their kids (of any age) when they're out of sight is simply delusional.

Mike

Yeah, that was right before you told me you couldn't see in the dark with your prescription sunglasses on. " Hey Forrest I think you need to drive now"!

I'm not a power boater but i do own a jon boat and a 3.5 engine

according to the new oracle (google): "A trolling motor is a self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, propeller and controls, and is affixed to an angler's boat, either at the bow or stern. A gasoline-powered outboard used in trolling, if it is not the vessel's primary source of propulsion, may also be referred to as a trolling motor."