Germany Patrol Boat Demonstrates Seamanship [to long-haired, dope-smoking Greenpeace types]

Spiegel Online ^ | 7. June 2007 | none

[1rudeboy]

In the first sequence, it's important to note that the German vessel (not sure if it qualifies as a "patrol boat," as I couldn't identify it) bears-off in order to avoid striking a "friendly" inflatable.

What's interesting about the later sequence is the master's throttle control, and what appears to be the patrol boat driving the stern of the "unfriendly" inflatable underwater in order to disable its engine.

I'm getting a kick out of imagining (delivered in a German accent, naturally):

"UNIDENTIFIED VESSEL OFF MY STARBOARD BOW!
THIS IS THE GERMAN PATROL BOAT, OMGPWND!
YOU HAVE ENTERED RESTRICTED WATERS!
HEAVE TO AND PREPARE TO BE BOARDED!"

Spiegel matterial must be excerpted, click here for the video.

[1rudeboy]

Related information:

Official Website of the German Navy

[1066AD]

They haven’t forgotten how to drive E-Boats LOL

[raybbr]

Ausgeziechnet!!!!

That patrol boat outmaneuvered that inflatable a quarter its size. That was fun to watch.

[raybbr]

Ausgezeichnet!!! I spelled it wrong the fist time.

[1rudeboy]

That was fun to watch.

Wasn't it, though? That German handled his ship like a personal watercraft.

[af_vet_rr]

They haven’t forgotten how to drive E-Boats LOL

That was some pretty dang good maneuvering on the part of whoever was at the throttle.

[1rudeboy]

I am re-thinking my decision not to buy a boat. Looks like one could have quite a party on the rear platform. Is there a surplus market for these bad boys?

[Toddsterpatriot]

It’s an expensive habit. How big a boat are you looking at?

[1rudeboy]

I’m just naval-gazing [sic].

[Toddsterpatriot]

LOL!

I have a friend who charters his boat on Lake Michigan. He's a clown but probably wouldn't kill you. Probably.

[1rudeboy]

Really? I have an acquaintance that runs fishing charters. I’m not even close to being able to afford it.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Yeah, it’s expensive. The guy is a ski bum. Spends 4 or 5 months in Canada skiing, charters the boat in the summer. Does some computer consulting to earn beer money.

[1rudeboy]

The guy I know is in his 40s. Makes decent money, I suppose. Still lives with his mom.

[Mase]

We had a jet boat for a short time while in California. Used to take it to the Colorado River and Lake Havasu to water ski. Those places serve as solid testaments to the fact that alcohol and fast boats don't mix. Other than the 'Girls Gone Wild' benefit to being there, the rest was nothing more than trying not to get killed by some out of control drunk hurtling two tons of fiberglass at 60 mph over the water.

Sailing proved to be much more relaxing, enjoyable and a lot less costly.

[Toddsterpatriot]

The guy I know is in his 40s. Makes decent money, I suppose.

Hmmmmm.....could be the guy.

Still lives with his mom.

Maybe not. LOL!

[1rudeboy]

Chicago has a number of low breakwaters off the downtown area that are invisible at night. They eat a couple cigarette-boats a year.

I crewed on a 49' sloop out of Burnham Harbor. We'd stay south of Navy Pier for the reason you mention, especially at night.

[JRios1968]

[1rudeboy]

[Fan of Fiat]

What an insane video!

I was on scene several years ago when the “Rainbow Warriors” tried to shut down the Makah Tribe whaling hunt. We were able to hold them off with what we had, but it would have been much more fun with a boat like that!

[1rudeboy]

I can’t tear my eyes away from it. I’ve watched that final maneuver maybe a dozen times already. I did notice that the inflatable has two outboard engines . . . something I had not noticed before . . . making the performance of the patrol boat even more impressive.