This post is only to help everyone be a little more safe, specialy during the hoop net season. A lot of untrained boaters are out in force. Be carefull and watch out. I got hit on my starboard stern by a aluminum boat today. He was traveling from 20 to 25 knots, seemed like 35 knots. . I was drifting by the bait barges, san diego bay. I was trying to untangle a back lash. My son in law said something and as I looked up, I saw a boat traveling at a high rate of speed, bow hing, water sprayhing off his bow, about 20 feet from my boat. I dove out of the way cause I figured he was going to come over my side onto the deck. I Hit my elbow on my bait tank and it split open and when I got home my daughter said, did I hit my hip. there was a bruise on it by my belt line. I maybe should have had stitches but I did not want to wait till midnight at the hospital. The impact rocked the boat. I Thanked God he hit me with a glancing blow as when he looked up, he tried to turn to the left to avoid the impact. He has a hole in his boat and was going out to ck his lobster hoop nets after our accident.. Coast gaurd does not know where the bait barges are. The guy that answers your call on 16 is not from San Diego. I tried my emergency distress button on my radio but it did not work. I need to ck it out. It is a new radio. Maybe I have to keep pushing on the button. Always be able to give your lat long. That is what the Coast Gaurd will use to respond to your call. Coast Gaurd, harbor police and customes were on the bait barge. About 20 to to 25 agents on the barge, two reports were filed, harbor police and coast gaurd. Took almost 1.5 hours to get done. The guy admitted it was his fault. He jamed his thumb on the steering wheel on the impact. I amd not sure if I should take the boat to Blackman or wait till I her from his insurance co.

Please be carefull and watch out for the other guy. You can be the best experienced boater out there but if someone hits you, being a good boater will not help the damage or pain you go through.