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Originally Posted by bjs
The one thing the owner of the boat DIDNT have and I thought he did was the VHF... Everything else other than a GPS was accounted for.... We did have a working compass and knew the route back to the dock... The owner just didnt want to chance it.
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It's likely that a boater without rudimentary items like a VHF has not had his compass swung, rendering it all but useless in zero vis. (not to mention the effect of current and wind on boat direction and orientation)
BJS, you get a pass because you are not the boater and have no need to be familiar with what a responsible boater should know or have on board. It sounds like you did the right thing in calling the coasties. Your well being was likely in danger, even if you do not realize it.
The owner however does not get the same pass. If he can't navigate in zero vis, he should not be out in the dark. He needs to start by taking a boating course.
BTW, you think the guys here are tough? Can you imagine how much the coasties are laughing at you along with their friends? They've got their own term for you folks that's not approriate for polite company.