I often wonder why some people compare boats to cars? You simply cannot compare the two. I can only assume the reason is lack of education or understanding. They are two completely different vehicles and are governed by two completely different sets of rules & regulations.
We have speed limits on our roadways because they are relatively narrow and one cannot see for great distances. On the roads, you have two vehicles heading in exactly opposite directions, with a rate of closure that can be at the minimum 60mph, (both cars traveling 30mph) and can be as high as 130mph (both cars traveling 65mph), passing each other with 4' to 5' of separation within a relatively narrow marked lane with limited visibility due to hills and corners. In most cases here in New England you can see less than 1/2 mile ahead of you. Just off the side of those roadways there are lots of immovable objects like trees and buildings. Thier are also people walking not 6' from where your 5000+ lb car is traveling 30mph. (I won't get into the bicyclists)
When you are out on Lake Winnipesaukee, your visibility is measured in miles... its completely flat, there are very few places on the lake where your view is at all obstructed. You are NOT required to travel within narrow marked lanes. There is absolutely no need for a boat to be within 150' of any other boat.
Boating navigation is pretty simple, and just requires you to remember a few simple rules...
1. If you are getting passed, you are the stand on boat. it is the other boats responsibility to pass you safely. However, while he is overtaking you, you are required to not make any sudden course corrections. It is recommended you hold steady on your course.
2. If a boat is passing from your port to starboard (left to right) he is the give way vessel. You are required to maintain course, he is supposed to navigate around you. At night you would see his GREEN light, (you go) and he your RED light (he stops)
3. If a boat is passing from your starboard to your port (right to left) You are the give way vessel. You are required to change course and navigate around the other boat. At night you would see his RED light, (you stop) and he your GREEN light (he goes)
An easy reminder I has as a kid was a couple of pieces of colored tape, red & green. all I had to do was look at the tape, to figure out what ROW rule applied.
4. Always yield to sailboat under sail or a less manueverable vessel (tugboat/barge)
5. You are responsible for safety of your boat at all times, regardless of the rules of navigation. When in doubt of the other boats intentions, change course, slow down or come to a complete stop. This rule trumps all of the above rules!
6. Do your best to stay 150' away from everything.... when in distance is in doubt, slow down.
I really don't see why people have such a hard time with the rules of navigation. They are pretty simple. I really think it boils down to a complete lack of education.
Bear Islander, one of the most vocal people here about rules violations, lack of courtesy, need a speed limit etc, let someone without any safe boater education drive his boat. The excuse given was "The operator was old enough not to need a certificate" Apparantly the operator wasn't informed of the rules & regulations of boat operation here on Lake Winnipesaukee by the owner of the boat! Just because a certificate is not yet required by law, doesn't mean you should not get one ASAP. I wonder what your insurance company would have said if your boat collided with your dock? The picture seems to show a near miss.
Bear Islander also stated "Everybody else (non educated?) can use the 15HP aluminum, the canoe or the pedal boat". How is it that you can let anyone without their safe boaters certificate use the 15hp Aluminum? It is subject to the same rules of operation as any other boat.
Bear Islander, I am not picking on you... no really! I am just using your own posted pictures and posts to illustrate a very important point. I am sure you are not the only one who has let someone use thier boat who hadn't had any formal boater education. I'll bet it happens quite a bit.
Boater education WORKS!
Woodsy
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