Confused about buoys

[crazy4h2o]

I posted this earlier today in Canadian forum but either noone in Canada knows the answer (scary) or not too many people read that forum.

Since the question is result of me using my 4TECH SeaDoo boat and the answer is most likely relevant not only to Canadian marine rules I am cross posting here hoping someone has an answer.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=52873

thanks

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[ruby]

rule no. 1 never go boating without a marine chart of the area you are boating in. then you will never have to guess. if the area has no channel markers what would you do.

 

[timeman]

Boaters going from one lake to the other should take the red buoy on their right....

 

[dothadoo]

Timeman is correct. When coming back in from sea, remember: Red, Right, Return. Now it may be a little different setup on the lakes, but the same rule should generally apply, depending on which direction you are coming from.

 

[ruby]

Timeman is correct. When coming back in from sea, remember: Red, Right, Return. Now it may be a little different setup on the lakes, but the same rule should generally apply, depending on which direction you are coming from.

the words should generaly apply, are you kidding me. YOU NEED A CHART.

 

[crazy4h2o]

the words should generaly apply, are you kidding me. YOU NEED A CHART.

so the chart will tell me which way to pass the buoy? I thought (at least that's what mine shows) they just point the location of the buoys but you still need to inerpret which way to pass it, which is what my question is about...

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[crazy4h2o]

and by the way, I am still confused which way I should pass this buoy in my picture going both directions...?

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[dothadoo]

While ruby's panties are getting dug out, the chart will show you the depth in the area and give you some hazard areas. A GPS with a lake chart would be an even better option. Are you sure that was a channel marker or just a hazard buoy? I know we have several hazard buoys in our lake marking shallow or rocky areas. I went back and saw the original drawing with the islands and red buoy, which I did not see before.

I have ridden on the lakes up there and they are very beautiful and very rocky. The rocks may be 20' below the surface and look like they are only 5' bc of the water clarity. If you are ever in unfamiliar water, having some form of a chart is the best idea.

 

[ruby]

the chart will show you water depth so you can determine which is the safest route. they also show preferred route around any markers when you are not sure where your red should be. i have seen several boats up on a shoal because they thought they were on the right side of a marker. and yes a GPS is a good idea i just hate to see a boater guessing, those rocks are not forgiving, good luck.

 

[canadabob]

Boaters going from one lake to the other should take the red buoy on their right....

Does that mean you go on the opposite side if you are coming in the opposite direction? Hopefully not.

I agree with the value of having charts. But this rule becomes even more confusing when dealing with channels on the ocean coast where the direction of current changes depending on whether the tide is going in or out.

 

[Davo070]

I was going to suggest that you speak with your parents about this and that your feelings would probably change over time, and you would very likely grow out of this phase you were going through, then I realised that I had missed the U when reading the title of your post..........

 

[timeman]

I looked at your map it looks like there is only one single buoy in the entire channel?...Shows a red dot which I assume means red buoy any chance it had a second color other than red? From your diagram it looks to be a fairway buoy, or safe water marker showing where the center of the channel is, in which case it should have some white markings or a white light along with the red. Take fairway buoys to port. If it had some black markings with the red it could be marking a submerged hazard, I would give way and still take it to port. A chart's a good idea, it would most likely specify what type buoy it is so boaters would know how to navigate around it.

 

[crazy4h2o]

I looked at your map it looks like there is only one single buoy in the entire channel?...Shows a red dot which I assume means red buoy any chance it had a second color other than red? From your diagram it looks to be a fairway buoy, or safe water marker showing where the center of the channel is, in which case it should have some white markings or a white light along with the red. Take fairway buoys to port. If it had some black markings with the red it could be marking a submerged hazard, I would give way and still take it to port. A chart's a good idea, it would most likely specify what type buoy it is so boaters would know how to navigate around it.

I was pretty sure it was regular red channel marker as the ones found under bridges or entering ports but now I am not so sure. I will try to go there tomorrow and snap a picture.

I also ordered charts for these particular lakes so when get them will have something to cross reference with.

these lakes are heavily congested on the weekends so all one needs to do is follow other boats (hoping they know where they are going) but its harder during mid week.

Overall I see now having charts will help and make a difference (be safer)

thanks!

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