lagit 5mph zones in the Delta

[Slippy]

i question one zone in general. Old River heading north just past Cruiser Heaven, pass under the railroad bridge about a 1\4 mile there is a 5 mpg zone that only runs about 500 yards. I have been known to blow through that zone because 99% of the time there is no one at the lone house that sit on the shore over 200 feet away.

[MrSkeeter]

Any dock and a boat tied up is 5MPH w/in 100 yards ... posted or not, that's what I was told by the sheriff ...

I usually go around that 5MPH by doing that loop around it myself. Why temp the cops or ... the guys staying there w/ shotguns??

[BigBossMan]

That area is a 5 zone if a boat is tied up to the dock. 200' from an occupied dock.

[RichThiel]

Bigbossman is correct > 200ft IF a boat is tied up to the said dock within a 5 mile an hour ZONE.

Hmmmm

Behind Fay Island
Old River at Quimby Island
Holland River Marina
Orwoods on the slough section
Down from Orwoods about 3/4 mile theres a loan dock
Wards Island Marked has a 5mile Zone
Middle River at the RR tracks Bridge theres a dock on the Island but no Sign.
Peal Island on the Northside
Fishermans Cut around the House
Hog Island at the River (Southend)
Coney and Quinn Island Both
Riverend on the outside as well has the inside (The actual old river itself.

Anyone want to add to this>>>>>??????

Rich Thiel

[ONTHETHING !!!]

I was thinking of the same spot slippy, that place is hit or miss with a boat being tied up. I have often wondered about the section in front of Holland just outside the launch area. ON THE THING !!!!!!

[DeltaDan]

Down from Orwoods about 3/4 mile theres a loan dock

This one kills me- I slow down to no wake and putter through every time if there is a boat or not.... I am not in any big hurry. Now comming the other way inside that stretch of bouys the last time out is a boat off a plane doing 12-13 mph. These fools are making a bigger wake than if they had stayed on a plane- and I have to go through their on-comming wake also....




Back in DB (Very Back) someone must of bought two bouys with their own money and placed them off their dock- almost ran into the things a couple of weeks ago at night while trolling.

I sure wish they had some type of lighting system on them like the navigational bouys.......

[Jason Wood]

Hey Rich, how's about all the campgrounds and trailer parks in Steamboat slough??? What about the sheep herders on Holland Cut with a boat there once a month??? A couple back in the Sandmound Slough area are questionable as well...

[Cat Skinner]

Bigbossman is correct > 200ft IF a boat is tied up to the said dock within a 5 mile an hour ZONE.

Hmmmm

Behind Fay Island
Old River at Quimby Island
Holland River Marina
Orwoods on the slough section
Down from Orwoods about 3/4 mile theres a loan dock
Wards Island Marked has a 5mile Zone
Middle River at the RR tracks Bridge theres a dock on the Island but no Sign.
Peal Island on the Northside
Fishermans Cut around the House
Hog Island at the River (Southend)
Coney and Quinn Island Both
Riverend on the outside as well has the inside (The actual old river itself.

Anyone want to add to this>>>>>??????

Rich Thiel

Hi everyone,
Ward Island, AKA, Stocton Water Ski Club is legit and enforced. The San Joquin County Sheriff uses it as a rest stop. It's a 200' zone.
I like to use the golden rule when boating.
Thanks CS

[Cooch]

That 5 MPH zone at Faye Island, is a lagitamate and posted 5 mph zone. There are bouys and the land markers on Bacon Island to the east side. Boat or NO boat on that dock, it's a 5 MPH zone. You may not be able stretch 10 Bass boats across that section of river, so even if it did apply here, the 200 foot rule would be out. There is commercial traffic that runs in and out of that resort year round. Go around to the west, or idle through. I have seen no less than a dozen boaters get nailed there by the Sherrif the past 5 years. Places like at Vierra's Resort or the back of Sandmound, or the section of the Mokelumne at The Lighthouse, Korth's, Willow Beach and Riverboat, where it's posted 5 mph, even though there is more than 300+ feet, you better not exceed 5 mph through these places.

