# Duck Boats. Would you ride on one? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 20, 2018, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289 "2018-07-20T19:28:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/61 "2018-07-22T13:17:37Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > My selection bias does lean toward me, I am sorry. I dont think the TSA cares a whole hell of alot what I think about my personal safety. > The duck boats are unsafe, bottom line. Bungey jumping is unsafe too, but peeps will still do it. Swimming with sharks is unsafe, peeps will still do it. And pay money to do so. Dumb. Do you drive a car? ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/62 "2018-07-22T13:17:53Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > … they have a canopy on top, but the “windows” are just open space. If the boat capsized, it would be easy for everyone to get out via the window closest to each person… Take a look at [this picture,](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-news-inspector-warned-duck-boat-company-flaws-20180722-story.html)\* and tell me how open the windows are. > [@](#): > > A witness’ video of the duck boat just before it capsized suggests that its flexible plastic windows might have been closed and could have trapped passengers as the hybrid boat-truck went down. It does not show passengers jumping clear. > > “The biggest problem with a duck when it sinks is that canopy,” Paul said. “That canopy becomes what I’ll call a people catcher, and people can’t get out from under that canopy.” When a boat like this sinks by swamping, or due to inadequate bilge, there is a rush of water over the boat’s edge, which would be pushing people back towards the interior. This would make escape, especially in a storm, quite difficult. - In all fairness to the truth, although that pic is ONE of the Branson boats, I don’t know if it is THE one that went down. And it doesn’t tell us if the windows were down at the time, although one of the purposes of the windows was to shield the passengers from wind and spray, so it’s likely that they were down on that last trip. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/63 "2018-07-22T13:32:17Z")
> **[Boston Duck Tours | Boston's Best Sightseeing Tour](https://bostonducktours.com/)** > > Experience the best introDUCKtion to Boston with our fully narrated, historic tours by the city's most notable landmarks, and right into the Charles River! I’ve never seen them operate with the windows closed - the operator urges the passengers to “quack”, and they are noisy as hell when they go by. Yes, I agree, the one that sank probably did have closed windows. It also operated in a large lake in a storm. Riding in a duck boat seems like it would be more fun, as well as safer, in nice weather. You can make almost any activity dangerous, but I don’t think riding in a duck boat in the usual way (sunny, open windows) is particularly dangerous. I’ve always been more worried they might hit someone else on the street, due to poor visibility. (which, indeed, seems to have happened.) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/64 "2018-07-22T13:40:18Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Do you drive a car? Yes, I drive. It’s a necessary evil. I don’t like it but I must do it. The deer in these parts are actively trying to kill me. Believe me when I say I would stay home and never leave. I don’t _need_ to ride a duck boat. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/65 "2018-07-22T14:41:53Z")
I have just read the [MAIB report on two DUKW incidents in the UK](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/54c1722240f0b6158d00002b/MAIBReport_32-2014.pdf) (one sinking, one fire) and the thing that strikes me is that it seems to be practically impossible to make those things buoyant enough for modern safety standards. And when they tried, it caused other problems - moving parts rubbing on buoyancy foam and causing a fire. So no, based on reading that report I wouldn’t ride on one. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/66 "2018-07-22T14:47:36Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Believe me when I say I would stay home and never leave. Are you sure you want to keep claiming your personal approach to risk assessment is “rational”? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/67 "2018-07-22T14:57:01Z")
> [@naita](#): > > Are you sure you want to keep claiming your personal approach to risk assessment is “rational”? Are you sure you want to continue taking things she wrote out of context and then trying to slam her for it? Is this thread about Beckdawrecmk or is it about these patently unsafe duck boats? ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/68 "2018-07-22T16:29:47Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > [http://www.bostonducktours.com/](http://www.bostonducktours.com/) > > …I’ve never seen them operate with the windows closed… Says [one survivor:](http://www.newser.com/story/262277/duck-boat-survivor-the-captain-was-freaking-out.html) > [@](#): > > Apparently the windows were sealed and the canopy closed, trapping everyone inside until the captain realized it and released the boat canopy. Interesting…the passengers couldn’t open the “windows”, only the boat operator can? Who thought that would be a good idea? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/69 "2018-07-22T16:50:00Z")
> [@naita](#): > > Are you sure you want to keep claiming your personal approach to risk assessment is “rational”? Again, I know what I would or wouldn’t do. The question is: would you ride one? ETA (thanks Bo) ---
