Saw a great bonehead move yesterday

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by momof3

I try to be very aware of the boating rules/laws on the lake. I have to say there are many times I am doing the right thing and some bonehead is doing the wrong thing and to avoid a disaster I manuever in such a way that I end up looking like a bonehead.
What do you do in these situations???? So many people just do what they want with no regard.
Example, heading in Friday evening I pass Eagle Island on my right, come out of the no wake zone, head towards the weirs channel, their is a small rental boat (it says rental on the side) on the wrong side of marker at FL1, he notices the marker, he is on my left and then decides to turn the boat in front of me, what do you do?????
I end up being flustered and am sure i look like a bonehead!

Your description makes it sound like the rental boater is plainly at fault. Anyone who understands boating rules that witnessed that situation would have to conclude the rental is captained by a bonehead because he was on the wrong side of the marker and then created a collision course situation with you off your port bow.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by momof3

"...(it says rental on the side) on the wrong side of marker at FL1...I end up being flustered and am sure i look like a bonehead...!"

Many cottage rentals begin and end on a Saturday.

The renters are usually unpacking and relaxing lakeside on Saturday, and may not pick up their rental boats until Sunday. I'd guess most are totally unfamiliar with their rental boat and, if from out of the state, are also unfamiliar with the "Unsafe Passage" rule. My abutting three-in-a-row rental cottages have all been "one-week-rentals", with most having the same brand of boat.

This one brand of boat is a brand unnoticed previously by me. Nearly all have an inventory number on the right transom. All are white in color. (Hint: the brand begins with the letter "E").

You're not the only one flustered: Sometimes, to avoid a swamping from an oversized wake, I've had to turn 180° right away to avoid becoming a flush-to-the-gunwhales speed bump.

While I'm not really 100% comforted with others' observance of the 150' rule—and that my sailboat nearly always has the right of way—it can still make for a flustering day for me and for others.