Red right return buoy

[Cp78]

Good morning everyone, I know I may get a few weird luxe or even a few laughs but I do have a serious question. I have had boats in the past but they have been small ones nothing like I have now. Can someone please explain the red right return buoy situation to me. I’m still learning to read the channel as far as where I can and shouldn’t go with my boat. I do thank you for your help and patience on this.

 

[jb366]

Originally it was run with the red buoy on the right when returning from sea but in our application is red on right when heading upstream. So running upriver or towards watt bar dam keep the red on the right. In creeks red is on right when running in to creeks

 

[fischnrod]

Not sure I understand the question but for me I keep the red buoys on my right and green on my left when I travel upstream and opposite when I return

 

[Cp78]

Thank you for the reply. I have not had this boat too long and I am wanting to take it out this weekend. But my concern is the level of the water everyone is saying that it is shallow and stay within the channel and keep the buoy on my right hand side. I don’t want to run up on ground for sure.

 

[jpdavidm]

This is Jay you will be fine just as I explained keep your eye on that graph and if you put in at HBSP stay to the right of the dock while you idle out.

 

[jpdavidm]

Also the graph marks the buyos you will see Red and Green on the graph.

 

[Cp78]

Awesome thanks for the help. I definitely enjoy this site.

 

[Cp78]

Awesome thanks for the help. I definitely enjoy this site.

 

[FlippinManiac]

Glad you enjoy it, this site is full of useful information. As others have posted, when heading upstream keep the red bouys to your right (green to the left). When entering a slough from the main river channel, do the same (red to the right and green to the left).

Another thing I would add, when in doubt keep extremely close to the bouy (red or green). They generally will not put the bouy in a dirt shallow location. And also, watch out for shallow markers. They will generally be designated by a white bouy with orange/red markings or a white pole sticking straight out of the water.

 

[silvertalon]

To simplify, 2 things- 1-Red Right Return. (return meaning out of a creek or back down river). That is, stay to the right side of the red bouy's.. 2- Green Right headed up river or into creeks. That is stay to the right side of the green bouy's/ And like flippin maniac said, when in doubt, stay inline with either green or red as all of them are set out deep on channel edges.

 

[Jpull]

The entrance to Possum Creek is a really good example. When I'm going up or down creeks I also try to "read the channel". Bluffs generally indicate deeper water and long shallow banks the opposite.

 

[Dirtroadhound]

Good info

 

[Cp78]

I went out today for about 4 hours. Had a good time and no problems at all. After taking the advice from everyone her everything worked out great. jPdavidm, the graph worked great and showed me everything. Thank you

 

[TNTall]

It never ceases to amaze me seeing boaters run aground almost every week. You can get a used gps unit for $200 or a printed lake map for $10. I'm glad you realize you can't just run anywhere you see water.

 

[silvertalon]

silvertalon - 3/23/2018 9:32 PM

To simplify, 2 things- 1-Red Right Return. (return meaning out of a creek or back down river). That is, stay to the right side of the red bouy's.. 2- Green Right headed up river or into creeks. That is stay to the right side of the green bouy's/ And like flippin maniac said, when in doubt, stay inline with either green or red as all of them are set out deep on channel edges.

Sorry, I screwed that up. Correction- It's red on right headed down river. And Green on left headed up river.

 

[TNTall]

silvertalon - 3/26/2018 10:34 AM

silvertalon - 3/23/2018 9:32 PM

To simplify, 2 things- 1-Red Right Return. (return meaning out of a creek or back down river). That is, stay to the right side of the red bouy's.. 2- Green Right headed up river or into creeks. That is stay to the right side of the green bouy's/ And like flippin maniac said, when in doubt, stay inline with either green or red as all of them are set out deep on channel edges.

Sorry, I screwed that up. Correction- It's red on right headed down river. And Green on left headed up river.

No you had it right the first time... red on right heading upstream.

 

[silvertalon]

TNTall - 3/26/2018 10:37 AM

silvertalon - 3/26/2018 10:34 AM

silvertalon - 3/23/2018 9:32 PM

To simplify, 2 things- 1-Red Right Return. (return meaning out of a creek or back down river). That is, stay to the right side of the red bouy's.. 2- Green Right headed up river or into creeks. That is stay to the right side of the green bouy's/ And like flippin maniac said, when in doubt, stay inline with either green or red as all of them are set out deep on channel edges.

Sorry, I screwed that up. Correction- It's red on right headed down river. And Green on left headed up river.

No you had it right the first time... red on right heading upstream.

Yes, sorry, I just stay in between them to be sure.

 

[Liveliner]

Red has absolutely ZERO to do with your returning. They mark the navigation Channel. Green on one side and Red on the other and based on the common flow of the Current. If you are trying to keep red on your Right to return. You will be at Watts Bar Damn before you find your home port.. In upstream travel. Red is On your right to maintain navigation within the marked Channel. Downstream Travel, Red will be on your Left. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GET A FREE USCG BOATER'S MANUAL AND STUDY IT VERY WELL BEFORE GOING BACK OUT ON THE RIVER.. YOU CAN GET HURT OUT THERE BY NOT KNOWING HOW TO RESPOND TO RIVER TRAFFIC.

 

[TightlineT]

To be honest, I had some issue with which side was what when I started boating years ago. I used to say to myself in a little rhyme, "red on the right when going upriver". Seemed to help me and taught my son the same although he probably just thinks I'm senile.....hope it helps. See ya on the water!!

 

[fishnfed]

TWRA offers a free Boaters Safety class that will go over this and many other "rules of the road" for boating. It is mandatory for anyone born after January 01, 1989, however, anyone is welcome to take the course. I'm familiar with the courses in the Knoxville area and there are 16 in Farragut, 16 on Norris and about 12 at Bass Pro Shop in Sevierville. You can find the link to these classes on the TWRA web page under the "boating" link. Safe boating and wear your lifejacket; they float you don't.