Had a great time out on our friends boat. Got boarded by the Coast Guard for the first time today.

Story at 11

Please do tell.

My original plan today, was just to go down and check on it. It hadn't been out of the slip since the 4th. But I got there, keys in hand, and figured why not. Fired it up and headed out.

I thought about going up the Niagara River, but it was a fairly calm day on Erie, so I figured well I take it out on the lake. Started out going behind the breakwall, ran behind the length of the breakwall. At the end of the breakwall, near shore, there was the CG boat doing an inspection with probably a 21' Sea Ray. I saw the CG and continued on, making the turn out to the lake. As soon as I made the turn, their inspection finished and the CG boat started to pull away from the Sea Ray. It looked like they started to go the other way, but then changed their minds and then started to go out to the lake, like I was. They put the hammer down and started to follow me, getting close, and then they made it look like they were going to pass me. Not so, you could see the captain doing the hand signal for slow down.

So I pulled back the throttle, brought it to a stop and turned off the engine. They pull up alongside, "Hi, we'd like to do a quick safety equipment inspection". At this point, I'm nervous because I never had gone through this before. Get through with all the safety equipment, only real problem was I didn't have the registration on me, as its our friend's boat. But I still provided them with the owners name, address and phone number, which set them at ease that I hadn't stolen the boat.

All in all, not a bad experience, just wasn't mentally prepared for it. I got away with no violations, and only missed out on maybe 10 minutes of running time. I was told to keep the "Boarding Report" copy with me, so if I was to get pulled over again, they may or not let me go without going through it again.

Considering we're right on the border with Canada, and Niagara Falls, a homeland security risk is just up river, I'm glad they're doing what they did.

Kind of a boring story really, but if you've never been through it before, you can get worked up over it real easy. Just be willing to show them more than they want to see (added/extra safety equipment is a plus) and you should have no problems.

I'm curious about the "...as its our friend's boat". There has got to be a good story linked to that phrase. I have some nice friends with some nice boats but none of them let me take their keys and go out for a quick trip!


The last time the CG boarded me, I had a serious issue with my sarcastic side wanting to speak up.

before getting boarded, they asked me a few questions:
1) How much weight will your ESP hold? "600 lbs, step right on.

2) Do you have any guns on board? Nope, no guns

3) Do you have any knives on board? Nope, no knives

4) Do you have any grenades or explosives on board.
OH CRAP, you had to go and ask me about grenades now, didn't you?

Well, at least that's what I was tempted to say to #4.

funny troop! ROFL... grenades?

Never been boarded, stopped once at the ramp for an AuX CG inspection, ..

F14, good to see you kept your cool.. and good to see them doing the job to keep the USofA safe!

When they were shopping, they came to us for advice. I keep a very close on eye on it, and keep it immaculate. They're more like family than friends.

I was over at their house last night, he threw me the keys and said take it out and use it. I'm not gonna argue with that!

Having that boarding report is kinda like have a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card. Now you're good to go for a year or so.

I asked a friend who is in the USPS to do an inspection of my boat last year. Once I got the sticker I had the Sheriff's Dept boat pass by me twice, see the sticker and continue on their way.

Guess I better get another inspection (and sticker) for this year.

I'm going to make it a point to the get the sticker next spring.

I get ours inspected every year in April. I always have the report and boating safety course certificates on board for just such an occasion. No reason not to have your boat inspected by the coast guard auxiliary every year, it's free.

I get the sticker and still get pulled over.

I just got back from Muskegon on Monday. I was stopped by the C.G. for the first time. We were just cruising in the channel headed back to the camp ground when they stopped me. They tied off to my boat and asked where I was headed and they said ok, we'll head that way.

Then they asked for the boat documentation and then asked for all the safety stuff. Passed with flying colors. The last few moments were kind of funny as they asked what the horsepower was for the boat and then asked what my top speed is. When I said I've hit 53, 54 mph they asked me if I wanted to race for pinks. I declined as they were set up with 2 225hp motors. I should have said sure to the race and said as long as you take my wife, daughters and mother-in-law on your boat as they are the speed limiters on mine. I surely would have won then.

Anyway, I was very well organized and they complimented me for handing them everything they needed very quickly. I got the copy of the inspection and told I was free to go.

Then as we parted ways, my youngest daughter says, "Break out the beer again, dad". I'm not sure where she gets it from...

Well looks like I'm not about to hurry out and get it then!

Truth be told, I inspect the equipment every year. I just never think to find out when they're doing inspections.

Mark -- These boys yesterday had I believe triple (yes 3!) 275hp Verados. The 268V with the 5.7GSi would've been no contest.

The one out of Charlvoix, Mi has the triple 275s as well. The come down to Elk Rapids to help with the fireworks over Harbor Days...it is about a 35 mile run. I was talking with them last summer and they did "an easy cruise" at 60 mph

I have been stopped at least a dozen times over the years. At least twice I had a previous inspection report and they still did an inspection. I think they also look out for people drinking on the water since that is always a question that is asked. I'm glad everything worked out. Now you know what to expect if you are stopped again.

CG Buffalo just got a new patrol boat for those that may want to "race". I'll dig a pic if I can find it.