Stay away from Huli Cat charter boat in HMB

Did you call him? Tell him! He might have a new or oblivious captain.

This. Contact him and explain the situation, nicely.  Let him know how dangerous it was but don't be a dick, as you won't get anywhere that way. Most people are not trying to knock off kayakers, especially someone running a business.

That being said, I don't understand how people can blame the kayakers. When you operate a boat you need to stay alert, no matter what. This situation seemed entirely avoidable by just looking around and proceeding when safe and clear. If you can't safely pass the kayakers, you should wait till you can. (Kayakers must get out of the boat lane as safely as possible too) A sub +100 lb kayak powered by a human shouldn't have worry about a +50 ft boat buzzing them just because they are bigger.  This isn't a slough that's 20ft wide with 15 ft tall reeds and tules where you can't see around the corner. This is an open bay, no excuses in my opinion.

I am just gonna tell you one time. If you were there and saw or experience what happened right at the mouth regardless of the fact you know the person who was driving or you think the owner of the charter is nice or not, you would not think it's cool at all.
It's like oh my friend got killed and you are telling me "ya but I know the killer and he is a nice guy". It's too late if someone dies or get hurt in the situation, there's no way to avoid it because it was right at the mouth we are even hugging the jetty to avoid as much as we could.

It does not matter kayak is new hobby and not recognized to the public, you will slow down because you don't want to push someone off the kayak or hurt people. It's that simple. I know many people want to be a teacher, lecturer or present hypothetical situation and talk about how to avoid it etc etc. The fact is if the boat goes fast that close in narrow spot right at the mouth, it is obvious kayak will rock and possibly tip over and if you are professional especially business, you wouldn't do that.

I've been to HMB many times. EVERYONE SLOWS DOWN AT THE MOUTH WHEN THEY SEE ME.
I'll tell you the fact I saw last year salmon fishing on Queen of hearts.. Huli Cat did the same thing got so close to kayaks passed red can and kayakers were yelling at the boat.

So, if you see Huli Cat, stay away as far as possible. That is my point.
I hope no one will experience what we experienced.

Says the guy that's only lived in the Bay Area only 3 years and kayak fishing since only February.

Look, I get it, you had a bad experience and want to vent.  But there is a lot of info on here from people that have been doing it many more years on the kayak and fishing the HMB their whole lives.  If you haven't called the Huli Cat, perhaps you should.  Then come back and let us know what happened.

I am just gonna tell you one time.  It's NOT that simple.

Regarding the red can "incident".  I do not want to see the Huli Cat slowing down when it approaches me.  It will throw a much larger wake.  Stay on plane and perhaps a friendly wave.

"EVERYONE SLOWS DOWN AT THE MOUTH WHEN THEY SEE ME".  So what?  You're assuming they see you and will do something.  What do you do when you see them?  The only thing you have control over is you.  What could you have done to avoid this situation?  How about always be aware of the situation, and turn your kayak into the wake?  Problem solved.

-Allen

That being said, I don't understand how people can blame the kayakers. When you operate a boat you need to stay alert, no matter what. This situation seemed entirely avoidable by just looking around and proceeding when safe and clear. If you can't safely pass the kayakers, you should wait till you can. (Kayakers must get out of the boat lane as safely as possible too) A sub +100 lb kayak powered by a human shouldn't have worry about a +50 ft boat buzzing them just because they are bigger.  This isn't a slough that's 20ft wide with 15 ft tall reeds and tules where you can't see around the corner. This is an open bay, no excuses in my opinion.

I blame the kayaker for not being able to manage a boat wake.  HMB is the easiest salt launch in all of norcal, "if you cant safely pass through a harbor mouth you should wait till you can". 

I disagree with the rest of this as well.  It's not an open bay, it's a high traffic harbor entrance with boats of all sizes passing through it. Kayaks are the smallest and the laws of gross tonnage apply.  Proceed with caution and common sense. 


Sent from my SM-G928T using Tapatalk

I'm sorry you had to go thru that experience but I believe, as kayakers, common sense and safety should be the upmost importance rather than "who has the right of way".  As a kayaker, you're more vulnerable, slower, and smaller than other PBs, so naturally you feel they should be more attentive on speed and braking/slowing distance.

