I will 2nd that about the Texas & Louisiana ICW. We always "asked" tow captain's preference in crossing/passing situations. On top of other obvious issues (maneuverability, local knowledge/skill level etc...) they were working, while we were "recreating". We almost always found these people to be pleasant & professional. They had all sorts of local knowledge & added to the local color of the whole experience.
There was one particular incident where the ICW was down to "one lane, one way traffic" due to a barge hitting a bridge support. There was a many hour backup of tows. Each vessel got in line & "announced their presence/place in line" as they did. The tugs ran their barges into the bank, into the wind to wait for their turn. We dutiful fell in line & prepared to anchor. The nearest tow called the coasties & arranged for us to go to the head of the line & "squeeze" thru. It was an amazing thing. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles Culotta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 5:12 PM Subject: [Liveaboard] Barges Old(Anchor Light Location) >----snip------- > > You are correct in giving a barge and tow a wide berth. > For over 35 yrs I have cruised the Gulf Intra coastal Canal and more > particularly the Houston to New Orleans reach. That is referred to as > the Interstate 10 of waterways. On a 3-4 day trip between Patterson, La > and Houston/Galveston we may see ONE or even two pleasure boats. Tugs > and tows are another animal. I have had as many as 18 in site at a given > time. That is unusual but you get the drift. > I always mention in talks that I give on transiting the Gulf ICW that we > really like being among the tug and tows as they will not surprise us > with some stupid maneuver------like many pleasure boaters often do. > > We do keep in mind that they are out there earning a living and we are > PLAYING. > > Give them a wide berth and let them know what you would LIKE TO DO and > they will treat you with utmost courtesy and try to accommodate you. > > This is our experience and as you said YMMV > > CCC > CHARLES C., JR. & PAT CULOTTA
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