Sickened....sob, sob

windrose · Post by **windrose** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:37 pm

Last night some thugs cut thru my mooring pennants and let my boat go... I found her this afternoon taking on water with water above her floor boards. I am distraught.... I ran her aground on a area I knew was soft and have pumped her out... I am so very disheartened. It is the third boat they have cut loose in the last two weeks and DNR says there is nothing they can do unless I witness it. I am just sick. Not to mention it was two Yale pennants ($140)... I gotta head back down and see if I can figure out where the water is coming in.... had to come up to the house for a minute to cool off and throw up in private. sob, sob.

Post by **dasein668** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:11 pm

Ugh. I know there's nothing any of us can say. But you can be assured that we all are sickened by this news.

Post by **Tim** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:34 pm

That's simply horrible. I just don't know what else to say.

Let's hope scum like that get what's coming to them, somehow.

FloatingMoneyPit · Post by **FloatingMoneyPit** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:40 pm

What the hell? Is Shady Side that "shady"?
So sorry to hear about this.
I'd be obsessed with revenge after three times, frankly. Electrified mooring pendants or something. Or maybe a security camera on the spreaders.
Get a Bayliner Buccaneer and booby-trap it somehow while your real boat is being repaired. That way you won't care if the boobytrap fails.

Rachel · Post by **Rachel** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:22 pm

Oh Ang, that's so awful! I'm so glad you got to Windrose in time to take care of her - and had the presence of mind to get her aground. I don't know that I would have.

I'm just furious with these low-lifes for even touching Windrose and her pendants. Speechless really, at least in terms of typing anything that's not competely foul.

Please keep us posted and let us know how you're doing. I'm sure everyone here is concerned.

Thinking of you and Windrose,
--- Rachel

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:55 pm

Wow. Unthinkable.

When you need to padlock your boat to its mooring..... nah, it's just unthinkable.

windrose · Post by **windrose** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:49 pm

Pan, pan, pan this is the s/v Windrose, we are still on the beach. I need an emergency pep talk and some ideas.......

Windrose is resting lightly on the bottom at low tide, floats free at high tide. I am still taking on some water, but only a minute amount and it seems to be decreasing. When I found her hard aground, her rudder was jammed, I did not try to force it... I got my ground tackle in the dinghy and set out 90' of rode to windward and then set about pumping the water out of her (the water was 3"-4" above the floorboards). As I got her lightened up the tide was beginning to come in and I was able to kedge her to deeper water to take the strain off... the rudder was moving freely and I can't feel any damage when I go under and feel around on her (the nettles are here in abundance now, YIKES). The motor started right up and ran fine.

I can't find any exterior damage, I am thinking when her rudder got jammed it moved the packing and it is slowly reseating itself.... can this be true?

I have been very disheartened by law enforcement.... both DNR and the county police bascially told me "tough luck, take the law into your own hands, you can call and have a report sent to you in a week or so" (for a fee or course) . I have a call into the DNR supervisor who oversees patrols on South Creek. I am not much of a vigalante and don't want to start an all out war with people of this mentality.

The most positive response I have gotten has been from BoatsUS, they offer a $2500 reward for theft and vandalism that is included with membership. I have posted reward flyers throughout the community for information leading to arrest and conviction of persons responsible. My hope is someone will roll over on their thug friends or it will scare them enough to realize how serious I am and possibly prevent furthur vandalism/theft. (It is a group of 8-10 young 20ish year old boys that live at the end of the street and run in a pack, totally out of control, my neighbor witnessed them cutting a boat loose last week and reported it to DNR).

I made sure to post a flyer in front of the gang leaders house and watched from a distance when he came out, saw it and immediately took down the flyer.... I also posted one at the store bulletin board, behind the counter, where they buy there beer, the flyers are now throughout the community.

What to do about the boat, I am extremely hesitant to put her back at the mooring, I have left the cut pennants on her at the community beach as a giant red herring. I have anchors out fore and aft... I can probably stay there for a few more days before folks start to complain. I need ideas and suggestions how to add security while she is on the mooring. I have given everyone along the waterfront my number and the number of DNR patrol to report any suspicious activity immeadiately. However, I am still feeling rather helpless and defeated.... got any ideas?

Many of my goals and dreams revolve around this old boat, the pennants on them are showing a bit of chafe from the events of the last day. I suppose they need some protective covering and repositioning.

Post by **Tim** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:59 pm

I don't know what the answer is. Frankly, I'm surprised that this sort of thing doesn't happen more. (Thankfully) I often look around at all the moored boats, anywhere you might go, and think about the potential destruction a scumbag could create with a simple pocket knife.