This is probably one of the most mis-understood rules on a navigable waterways system. If it's posted 5mph, it's 5 mph no matter what. If there is a dock with a boat moored, it's 5 mph with-in 200', posted or not! There are a few places, where the sign indicates "5 mph, idle only within 200' when boats are moored," like at Little Venice Island, at the mouth of Little Potato heading towards Herman & Helen's, you can run that if no boat is present. Same thing for the area up the Sacto at Ko-Ket resort. And just because there's a tule island between you and the docks, it's still a 5 mph. I know many of us love ta cheat in places like Dutch at Jersey Island Bridge, the back of Rock, that middle island in Sandmound, and up around Honker & Kings, bottom line is, don't git caught, you will be cited.

[Tobe]

*NM*

[Fishin' Dave]

So, what about those docks in Dissapointment 'between honker and paridise? They look old and crappy, but I have seen some boats tied up at the docks as bass boats wiz by.

I had a few people tell me the bridge at union point isn't a 5 zone all the way across. If you stay to the west, you can go on pad. I wanted to protest a guy once for nearly killing us while idleing through, but not only did the org let me know that guy could, they said with out a sheriff's ticket, it was his word against mine so they would just drop it. I've had a few guys beat me to my spot running the 5 zones in Victoria on pad. They know....

[Cooch]

[quote]The same goes with the “no wakeâ€

[Tobe]

*NM*

[Blue_R70]

i question one zone in general. Old River heading north just past Cruiser Heaven, pass under the railroad bridge about a 1\4 mile there is a 5 mpg zone that only runs about 500 yards. I have been known to blow through that zone because 99% of the time there is no one at the lone house that sit on the shore over 200 feet away.

I think there's a duck club on the western bank of that short 5 mph stretch. I've always wondered if that's a legit zone too.

One that I asked about some time ago but no one seemed sure about is the one on Bishop Cut just north of the Eight Mile Rd bridge (between Paradise Point and Whites Slough). The sign is homemade and crudely painted--I'm pretty sure the farmer on the west bank put it up just to protect his dock (ie, it's not a legit 5 mph zone). There's another dock upstream just before you turn into Whites and there's no 5 mph sign posted...

[Dan McKenzie]

Local jurisdictions enforcing local laws through the use of sgnage post the ordinance or law on the sign i.e. "no parking" and "tow away" look closely and you will see the ordinance/law somewhere on the sign. State law dictates stop sign and traffic control placement- the vehicle code is not required to be on the sign.

There are many and some very confusing laws regarding navigable waterways, some of them more than 100 years old. There isn't anyone who possibly knows them all, not even the sheriffs. Add to this the"local ordinances" and this quickly becomes a confusing mess of state and local laws, again too numerous for anyone to know them all.

So regardless what others say, or think they know, inform yourself and let your common sense and the Golden Rule be your guide.

[Tobe]

Well said Dan.

[Cooch]

Here's an exceprt from the California Boating and Waterways web site, it's from their online boating course at: http://www.boat-ed.com/ca/course/

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed and/or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate any motorized vessel:


*At speeds that are not reasonable and prudent based on boating traffic, weather conditions, visibility or other potential hazards (if no limits are posted, operate your vessel so that it does not endanger others and that you are able to stop your vessel safely)

*At more than slow – no wake speed within posted “No Wakeâ€

[CORAL 96]

I've had my share of unfavorable experiences out on the Delta. I think the one that got me was back in 1999 skiing out there during the week no less in July. We were in a slough just south of Woodward (name fails me now), but I had dropped. The boater who was my next door neighbor at the time had turned around to pick me up. I must have had 4 boats go by me at a distance of 30' or less & none slowed down. They all just got behind each others wake. I held my ski up high so they could see me in the water, but was prepared to go under water if one veered off course. If more boaters would pay attention to the rules we could make the Delta a safer place. Don't know if that will EVER happen though!!!!!!

[BigBossMan]

The water requires you to know Harbor and Navigation Codes, California Code of Regulations, Vehicle Code, and County Ordinances. I’m referring to the Contra Costa Section of the Delta for County Ordinances.

