Too many channel markers get hit

Ahoy.

Boaters may have noticed changes to Newport Harbor’s channel

marker 10 off the easterly bend in Balboa Island just southeast of

the auto ferry landing.

Years ago, the Coast Guard removed a few of Newport’s channel

markers and replaced most the remaining markers with the new improved

markers, with the exception of unlit buoy markers in the Back Bay.

The new markers are mounted on a single steel pole and on top have a

square metal cage structure with the solar panels, batteries and two

numbered display boards.

These cage structures seem to be either creating a navigational

hazard by overhanging out into the waterways or there are just some

dumb people who should not be skippering a boat. The new caged

structures have been hit by vessels, severely tweaking the channel

markers and defeating goal to decrease maintenance and associated

costs.

If my memory serves me correct, channel marker 10 had two numbered

display boards mounted directly to a single pole with the lights

electrically wired to shore. Later, the marker was replaced with the

new caged structure that boats repeatedly hit. Now, the channel

marker has been upgraded with three poles for support.

What is interesting is that it is the caged structure on top that

keeps getting hit, and the force of the impact usually causes the

poles to lean. Therefore, I do not think that the addition of two

more poles creating a tripod for support will solve the problem. If

the cages are getting hit, I would modify the design of the

structures.

Channel marker 8 is out from the Harbor Department offices where

the mooring fields narrow in like an hourglass, and this marker was

originally a floating buoy marker.

In all my years of boating, I cannot remember the floating buoy

damaged from a boat. I know it had to happen, but at what repair

costs? In contrast, channel marker 8 has been replaced with a new

pole mounted marker, and I cannot remember what the marker looks like

without a tweaked caged on top.

I support trying new technology 100%, but I also think we have to

be flexible to adapt the innovations to the real world and end-users’

experiences.

Think in retrospect what would happen on land if a stoplight kept

getting hit by cars at any intersection. First, the automobile

drivers would probably sue for damages, but most importantly, the

stoplight would be modified or moved to prevent future collisions.

Therefore, the Coast Guard should work with boaters to help find a

solution, and adapting the markers to this harbor’s environment.

Let’s start by modifying or decreasing the metal cage structure on

top of the poles since it’s the metal cage that is getting hit. Also,

line the poles with reflective tape to increase visibility at

nighttime as the actual flashing light is easily lost in the

background lights of the shore.

Let’s not forget the Back Bay and the markers leading up from

Coast Highway bridge to Dover Shores and the Dunes Marina. This

dogleg waterway is the shallowest cruising section in the harbor, yet

the floating markers are all unlit for nighttime navigation. These

buoy markers should be lighted to help guide boaters off the very

shallow drafts toward the mainland and to the sandbars.

I cruise every harbor along the Pacific Coast from Ensenada to

Canada and I notice most harbors have much better channel markers for

boaters than Newport, which is said to have more than 9,000 boats,

the most of any harbor that I know of in the world.

While you are reading this, I will be cruising up the Pacific

skippering a yacht from Ensenada to Newport Harbor. Of course, we

will stop in San Diego to “ask” for a customs inspection and entering

San Diego Harbor by following the floating lighted buoys.

Good news for those of you who like reading my cruising articles.

I will write monthly a “Where’s Mike” cruising column and a boat

review article beginning in the June and July issues of Dockside

magazine. Just go to my Web site for information.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to Mike@BoathouseTV.com or visit BoathouseTV.com.