I launch/paddle a lot in my local Marina Bay, and we get shipping containers, luxury yachts, sail boats, coast guard, and PBs every hour.  Even if I feel I have the right of way by queue or some other, I'll let the larger vessels go first.  Similarly as crossing the street, checking both ways even if the crosswalk sign says go.  I have the right of way but a car can easily run me over.  This situation is more like a car vs big rig.  Don't cut them off, give them plenty on space, and plan ahead where you're going. 

I am just gonna tell you one time. If you were there and saw or experience what happened right at the mouth regardless of the fact you know the person who was driving or you think the owner of the charter is nice or not, you would not think it's cool at all.
It's like oh my friend got killed and you are telling me "ya but I know the killer and he is a nice guy". It's too late if someone dies or get hurt in the situation, there's no way to avoid it because it was right at the mouth we are even hugging the jetty to avoid as much as we could.

It does not matter kayak is new hobby and not recognized to the public, you will slow down because you don't want to push someone off the kayak or hurt people. It's that simple. I know many people want to be a teacher, lecturer or present hypothetical situation and talk about how to avoid it etc etc. The fact is if the boat goes fast that close in narrow spot right at the mouth, it is obvious kayak will rock and possibly tip over and if you are professional especially business, you wouldn't do that.

I've been to HMB many times. EVERYONE SLOWS DOWN AT THE MOUTH WHEN THEY SEE ME.
I'll tell you the fact I saw last year salmon fishing on Queen of hearts.. Huli Cat did the same thing got so close to kayaks passed red can and kayakers were yelling at the boat.

So, if you see Huli Cat, stay away as far as possible. That is my point.
I hope no one will experience what we experienced.

Says the guy that's only lived in the Bay Area only 3 years and kayak fishing since only February.

Look, I get it, you had a bad experience and want to vent.  But there is a lot of info on here from people that have been doing it many more years on the kayak and fishing the HMB their whole lives.  If you haven't called the Huli Cat, perhaps you should.  Then come back and let us know what happened.

I am just gonna tell you one time.  It's NOT that simple.

Regarding the red can "incident".  I do not want to see the Huli Cat slowing down when it approaches me.  It will throw a much larger wake.  Stay on plane and perhaps a friendly wave.

"EVERYONE SLOWS DOWN AT THE MOUTH WHEN THEY SEE ME".  So what?  You're assuming they see you and will do something.  What do you do when you see them?  The only thing you have control over is you.  What could you have done to avoid this situation?  How about always be aware of the situation, and turn your kayak into the wake?  Problem solved.

-Allen

Haha you don't know me ive been on the water pretty mich every single weekend since and how many times ive lauched at HMB. You probably dont even know how narrow the mouth is even.
Then tell me when you are right at the jaw boat come from behind you. You are as close as the jetty on the left how do you avoid going down?
It looks like everyones shifting the point.
Yes it is super easy to launch. Im not talking about the launch.
Yes you can look around and be careful. We do that all the time coz we dont wanna die.

Just read carefully. There was nothing we can do to avoid at such a narrow spot and it was obvious dick move he made.

I hope thos clears out your misunderstanding.

AllI wanted to do it to warn people about how some boat operators do sad things like this and be careful about it.

I believe thia has nothing to do with the length of experience or technique to avoid it.
It simply the fact of the  boat drivers behavior which we have no control of.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapa

When it’s busy it can be difficult to get out of the way before a boat comes roaring past. It’s hard to address the situation the op described since I wasn’t there to see who if anyone was behaving badly. I think some boaters believe kayakers are choosing to get in with the big boys so we better be ready. Was it poor kayaking skill, bad luck, negligent pb operator or a bad attitude? There seems to be competing rights in a channel. Power boats yielding to paddle craft and small boats yielding to larger boats restricted by depth. The op says stay away from the Huli Cat. Maybe the better advice is to stay away from power boats in the channel whenever possible.

