I wouldn't want to be looking down one of those barrels. Here's my story.

Last summer I was heading past Edmonds on my way back to West Seattle in my Bayliner. Kicker was tilted up and I was cruising about 30 mph. Coast Guard boat hits their lights so I stop, waiting for them to come alongside to check my boat.

It's not windy at all, just a little current pushing. The driver tries to come alongside and can't control his boat. SMACK, right into my kicker but no damage done. 2nd try, SMACK, into my kicker again. No damage. This time though I say "hey why don't you just stay there and I'll pull alongside." The dude driving is redder than red he's so embarrassed, the other 4 guys are doing there damndest not to laugh when I made that comment.

I motor over, they check my boat, give me that little receipt that says everything checked out ok and they take off.

As they're heading out I look over and the 4 guys on deck are doubled over laughing at the driver. I can't imagine how much crap they gave that dude. One of the guys had whispered to me that he was "in training".