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Originally Posted by Evenstar
Yes, I understand the navigation rules. Were were discussing visibility, and my point was that powerboaters run into each other out on open water, when visibility is just fine. The operator of the smaller boat admitted that he never even saw the coast guard vessel – a boat that is way larger and way more visible than any kayak. The 150’ rule is a great law, but it won’t prevent a collision, when someone doesn’t even notice that another vessel is in their path. If a kayaker had been in the path of that smaller boat, he would not likely have survived.
I understand all that, but boats change direction - constantly. I can be safe one second and directly in the path of an approaching high speed boat the next. It really doesn’t make any difference if I can or cannot tell exactly how fast that boat is going.
Look – I kayak for fun. It’s my favorite recreational activity. It’s just not very fun, and certainly not at all relaxing, when I’m out there concerned that one of the many boats traveling at 15 to 20 times my speed might not see me in time to avoid a collision. Every year boats are going faster. PWC also get faster every year. Because of this, NH lakes (not just Winni) are getting less and less enjoyable for paddlers. Our fears are real and our fears are mostly caused by the high speeds of some powerboaters. We can argue about these statistics all you want, but your idea of boating fun is having a very negative impact on many other boaters.
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Evenstar...
Your the one who stated you "I can certainly tell the difference betweent 45 and 70mph". When you are in a small craft such as a kayak all boats will seem like they are traveling at high speed. Its nice to see that you have conceded the point that you cannot tell how fast a boat is traveling. Boats don't change direction constantly and certainly not at high speed. However, a boat can approach your kayak from any direction, requiring you to keep your head on a swivel and maintain a proper lookout at all times.
Apparently you don't understand the Rules of Navigation. The guy in the small boat was NOT REQUIRED TO YIELD to the USCG boat. Read my post above. The USCG boat broke the rules, not the little guy, regardless of his admission of inattention. If he had seen the USCG boat, certainly he could have adjusted his course/speed and the collision could have been avoided. It still doesn't change the fact that the USCG boat was in the wrong, the little boat was the stand on boat.
Boats do collide, and the collision in the video above ocurred at speeds well below 45 MPH. The primary reason for that collision is OPERATOR INATTENTION on the part of the USCG boat. Excessive Speed had nothing to do with this accident other than both boats were on plane. If a kayaker had been in the path of either boat I am sure they would have been able to avoid the kayaker. In the video above both operators were singularly focused on what was directly ahead of them, and not any possible dangers approaching from the side.
I have no doubt that kayaking out in the Broads can be a bit nervewracking on a busy summer saturday. I really do understand that. There are quite a few boats out there and while your busy paddling the waves, you don't want to worry about getting run over. The problem is, regardless of a Speed Limit, or a Safe Passage Law, you are primarily responsible for your own safety.
The 150' Safe Passage Rule, or a Speed Limit law, or any other type of law or rule of navigation will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to protect you if the operator of the boat is not paying attention. If the operator of the boat is paying attention, then you are in absolutely no danger! I am sorry you can't seem to grasp this very simple concept.
Woodsy