Accident at Lake Cumberland PR

**Stainless** · 09-09-2013, 08:10 PM

From that angle looks like the roost from the boat they attempted to overtake got under them?
Wonder if there is any scientific information about how much pressure is exerted by boat roost?
Just asking to generate healthy discussion, not applying blame to anyone.

**HB Vic** · 09-09-2013, 08:28 PM

Cats, unlike V's, want to fly. They are designed to pack air and lift the boat out of the water, at higher speeds. Even at slow speeds, Cats will launch off rollers and wakes. Where a V would more than likely plow through that same wake or roller. I've aired my little boat out a couple times where all I saw was sky for a split second. Makes you gasp for that split second, but then the boat lands and all is good. That was going less than 100. I would imagine, the smallest disturbance in the water, at the speeds those boats roll, can cause any number of things to happen. And more than likely there was absolutely nothing the driver could have done to prevent it. I agree with not placing blame. Two souls were lost and their families and friends are devastated. We may never know the true cause. For most of us, machines like that are probably not in our future. Just as in owning any exotic vehicle, there are inherent risks involved with operating them. For me personally, I would prefer to leave this earth doing something I love to do vs getting into a traffic accident on the freeway. Hopefully their families can find some solace in that. RIP guys.

**She's Mine** · 09-10-2013, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by Hotboat

Cats, unlike V's, want to fly. They are designed to pack air and lift the boat out of the water, at higher speeds. Even at slow speeds, Cats will launch off rollers and wakes. Where a V would more than likely plow through that same wake or roller. I've aired my little boat out a couple times where all I saw was sky for a split second. Makes you gasp for that split second, but then the boat lands and all is good. That was going less than 100. I would imagine, the smallest disturbance in the water, at the speeds those boats roll, can cause any number of things to happen. And more than likely there was absolutely nothing the driver could have done to prevent it. I agree with not placing blame. Two souls were lost and their families and friends are devastated. We may never know the true cause. For most of us, machines like that are probably not in our future. Just as in owning any exotic vehicle, there are inherent risks involved with operating them. For me personally, I would prefer to leave this earth doing something I love to do vs getting into a traffic accident on the freeway. Hopefully their families can find some solace in that. RIP guys.

Very well said... Such a sad and unnecessary loss. God Speed!

**gn7** · 09-09-2013, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Carbon

From that angle looks like the roost from the boat they attempted to overtake got under them?
Wonder if there is any scientific information about how much pressure is exerted by boat roost?
Just asking to generate healthy discussion, not applying blame to anyone.

Its not so much the pressure of the spray. Its that so much water goes into the entrapment tunnel that it can literally plug the exist out the back of the boat. The water isn't compressible, so it reduces the volume of the entrapment area as well. As the water stacks up in the back it plugs the exit for the air and to it builds up enough pressure to kite the boat. The effect is aggravated by the fact that at some point the boat had one sponson on each side of the lead boats wake, which in effect created a crest or ridge of water under the boat, taking up even more entrapment volume. Add in the fact that the boat became a little upset crossing the wake, it was enough to make the whole thing totally unstable. Who knows, 25-30 further back, 25-30 mph slower, and its just a bump in the water.

It looks from the 2 videos that the crossing boat was not in his view until he made that move, and it may have been a knee jerk reaction to move left to create more space/time between him and the crossing boat.
although the crossing boat was not as close as it appears in the second video, as evidenced in the first, (its out of the frame), at that speed stuff happens quick and he probably did what he thought was the safest thing to do. Sadly, its was safe for everybody involved but them.
If he had gone straight he probably would have cleared the boat with a slight move to the left if at all. But you have a split second to make that decision, and he did what he thought was the safest thing to do. One thing is certain, Asbell was more aware of his speed than the driver of the cruiser was, or he would have never crossed in front of those 2 boats. I bet once he was dead in their line he was wishing he was somewhere else.

I always wondered about some sort of pressure hatch in the deck that would allow the air to escape if it builds to high, or the nose exceeds a given angle of attack. Like the flaps on Cup car, that disrupt the airflow over the car to keep it from going air borne.

Sadly, this kind of thing is going to happen when you hold a Poker Run with boats that fast on an open lake. Nobody would consider allowing boats to cross the course at a drag race or a circle race. But Poker Runs are not considered "races", regardless of the speeds. You can't have a Honda Civic crossing the track at Indy or Daytona. Why do they continue to think they can allow it at a Poker Run when the boats are capable of those speeds?
Every time something like this happens, fewer and fewer sponsors, cities/lakes are going to be willing to have their name attached to them.

**rivrrts429** · 09-09-2013, 10:14 PM

Another angle. Not sure if posted already.

I believe the green Skater is off to the left at the beginning of the video.

**GotHalos** · 09-09-2013, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by rivrrts429

Another angle. Not sure if posted already.

I believe the green Skater is off to the left at the beginning of the video.

Is it just me or is that way too close for comfort? If I was the guy in the fishing boat I think I would've bailed.

**rivrrts429** · 09-09-2013, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by GotHalos

Is it just me or is that way too close for comfort? If I was the guy in the fishing boat I think I would've bailed.

Yeah.. He's just a tad to far out there lol. I definitely would be hugging the shore.

Not sure who to point the finger at though.

GRADS · 09-09-2013, 11:26 PM

Poker runs are bullshit which is made clearly obvious by the last video. You want to have a "fun run" then limit the speeds to -80 mph. If you want to go any faster than that, have it on a closed course with all the safety equipment/training needed.

**Slacker** · 09-10-2013, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by GRADS

Poker runs are bullshit which is made clearly obvious by the last video. You want to have a "fun run" then limit the speeds to -80 mph. If you want to go any faster than that, have it on a closed course with all the safety equipment/training needed.

Sorry I disagree. here in Havasu boats go 100 plus on a consistent basis, poker run or no poker run. No big deal.