Gentlemen,
Please go back and reread my post.
We all actually agree......
I just presented the numbers, I didn't draw any conclusions.
And you are right, there is obviously more boats in the under 26' class.
But the simple fact is only a handful of deaths occured in the 26 to 40 foot class. This class not only includes off-shores, but fishing boats, large bow riders, etc. So, the actual number of off-shore boat fatalities is even less than the 37 quoted. And this reporting area covers the entire United States & all associated Territories!
You have a much better chance of dying (or being injured) by slipping in a bath tub, being bit by a poisonous spider hiding in your grapes, or having a stroke after reading an internet posting than you do being killed by an errant off-shore.
Again, I have further statistics regarding injuries, losses adjusted for specific boat type & numbers, accidents cross related to boater education..ad nauseum!
The only point I was trying to make here is that a myriad of overwhelming statistical data contradict some (the operative word here is "some") of the outrageous claims being attributed to a single class of boat being operated on the Lake.
The data also shows that lack of formal boater training is a mitigating factor in many of the under 26 foot accidents.
And finally, the greatest contributing factor (neck & neck with operator inattention/negligence)to all accidents regardless of class type or size?
Alcohol.....
So what common thread is there throughout the myriad of statistics that can be researched?
Equipment type/failure plays a minimal role in accidents.
As has been pointed out numerous times by a variety of other posters, it doesn't matter what type of boat it is, it is the operator (in almost all cases reported) that makes the difference.
Anyway, if you want to know a particular stat please drop me an e-mail or a private note, I'll be glad to supply you with a quote and source....
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