Speaking of lawsuits...

[jkallen21]

This one is not new, but I just ran across it tonight. I don't know if MC appealed but it's INSANE that a jury found them responsible when 19 people were in a boat made for 12 and 12 of the 19 were in the bow!! Oh, and the driver was drinking...

Gruesome outcome but this had nothing to do with the design of the boat. Maybe the jury just felt sorry for the girl and punished MC.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/home/5...design-lawsuit

[shag]

I am in NO WAY sticking up for the operator.... But I have heard of people very easily taking in water in those pickle forks.... I have been in a couple and it does take more input from the operator to keep the bow from dipping in slow turns.
.04 is, in some people - 1 beer. If the rating is for 18 and he had 19 - yes that is more than rated - but only by 1. The general public that knows little about common sense anymore - might rationalize that "whats one more" if 18 is the rating.... Especially if they are petite girls which sounds like this party was. I really don't see how 12 people of any size were in that bow.... I personally would not entertain the idea of that many people in my boat unless we were parked, and even then, **** 18 is a lot!
This was not a high speed turn... "3-5 mph" is an idle turn... Not to assume, but probably distracted by the loud music and number of people in the boat - prob didn't even know they were washed over board till it was too late.
These boats are marketed to anyone that can come up with the money and more documentable education is needed before a sale takes place. At any rate, a sad situation for those involved and no amount of money will change that.

[AirTool]

I am in NO WAY sticking up for the operator.... .........a sad situation for those involved and no amount of money will change that.

That point was well stated. It doesn't look to me like you took anyone's side. Instead, just stating some clear points that seem reasonable.

[River Monsters]

We've all sent a few people up to the bow to see how the surf wake changes. "get up there and don't step on the sac"

Except for you nerdy slalom skiers, you run everyone off the boat.

[Zach@n3]

Hey you used to have a nerdy slalom boat!!! Us slalom skiers only like ladies on the lighter end of the weight spectrum to be on our boats But really that's all on the driver. You have to boat smart and not everyone has that brain capacity. But what a terrible outcome for such a silly mistake.

[Neverenough]

I can say every tow boat and some run about boats I have had have taken water over the nose at some point. I never have that many people on board. MC got the shaft. Clearly the operators ignorance

[s_kelley2000]

I believe this case is why the newer boats have a separate rating for how many people are allowed in the bow of the boat.

[Zach@n3]

I am sure it is Shawn. It all boils down to Lawyers who will support someone who is clearly in the wrong and are able to go home and sleep at night. No doubt the negligence of the driver caused someone out for a day of fun a life altering injury.

[Brichter14]

I think the sad thing is in America we have this "its someone elses fault" mentality. They have 12 ppl in the bow and sue the boat manufacturer when someone falls out!? Ridiculous.

[Zach@n3]

Seems like nothing is the fault these days of what actually caused the issue. Lots of finger pointing.