*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: The Liver is Evil.....It Must Be Punished!
Was wanting to launch my boat out of Owl's Creek and take the wife and 4yr. old on the boat to watch the fire works in Virgina Beach. Where should I anchor the boat??? near 15th street or the pier? Don't know the where they actually shoot from? Was in Iraq last year and want to make this 4th of July a little mor special for the family and I. Any help would be great...
Thanks
__________________ If You're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much damn space! Lead, Follow, or get the hell out of the way!!!!
I have been on a few fireworks cruises in my days and It is the last place I would bring my 4Yo. 4th of july, alcohol, fireworks and boats are not good bed fellows.
First, Thank you for your service and welcome home.
Not sure of the locations but I have watched the fireworks from my boat the last couple of years and offer the following:
1 - Spending the time on the water with wife and 4 year old will give you memories that will last a long time. Stay safe so the memories are good ones.
2 - Be prepared to arrive early and stay late. Do not attempt to leave immediately after the fireworks end.
3 - Have blankets and all the essentials to stay warm. Even though its July, when the sun goes down and your still sitting there an hour or so after the fireworks have ended, the wife/child will eventually get cold.
4- Have things to keep everybody entertained. Radio, fishing stuff, food, drinks, games for 4 yr old.
5- Again, do not leave right after the show ends. Wait till they all clear out.
6 - Make sure all lights, spotlights, vhf, gps(backtrack) are working. Nothing worse then getting ready to leave and finding out running lights do not work. LOL, I know this from experience.
I agree with Riptide and also thanks for your service - you guys are the best!
We did a 4th several years ago on some friends boat and loved it. Note we did not have any alcohol on board. There was some difficulty getting out of the river but we had no problems as long as we took it slow. Yes, this could be a situation where others determine your fate.
We're going to do it on our boat this year behind Ocean City, MD.
Here's the website for the City's 4th of July extravaganza. If the powers that be here prevent the website from being posted, do a google on Virginia Beach Stars and Stripes Explosion.
The fireworks are going to be launched from a barge at 20th St, and you should be able to see them from wherever you are on the water.
I want to ditto the comments of the other posters. You need to ensure all your gear is up to snuff. Also, if you're not familiar with the VB Oceanfront, there's a great sand bottom to anchor in. If the winds are out of the east, northeast, or southeast, you'll get a good swell. And to anchor in relatively shallow water, you MAY need to get close to the beach. Not a good idea IMHO. If you can't get the anchor to set, I'd recommend staying underway and out a little further, and just do circles.
Dark Toilet - 6/24/2008 12:08 PMI have been on a few fireworks cruises in my days and It is the last place I would bring my 4Yo. 4th of july, alcohol, fireworks and boats are not good bed fellows.
Bad idea. If there are lots of boats in your inlet/river whatever, in the dark things could get ugly on the way home esp if you are in a smaller boat.
Just one thing; It’s Independence Day, not the 4th of July. For Americans, it is a celebration of our independence from Great Britain. It just happens to fall on July 4.
We wouldn’t call Christmas “the 25th of December”, would we?
Our on/near shore displays attracthundreds, if not a thousand, boats and in the past the mayhem immediately after the event was right out of "Apocalypse Now", w/o a doubt the most dangerous boating situation I've ever been in. Small boats, big boats, fast and slow all trying to get to the ramps and marinas FIRST[img]../images/emoticons/surprise.gif[/img]. Many near fatal collisions w/ no loss of life(yet). We wouldhead for the less traveled part of the lake "before" the end and wait it out.
The "powers that be" initiated a NOWAKE rule after sunset a few years back and it's once again an enjoyable event.[img]../images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif[/img]
Do be safe out there!!!!!!
__________________
Any Port in a Storm!....currently seeking shelter.
We went last year and the year before. We'll probably go this year. In our cruiser, prepared to spend the night. Anchored in a place where we could safely spend the night. And since we've spent the night on the boat many times, this was no big deal. Of course, not everyone's boat or family is suited for this.
There's no way I would consider returning to a boat ramp after an Independence Day fireworks show. Too many boats and too many impaired captains and passengers.
WOW,,,,,, never thought it would be that crazy..... Then again, they won't be starting the fireworks until 2100 that's too late for the little one anyhow.... And yes, I of all people know it's called Independence Day,,, 19yrs. in the military, 4 wars, countless deployments, unrelenting combat in action, and many of my brothers giving their lives to the cause,,,,,ya I know. Sorry if I upset you with the phrase "4th Of July"...
Thanks guys for all the input. Think I'll just keep our feet try this year....
__________________ If You're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much damn space! Lead, Follow, or get the hell out of the way!!!!
They will be shot off from 20th street at 930 pm. There will be a 800 yard stand off distance for all boats in the area. The coast guard and VA beach police will be out there enforcing this. IF ANY BOAT BREAKS THE 800 YARD STAND OFF DISTANCE I HAVE BEEN ORDERED BY THE COAST TO STOP THE SHOW ASAP. SO if you are out there please watch it from a distance trust me it looks a 100x better and be ready for a loud finale.
Thank you again for all your service. It is greatly appreciated and I would like to shake your hand.
Check the link in my signature. We had several guys come down from VA to go out for a day of fishing. There is a Fall Event being planned. Check it out......
We go to see the fireworks regularly by boat. One year after the fireworks were over and all the boats were heading back to their ports, there was about a 32' cruiser running against the traffic with NO NAV LIGHTS on. We only saw him (barely) because he had his cockpit lighting on. It was almost a direct head-on collision. Count on many idiots being out on the holiday weekends. Be very cautious!
Dyllan ..
I also want to thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.
I think you are wise to stay on the beach this year. From my experience, any of the 3 holiday weekends each summer are good times to stay AWAY from the water. Too may inconsiderate and iincompentant people are on the water in droves.
__________________
26' Twin Vee Express w/ Twin F150s
Independence day, fireworks, cold beer, boats, all of which make America worth fighting for. My favorite holiday of the year, I can't wait to be anchored up and watching fireworks. No matter where you go there will be people either drinking too much or operating a boat for the first time this year, be wary, especially after dark, personally I would rather run the risk of idiots than stay home.
4th of July