It sucks that this happened, and given the losers in your neighborhood and the fact that everyone seems to be too scared of them to show some you-know-what and DO something about it, I think your hands are tied, unless you want to take the ill-conceived advice and become a vigilante. (I can't believe someone in law enforcement actually said that to you...)

You said in an earlier post that DNR could do nothing unless the crime was witnessed. Well, your neighbor witnessed this last week, you say--and still they (DNR) have taken no action?

The problem isn't the thugs--it's the lack of law enforcement in the face of a known problem. Unconscionable. I'm angry on your behalf. Vigilanteism sounds good in a lot of ways, but then you'd end up being the one in hot water, not the losers who committed the crime.

windrose · Post by **windrose** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:26 pm

The last boat was a boat that someone had abandoned and tied to a vacant mooring, it had 1998 decals on it and about 18" of water in it. DNR had been notified to try to get it removed or locate it's owner, so when the thugs cut it loose it became a navigational hazard. DNR hauled it away and that was the end of that. I spoke with the supervisor this afternoon and he assures me they will increase patrols of South Creek after dark.... yea, right!

My neighbor knew it was a green john boat with several young men (which is what the thugs I am referring to run around the creek) but could not give them decal numbers or identify the boys.... so, counts as no witness.

It's high tide, I just pulled the boat out to deeper water. The water came in at where the sink attaches to the flange. I had loosened the sink to put down some new blue laminate around it, when the boat ran aground and the tide went out she heeled over enough that water came in thru the sink drain.

Post by **Tim** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:29 pm

The way the rudder is set up (at least if it is more or less original in nature), there is no packing below the waterline. The shaft should pass directly into the hull and rudder tube, which is (as original) glassed to the hull and the bottom of the cockpit. The top end is above the waterline, though not by much. Still, if it leaked, it should leak into the cockpit, which should drain overboard.

If the rudder was jammed suddenly and hard into something, it's possible that the fiberglass rudder tube formed a crack (or enlarged the beginnings of one that might have already been there), which could let water into your bilge. Have you checked this?

Is it possible for your rudder to contact the propeller? If so, perhaps the grounding forced the rudder into the shaft, possible creating a crack in this known weak spot on these boats. The fiberglass tubes at the stern tube and rudder tube are not of any particular strength, as those I have seen tend to be resin-starved and generally weak, with suspect bonding at the hull.

Those are just a couple wild guesses. In either case, a slight repositioning of the rudder and/or the boat could cause the cracks to close again and the leak to lessen.

I'm sure you've checked all the obvious places...hoses, clamps, through hulls, stuffing box.

I suppose you could always stay on your boat to ward off the vandals. Of course, this may not be a practical solution long-term.

What a drag.

JonnyBoats · Post by **JonnyBoats** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:51 pm

Have you talked to the US Coast Guard? They may not be able to do anything in your specific case, but if you make the local station aware of the problem they may make some extra patrols there as well. It couldn't hurt!

Currently the Coast Guard has a program called ?America's Waterway Watch? http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/AWW_Website/ which:

"is a national awareness program that asks those who work, live, or recreate on or near the water to be aware of suspicious activity that might indicate threats to our country's homeland security.

Americans are urged to adopt a heightened sensitivity toward unusual events or individuals they may encounter in or around ports, docks, marinas, riversides, beaches, or communities.

Anyone observing suspicious activity is simply asked to note details and contact local law enforcement."

While you think this was done as a "prank" by some teenagers; it could be part of something more serious. For example what if this were a "dry run" to see how easy it would be? What would happen if someone went to Annapolis put bombs on some sailboats on moorings and then cut them loose? It might do a lot of damage.

As far as what you and your neighbors can do, how about getting some digital cameras and trying to get some photos of them in the act?

There are also security systems that you can put on your boat. There is one that is similar to the LoJack http://www.lojack.com/ that will transmit a message if the boat changes position, I don?t know the name of the service.

If you are handy, how about using a double pennant and running a wire through the lines, a continuous wire from one eye splice to the other. Then hook the wires to a simple, loud, alarm. To cut the pennant they will have to cut the wire at the same time (since the wire is in the pennant). At a minimum it may scare them off an wake someone up before your boat goes far.

windrose · Post by **windrose** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:00 pm

Thanks John, some great ideas...no I had not thought to get the Coasties involved but I do see their patrol boats on weekends.

Another great idea with the alarm, my friend Bob and I were already starting to think along those lines.... we started with electrifying the pennants... but that seemed a bit far fetched. We graduated to cutting the pennants make both a light go on and alarm sound. Thanks again for the input.

