I just read my current copy of “Professional Boatbuilder ” magazine. Aaron Porter wrote in his front page editorial about the self regulation of the recreational marine industry. I agree that those of us who work in the recreational boating business have been fortunate that we police ourselves with very little interference from the Coast Guard. However we has humans have a tendency to get complacent. There are boats out there that should not be on the water. Too many of these substandard boats, and the government is going to come knocking. Then the whole industry is in trouble. So think of that when you are servicing or building a boat; quality and freedom starts with our industry members not legislation. Just my opinion.
Hi Ed, you present a few questions and thoughts to a big picture of possible disaster. I guess the thin line is who in the recreational boat building business is putting whose life at risk? Are they building boats for their family and friends and should the boat be trusted by friends and family or are they building the boat to sell on (which then makes it a trade not recreational activity) I am sure it’s different in the US but the regualtion in the UK is a lot togher when it comes to putting a boat in the water. Ironically, there is no legal obligation in the UK to have insurance policy for your boat!
Marina
PS I think the points you have raised should be expanded on for sure, not because there should be government intervention in a recreation but that awareness and safety should always come first which not to say that common sense does.
Hello Marina,
Yes this could be a possible disaster in that the recreational industry has no true overseeing of recreational boatbuilding. Boats under 20 feet have some regulations to contend with but none really involved with boat structures. This is where the designer and builder come. They need to do it right the first time. Most do. But there will always be some who don’t, not due to ignorance of proper practices but to the need for profit. To keep this in check we all bear responsibility including the consumer. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING. When educated consumers start telling a builder “your boats really aren’t good enough for my use or safety” then the building community will respond in a positive manner or will drop out altogether. I have seen some stuff while surveying that really makes me wonder about the state of some builders philosophy, particularly when most do it right. I will have more to say on this in the future.