Channels and harbours

All vessels must keep to the starboard (right) side of any channel.
Inside a harbour (normally shown on the pilotage limit on the chart) you must keep out of the way of any ship over 500 tons. (which is about 50 metres in length)
Do not create a wake which causes unnecessary danger to other vessels or people.
You must not anchor in a channel.
All small craft must keep out of the way of larger vessels which are restricted by their draft to maintain passage and steering within the channel.

My buddy Omar just got thrown out his yak  almost hitting the jetty at the mouth of HMB.
They didn't bother to slow down right next to us and it was obvious what would happen at such a narrow spot.

Be careful even in the harbor and tight lines .
Haj


Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

We’re you guys exiting and got passed by the pb that was leaving also?

I am just gonna tell you one time. If you were there and saw or experience what happened right at the mouth regardless of the fact you know the person who was driving or you think the owner of the charter is nice or not, you would not think it's cool at all.
It's like oh my friend got killed and you are telling me "ya but I know the killer and he is a nice guy". It's too late if someone dies or get hurt in the situation, there's no way to avoid it because it was right at the mouth we are even hugging the jetty to avoid as much as we could.

It does not matter kayak is new hobby and not recognized to the public, you will slow down because you don't want to push someone off the kayak or hurt people. It's that simple. I know many people want to be a teacher, lecturer or present hypothetical situation and talk about how to avoid it etc etc. The fact is if the boat goes fast that close in narrow spot right at the mouth, it is obvious kayak will rock and possibly tip over and if you are professional especially business, you wouldn't do that.

I've been to HMB many times. EVERYONE SLOWS DOWN AT THE MOUTH WHEN THEY SEE ME.
I'll tell you the fact I saw last year salmon fishing on Queen of hearts.. Huli Cat did the same thing got so close to kayaks passed red can and kayakers were yelling at the boat.

So, if you see Huli Cat, stay away as far as possible. That is my point.
I hope no one will experience what we experienced.

Says the guy that's only lived in the Bay Area only 3 years and kayak fishing since only February.

Look, I get it, you had a bad experience and want to vent.  But there is a lot of info on here from people that have been doing it many more years on the kayak and fishing the HMB their whole lives.  If you haven't called the Huli Cat, perhaps you should.  Then come back and let us know what happened.

I am just gonna tell you one time.  It's NOT that simple.

Regarding the red can "incident".  I do not want to see the Huli Cat slowing down when it approaches me.  It will throw a much larger wake.  Stay on plane and perhaps a friendly wave.

"EVERYONE SLOWS DOWN AT THE MOUTH WHEN THEY SEE ME".  So what?  You're assuming they see you and will do something.  What do you do when you see them?  The only thing you have control over is you.  What could you have done to avoid this situation?  How about always be aware of the situation, and turn your kayak into the wake?  Problem solved.

-Allen

Haha you don't know me ive been on the water pretty mich every single weekend since and how many times ive lauched at HMB. You probably dont even know how narrow the mouth is even.
Then tell me when you are right at the jaw boat come from behind you. You are as close as the jetty on the left how do you avoid going down?
It looks like everyones shifting the point.
Yes it is super easy to launch. Im not talking about the launch.
Yes you can look around and be careful. We do that all the time coz we dont wanna die.

Just read carefully. There was nothing we can do to avoid at such a narrow spot and it was obvious dick move he made.

I hope thos clears out your misunderstanding.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Yeah, I probably don't know what I'm talking about.     So you have 4-5 months under your belt then?  Yes, there is a lot that YOU can do.  I don't have to know you to preach common sense, but it seems you're unwilling to take any advice.  I guess I'm just lucky that I haven't had any situations close to what you're describing, not in HMB, and not anywhere else.  It IS rather simple.  And it should be common sense.  When exiting or entering the jaws, look behind (and in front of) you to see if there are any big boats coming, and just sit idle in the open water waiting for them to pass.  Keep in mind that the big boats are less maneuverable.  A couple minutes of you waiting is just common courtesy to them, and safer for you.  I do that in a kayak.  I do that in any smallcraft.  Entering the jaws in crowded conditions just cause situations like this, which leads to avoidable angst on both sides.  And if you do get caught in a "situation", position your craft to avoid getting hit side on.

Or just keep doing what you do, get caught in "situations", whine about it, and foster an unnecessary us vs. them attitude that just makes everybody look bad.