5 zones are different from no wake zones. No wake means no wake. If there is any white water at the top of the wake, then you have a wake and you have a violation for a “No wakeâ€

[Jeff Jewell]

Through work I was asked to take a Coast Guard safe boating class a few years back. Now keep in mind I have owned a boat in one form or another since 1983. Anyway, while I did understand the laws and termanolgy better than most in the class, it was a very good learning experiance for me. So much so that I have suggested that we do a classs again this year at work for some of the newer members of the team. This suggestion was really for me I want to have a refresher class.
None of us know all the rules or the proper way to do everything on the water, but we should all try to learn what we can, be it from a class or this forum. KNowledge is the answer.
As far as the docks go, if the law says 200' from a dock it does'nt matter if it's posted or not. the law says.....
I actually would like to see a boater driver's lisence requirment...
For my safety and yours....

[Tobe]

*NM*

[Cooch]

California Boating and Waterways, controls who uses the waterways and when, and they educate boaters in using those waterways in accordance with the laws written into affect by other agencies other than themselves. The link I gave ya Tobe, is a state course based on those laws put into affect by the U.S.Coast Gaurd and the Harbor and Navigation laws written by the County.

Now, just ta further help ya believe all this, BigBossMan in one of COCO County's finest and patrols the River daily. You got it first hand from the man who's job it is to keep those river ways safe. I'm not blowing smoke or tryin ta flame anyone, his post has supported everything I've said in my posts. And Dan, has echo'd my attempts in helping folks to better understand as well. I still stand by the fact the quote from you I used about the "no wake sign laws", indeed, was a false statement. It wasn't intended to flame ya, but to help you better understand. I appologize if it offended ya.

Quite honestly I think this has been a very productive and infrmative thread for the readers, from those who have participated.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I'm going to agree with you on that one, all of you!
There can be a lot of good information shared when you all are competing for who's more right .
I also believe that we should get licenced. I'm for keeping government small as possible, but lots of people are not blessed with common sense. If I'm on pad say in one of those long straight sloughs where all the skiers are and someone is behind me at speed as well, I'm taking a huge risk by slowing down suddenly to aviod a downed skier. Please don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss that person in the water if it means I beach the boat. I would just hate to get slammed from behind by someone else while I was doing the right thing.

[Tobe]

*NM*

[Dewayne]

If you see the downed skier in the water raise you hand. That way they know you are aware of the downed skier. It also let boats behind you that may be focused on your boat be aware that something is up in front of you and that you may slow. I always slow to a reasonable speed on pad to pass, but only if I see the skier and with my hand raised so they know. If the boat does not know you are aware of the skier in the water they will often times hustle to put their boat between you and the skier for the skier's safety.

[Cooch]

By law, the skiers are to ALWAYS have a red flag up when ever they have a downed skier in the water. Also by the written law, we as operators of a vessel are suppsed to be aware of our surroundings at all times. Granted, this is vague at best, but it is the written law. As we have all experienced I'm sure , all too often the ski observer forgets to raise that red flag. If we are observing as we should, flag or no flag, as Dewayne mentions, we should raise our hand high for two reason, One to acknowledge the downed skier, and two to inform those behind us, that a precautionary situation arises ahead. If you are within 100', that's no less than 5 boat lengths, by law, we are to slow to 5 mph, to pass the downed skier. AT no time, is it legal to pass a downed skier, at less than 100', at more than 5 mph. Just because you raise your hand, does not give us the legal right to pass that downed skier on pad, whether it be 15 mph or 30 mph. If you do so, and are seen by the Sherrif, you'll git a nasty lil ticket folks.

This is the most common infaction that I see bass boaters make all summer long on the river, Especially in the narrow sloughs we have here. Actually, most boaters, skiers included, break this law. Even if you believe you are at a safe distance, your 1-2 foot wake could swamp a downed skier. Your wake, could slam a 10-15 year old kid, or an adult for that matter, into the side of their boat or worse, the motor and prop, causing serious injury. YOU will be held accountable for this. Just put yerself in their place, what if that was YOUR 12 year old daughter in the water?