Think Francis Joyon and I had a few of the same feelings the last few days... YIKES! My problems seem so very small in comparison.
http://www.teamellen.com/ellen.asp?artid=2725

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:14 pm

Personally, I don't think electrifying the pendants is a bad idea, but then my necks a bit reddish in hue....

Post by **Tim** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 6:50 am

I thought of suggesting electrified pendants, lifelines, or other, but figured that in this day in age, you, the boatowner, would end up being sued for any resulting injuries to those poor, dear vandals who clearly weren't out to do anything wrong...

grampianman · Post by **grampianman** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:25 am

This may be a bit outside, but what about a galvanized wire rope pendant, longer than the rope pendants, but shackled to the mooring and an eye that could be locked onto the cleat. I would think it would give any vandals cause to pause and for them to go looking for another boat more easily cut loose.

I'm really sorry and disgusted with this whole incident. I can appreciate the feelings as my grandfather lost three boats to thieves and only recovered one (over the course of his boating life).

Cheers,
Ian

Robert The Gray · Post by **Robert The Gray** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:19 pm

I froogled "motorcycle lock" and found, http://www.motogear911.com/HTML/Cruiser ... ablePg.htm. sorry about the boat. [/url]

Robert The Gray · Post by **Robert The Gray** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:21 pm

I froogled "motorcycle lock" and found,
http://www.motogear911.com/HTML/Cruiser ... ablePg.htm sorry about the boat.
kryptonite locks makes a 7'cable. two together might do the trick

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:27 pm

So what's the latest on her condition?

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:33 pm

Generally a crime must be committed in the presence of the arresting officer (or citizen) if it is a misdemeanor or infraction (exact terminology is local jurisdiction dependent), however in the case of a felony, an arrest can be made on probable cause. You might want to investigate to see if any felony could be charged as a result of what these thugs are doing, for example if grand theft auto could be applied to other types of vehicles and it is locally considered a felony, or if there is a monetary loss amount which would qualify this as a felony. If this is the case, you might try and get the series of crimes treated as an ongoing crime so the value of damages on all affected boats could be used as a whole.

We had a series of boat break-ins locally a while back. The criminals were caught on video surveillance cameras which helped the local authorities apprehend them. You might see if you can get such coverage of your mooring field.

The statement about electrified lines reminded me of the antitheft system the 1983 Honda VF750S Saber was equipped with. It was known as F.O.I.L. for Fiber Optic Integrated Lock. It consisted of a steel cable with a fiber optic cable run up its center. The cable plugged into a receptacle on the side of the motorcycle which was powered by a couple of batteries. If the cable was cut it activated an alarm. I?m not sure if anything like this is available, but you might take a look.

windrose · Post by **windrose** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:57 pm

Happened again last night, they cut a heavy coated cable made for contractors use sometime after 10 pm when I checked on her last.

She is very hard aground, we had a good storm that blew water up in the creek and pushed her hard up onto a shoal. I tried to kedge her off at high tide today but it is a neap tide and there is simply not enough water. I think the soonest I will have enough water will be Saturday night around 3 a.m. I am sliding off into a hole of depression and desperation.

Thoughts of selling her have crossed my mind.

Rachel · Post by **Rachel** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:17 pm

Oh Ang, that just sucks, plain and simple. God, I so loathe that sort of people. What is their point!?

You're probably never going near that mooring again, but if you do, perhaps some kind of camera in the rigging? Surely "footage" would allow you to prosecute and get these people stopped.

I know I can't be any real help from here, but please feel free to vent to us and know that we all care and want to know how you and Windrose are doing. I've got my fingers crossed for you.

--- Rachel

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:29 pm

GAH!!!

grampianman · Post by **grampianman** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 8:55 am

I now know how vigilantes got started in this country. Short of maintaining an armed guard on board, I don't know how else you might prevent this, short of selling your boat. I apologise to the forum, but these people are worse than turds!

My thoughts are with you,
My best,
Ian

Shark · Post by **Shark** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 5:20 pm

Being fellow boat owners, we all sympathize with your situation and echo Rachel's thoughts. Please feel free to vent here. These people are the worst kind of low life to be doing this. I don't know what the solution might be, perhaps moving the boat to another location or a slip at a marina. What ever you do ... Don't sell the boat! You've worked too long and hard to let these creeps make you give up on something you obviously value a lot.

Lyman

Save-A-Boat - The Forum for Plastic Classic Rebuilds!

Sickened....sob, sob

Sickened....sob, sob

Wire rope thoughts.

I'm really sorry to hear this.