Have you called him yet to discuss the "obvious dick move"?  I'm guessing not ...

I hope this clears out your misunderstanding.

-Allen

You are as close as the jetty on the left how do you avoid going down?

I know your a Kayak veteran.......since february......but since you asked here are some options.... 

A. Hang a leg over each side of the yak and extend as needed to stabilize the yak.
B. Use your paddle as a brace.
C. Slip a little lower in the seat to lower your center of gravity. 
D. Maneuver your boat around so you are bow or stern into the wake and let it pass underneath you.
E. Take a swig off a cold beer and wave as they pass.

 
PS....polepole has never even fished hmb 

Man, it's amazing how quickly folks here with throw a fellow kayaker under the bus, so to speak, when the person who's been accused of something wrong is known personally. 

I looked up the US boating right of way rules.  Here's what I found that I think applies to the situation;
https://www.dummies.com/sports/following-right-of-way-boating-rules/
Passing a boat

    Your vessel: If you’re following another vessel in a river, narrow canal, or marked channel, you’re the give-way vessel, meaning you have the greater burden of responsibility should anything go wrong when you try to pass. Your vessel, in this case, is also called the burdened vessel.

    The other vessel: The vessel you want to pass is the stand-on vessel. It’s privileged and the skipper can deny you passage if she thinks it’s unsafe (or doesn’t like the color of your paint).

    Asking permission to pass: You sound two short blasts from your horn, signifying you’d like to pass the skipper on his port (left) side.

    Receiving permission to pass: He signals back with two short blasts to say “Okay!”

    Permission denied: She blasts the horn five times, signifying there’s danger involved in such a maneuver. If she doesn’t respond at all, consider it five short blasts and don’t attempt to pass.

I love how welcome and helpful  peole are here especially veterans.

Again I just wanted to share my experience and warn people because even if you could control your kayak you cant control other people.

Good luck to you all. 

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Man, it's amazing how quickly folks here with throw a fellow kayaker under the bus, so to speak, when the person who's been accused of something wrong is known personally. 

I don't know the skipper nor have I fished on his boat.  In this thread I see a lot of its everybody else's responsibility to look out for me attitude, I'm sure others do as well, and that is bothersome. 

On a lighter note  I got rolled by a Whale once at Salt Point, he or she did not see me or slow down if it did. The Whale kept  going on it`s course never once checking to see if I was OK. Boy that Whale had some nerve. So stay away from Whales.

Did you rally the online hippies to start a social media shame campaign in an attempt to ruins its life?   

Man, it's amazing how quickly folks here with throw a fellow kayaker under the bus, so to speak, when the person who's been accused of something wrong is known personally. 

I looked up the US boating right of way rules.  Here's what I found that I think applies to the situation;
https://www.dummies.com/sports/following-right-of-way-boating-rules/
Passing a boat

    Your vessel: If you’re following another vessel in a river, narrow canal, or marked channel, you’re the give-way vessel, meaning you have the greater burden of responsibility should anything go wrong when you try to pass. Your vessel, in this case, is also called the burdened vessel.

    The other vessel: The vessel you want to pass is the stand-on vessel. It’s privileged and the skipper can deny you passage if she thinks it’s unsafe (or doesn’t like the color of your paint).

    Asking permission to pass: You sound two short blasts from your horn, signifying you’d like to pass the skipper on his port (left) side.

    Receiving permission to pass: He signals back with two short blasts to say “Okay!”

    Permission denied: She blasts the horn five times, signifying there’s danger involved in such a maneuver. If she doesn’t respond at all, consider it five short blasts and don’t attempt to pass.

Tough love.  And I don't know either party.  Would you rather be thrown under the bus in an online forum or dumped in the ocean again.  Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

-Allen

I had a client once that turned out to be a Maritime Law lawyer.  We discussed right-of-way laws and he told me the most important law was unwritten.  They call it "The Law of Gross Tonnage."  In other words if the boat is bigger than yours, you better MOVE.  Ask Polepole about Herring Cove in Ketchikan.  Only time I've sen him pissed enough to call someone out.

Bushy

(but, we moved)