It
>just gets annoying when a new guy comes to this site and he
>gets flamed on for asking a simple question. Was is really
>appropriate to tell the guy to stay home and take a coast
>gaurd class?
First, let me say that I did not intend any offense, but I really did think it was good advice. I thought the question was a joke and would not have responded at all, but since someone else gave him a heading that would have put him on the beach, I imagined some hapless guy taking his kids out on the water. On the off chance that his question was sincere and that he might use the info provided, I felt compelled to respond. If the question was sincere, it reveals a level of (no offense intended, I just can't think of a more appropriate word) ignorance that I also felt compelled to address. Lots of people are inhibited by their fear so they don't get themselves in a lot of trouble, even without, in this case, a coast guard course. But this guy is a real adventurer. He was, ostensibly, prepared to set off to catalina on the basis of a compass bearing given over the internet. If anyone should take the boating safety class, he should. Much of what is taught is not common sense, but could make the difference between lif and death. For example, if there was trouble, I could see a guy like this sending his kids into the cabin with their life jackets on. Problem is, if the boat capsizes, they can't get out. Perhaps I should have explained my reasons for suggesting the course. I have taken it twice, and will soon take it a third time with my oldest daughter (now 11).
Second, any inference that my post was intended to support mandatory education, licensing, testing, etc., is ill-founded. I too am a libertarian, but in my a republican "still in the closet".
-Rick