**Author:** ![Allecher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a6a055/32.png) [@Allecher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Allecher)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/70 "2018-07-22T16:58:31Z")
I would like to see the riders take some responsibility for their own safety. By that I mean that even if I paid good money for tickets I would check the weather forecast before I got on the ride. Most likely the riders trusted the company to cancel for bad weather, which did not happen in this case. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/71 "2018-07-22T17:19:46Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Again, I know what I would or wouldn’t do. The question is: would you ride one? > > ETA (thanks Bo) Already said I have and will again. So that is not the question. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/72 "2018-07-22T17:24:18Z")
It’s my question. Read the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/73 "2018-07-22T17:38:16Z")
Would I ride one? Sure. Not only can I swim, I’m immortal. Otherwise, not so much. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/74 "2018-07-22T17:49:19Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > It’s my question. Read the OP. Let me rephrase then. In the context of the side discussion about whether or not Duck Boats are so dangerous it’s rational avoid them completely, and by extension, in light of your choice of words, irrational to ride one at any time, flipping back to the OP question, which I’ve already answered, is not relevant. Assuming your intent was simply to drop the tangent and still get the last word, I’m happy to oblige. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2018, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/75 "2018-07-22T23:11:10Z")
> [@Allecher](#): > > I would like to see the riders take some responsibility for their own safety. By that I mean that even if I paid good money for tickets I would check the weather forecast before I got on the ride. Most likely the riders trusted the company to cancel for bad weather, which did not happen in this case. That’s a strawman argument, isn’t it? If you checked the weather, then what? Do you know the operational capabilities of a DUKW? I know they were originally designed for the military & militaries don’t typically postpone their battles because of some inclement weather. I’d assume they were at least as good if not better than a typical boat. Aren’t there frequently waves near the shore; isn’t that were they were designed to operate? I also know that aircraft cxl their operations when the weather is outside of their allowable parameters, why would you expect these guys to not do the same? Even if you asked the captain if it’s safe, what do you think he’ll say? “Gosh, golly, Mr. Beaver, I sure hope so.” No, of course he’s going to say they can handle it. Hindsight indicates that’s wrong. > [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > FWIW, I’ve felt this way about this particular class of vehicle before this specific tragedy, mainly due to other swampings (Philadelphia, Hot Springs) Nit Pick: There were two incidents in Philadelphia. One where the captain intentionally stopped the engine after it began smokingm thinking it was an engine fire. Unfortunately, it was then overrun by a barge being pushed by a tugboat, whose captain was involved with a true family [emergency](http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20120510__17_million_settlement_in_Delaware_River_duck-boat_deaths.html) (complications during son’s surgery). I feel sorry for him, but he shouldn’t have remained at the helm while dealing with the emergency. He ultimately served time for “the maritime equivalent of involuntary manslaughter.” The second one was a Darwin Award contender (except for the fact that she was 68); she was looking at her tablet & crossed against a red light right into the path of the Duck. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/76 "2018-07-23T17:46:15Z")
I’ve gone on duck tours in both Portland, Me. and Boston, and had a good time both times. I’d do it again, if the weather was good. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/77 "2018-07-23T17:57:46Z")
It rides too low in the water for my taste. It looks like a bus that accidentally drove into the water and is well on its way to sinking. The roof seals you in and effectively prevents an easy escape. In short, it’s a freaking death trap. So, how was that boat allowed to enter the water full of people with the weather forecast predicting high winds and rough water? ---
**Author:** ![erysichthon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d07c76/32.png) [@erysichthon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erysichthon)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/78 "2018-07-24T00:24:09Z")
Take a ride in a WWII-era vehicle that has known design flaws, may be poorly-maintained, and has a canopy that traps passengers if the damn thing sinks? No, thank you. ---
**Author:** ![JerrySTL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e274bd/32.png) [@JerrySTL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerrySTL)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/79 "2018-07-24T00:39:23Z")
I rode a Duck boat in Branson. Might even have been the same boat that sank. I’d do it again; however, I might have the life jacket close by and not check the weather first. ---
**Author:** ![betterlifethroughchemistry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/betterlifethroughchemistry/32/3094_2.png) [@betterlifethroughchemistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betterlifethroughchemistry)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289/80 "2018-07-24T00:50:55Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Steve Paul has a similar opinion, and his was communicated directly to the tour company: He was just on the news, he repeated that and he added that the shape of the canopy (which evidently is a later addition) caused so many deaths - the shape prevents people from easily escaping…he actually called it, “A people catcher…” Meanwhile, they were showing the video of the boat right before it went down, and it absolutely gave me chills…horrific… So, I’m sticking with my ‘No’ answer… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duck-boats-would-you-ride-on-one/818289.md?page=5)