PS. Tobe, Our Sherrif friend, BigBossMan answered it first, as did I in our first posts on this thread:

That 5 MPH zone at Faye Island, is a lagitamate and posted 5 mph zone.

[Tobe]

*NM*

[Andy Giannini]

You know the funny part of this whole thread, is if I come off pad for a skier, boat at anchor, any other Bass boat already fishing, etc.

People look at me, like what an idiot. Why did he slow down?

There are some baloney signs out there, and there are valid ones that get blown by every day.

Two things that get my goat are, red flag stuck in a red flag holder while nobody is in the water, or preparing to...

and waterskiers that blow by another's red flag, and somehow they think its ok because they are boarding or whatever too.

I won't say a thing about the cruisers or "Delta Destroyers".

A.G.

[Fishin' Dave]

Delta Destroyers! HA!

Ooops, there goes the levey! Gee I wonder why?

[Cooch]

It's a lagitamate 5 mph zone, as I stated. A sherrif confirmed that. He also said if there is a boat there, you can pass with-in 200'. As I now go back and read it, looks like I did a poor job of conveying my point.

Boat or no boat, in that section, you may not find 200' across that slough the entire way. So IF, a boat is there, you must slow to 5 mph to pass, hence why the signs are there. I certainly am not disputing his word.

[Cooch]

Yer just echoing my point about how few boaters know and understand the laws of the waterways. And it's why I think it's important to pass good educational information to everyone here so that they can be prepared and be safe when on the water. That link I provided earlier is a great place for folks ta start.

[Slippy]

I won't say a thing about the cruisers or "Delta Destroyers". A.G.

I can say without a doubt that bass boats leave the smallest wake out of all boats on pad. I have been on the Delta and tried to pass these Tuna boats aka "Disco Queen" 40 foot cabin cruiser's have been tooling along at 20 mph with a huge 4 foot wake, common now who is the bad guy here?

[mark poulson]

The biggest wake maker at Castaic is the Police in their new patrol boat, the "Tsumani". Talk about a barge! It looks like an ocean going ship. All it needs is a 50 calibur cannon on the front deck!
When they go by, everyone knows it. And they're not even going that fast, it just displaces a lot of water.
I don't know who picked that boat for Castaic, but they'll never sneak up on anybody, that's for sure!
Seriously, I've noticed that a lot of boats that draw more water make bigger wakes at relatively slower speeds. I'm guessing that's because there's more of the boat in the water, but I'm no boat expert.
I slow down for skiers and other boaters. I try not to wake anyone if I can help it. I know what it's like to almost be thrown off the boat by a wake. I have an '04 Tracker 175, and, while it's been a great boat for me, it's a cork in wakes. But my buddy had to do the two step at Castaic, and he's got a 19' Ranger. I thought he was going down.
If the wake hits you right, or you're not watching, it doesn't matter what you're in. It's scary.

[Fishin' Dave]

One thing to think about before you ask for a boat license, just think about how DMV works.

I also believe the government is not supposed to legislate against stupidity; Darwin had a better theroy on this.

We don't need another government program telling us we have to wear our helmet, wear our seat belt, eat our vegatables, take a portion of our income and distrubute it to things out of our control. No, I for one do not want more government control, nor do I want to deal with DMV again!

For a better idea, how about this:

First DUI offense, your boat registration jumps to $100/year
Second DUI, you boat registration jumps to $300/ year
Third DUI, you're out! Boat is impounded until you complete 100 hours of community service.

As for dangerous driving, and/or breaking 5 zones:

2 tickets per year and you must sit in a kayak in Franks Tract on a windy day during a cruiser run and hold a sign that says "I be too dumb to follow da rules"

[GW]

The number of times I fish the delta in one year I can count on one hand. But whats a P.I.T.A is these big cruisers chugging down the slough, in the middle, cocktail in one hand, about 15 mph throwing a 4' plus wake you just can't get around. Are they under any "legal" obglation to yield to faster traffic so you can pass?
Also, how about when you meet one head on and you have to come off plane to get slammed over the bow by their rollers as they go by staring down at you while discussing their golf game??

Just wondering...