Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsy
Wow....
The COLREGS and subsequently most of the NH Boating rules were written long before runabouts... they were designed for large slow lumbering ships that were difficult to maneuver and took along time to stop or change course.
On the lake in while driving a recreational boat the stand on or give way should really only come into play when overtaking or when being overtaken. This was discussed in an earlier thread.
The boats we all drive on the lake are small relatively fast and highly maneuverable. With that being said, usually a minor course or speed correction avoids the whole stand on/give way issue/150' rule issue. There is no reason for runabouts to ever be in danger of collision, and boat vs boat collisions are pretty rare here in NH. I really credit the 150' rule for this. Even though the 150' distance is subjectively argued.... if a boat is what I estimate to be 70 ft away from me I don't worry...
My advice.... keep your head on a swivel at all times. When in doubt of the other guys intentions change your course or speed.... assume he doesn't see you or recognize the possibility of a collision. If you are overtaking someone, swing as wide as possible, in case they don't see you or the abruptly change course. When being overtaken... hold your course and speed until they have passed.
The #1 rule: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO AVOID A COLLISION. Doesn't matter who has the Right of Way.
Woodsy
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I've noticed in the wakes thrown in our recent flat-calm waters, that the
Winnipesaukee Belle and a couple of construction barges "weave" a path across the lake. You could be the "stand-on" boat one minute, and have to change course in the next moment.
So we still have large slow lumbering ships that
are difficult to maneuver and take a long time to stop or change course. They both have flat-bottom hulls and could be "dead-ahead" for many minutes.
