Kayak Safety Flags

[robmac]

I am some what confused. When an option comes up that would help everyone from a safety standpoint paddlers find it a bad suggestion? I would think all boaters would want to work to make the waterways as safe as we can for all that enjoy them. I would think and hope all boaters were wanting and looking for the same thing, a safe and friendly place to coexist on all of our waterways. Perhaps I am wishing but I would think that safety is everyones main concern. Just a thought IMHO.

[OCDACTIVE]

Great post Rob. I agree fully. We should support actions like this that makes sense. Perhaps a provision that if you are 150 feet from shore then you need the flag. I don't think it is necessary if you are going up a stream that is only 4 feet wide off of a bay.

I also think a $25 fee, useage sticker will go a long way to help raise funds for the navigation fund (provided they do not pilage it again!) It has always been said that paddlers have every right to the lake and voice towards legislation as power boaters, well then they shouldn't have an issue with having to also pay to use it. (I am also a kayaker and a powerboater, just seems fair)

[Winnipesaukee]

"Unfunded mandate", my two favorite words to complain about.

And please no more taxes. Boaters should only be "taxed" for the "wear and tear" they cause to the lake. I don't think kayaks need to pay a tax to support the Milfoil Eradication Fight.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

"Unfunded mandate", my two favorite words to complain about.

And please no more taxes. Boaters should only be "taxed" for the "wear and tear" they cause to the lake. I don't think kayaks need to pay a tax to support the Milfoil Eradication Fight.

Sorry, I disagree. Anyone who uses the lake has an equal voice and equal rights to use the lake. They also are under the protection of the dept. of safety. By paying a useage fee it only seems fair. It takes just as much energy, time, and resources to save a kayaker in the middle of the lake as it does a powerboater. One could argue that the powerboater may even be more prepared due to the amount of safety gear required to be on board.

[fatlazyless]

Carrying a whistle attached to the zipper pull on the pfd is something I always like to have on a kayak. A whistle is small, easy to carry, and could be pretty helpfull for certain situations. Plus, whistles seem to be heard real good out across the water.

What's the better safety item for kayaking Lake Winnipesaukee, a loud whistle or a cell phone?

Toot....toot....toot.....thought I'd give the whistle a tout here....as long as people are discussing kayaking safety.......toot....toot!


Believe that Florida boating law requires kayaks in Florida to carry a sound making device such as a whistle, as I recall. Plus, a kayaker always has the option of carrying one of those small compressed air horns which are extremely loud.

[Turtle Boy]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Sorry, I disagree. Anyone who uses the lake has an equal voice and equal rights to use the lake. They also are under the protection of the dept. of safety. By paying a useage fee it only seems fair. It takes just as much energy, time, and resources to save a kayaker in the middle of the lake as it does a powerboater. One could argue that the powerboater may even be more prepared due to the amount of safety gear required to be on board.

Lower impact uses of the lake need to be encouraged. Quadruple the number of kayaks on the lake and the difference would be hardly perceptable. Quadruple the number of power boats and the difference would be insane (see acres per second utilized). My power boat is used probably 20 hours per season. The 3 kayaks and one canoe are used probably 5 hours between the four of them. And when is the last time a kayak crashed into an island at some ungodly hour of the early morning (and the maximum damage most likely would be a small scratch to the kayak)? And when was the last complaint against one kayak not giving into the right of way of the other kayak?
Yes we know occasionally a kayak blown away from a beach in the wind could be responsible for a massive search and rescue but I suspect wayward kayaks are responsible for a tiny fraction of the the MP's time and efforts.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

Lower impact uses of the lake need to be encouraged. Quadruple the number of kayaks on the lake and the difference would be hardly perceptable. Quadruple the number of power boats and the difference would be insane (see acres per second utilized). My power boat is used probably 20 hours per season. The 3 kayaks and one canoe are used probably 5 hours between the four of them. And when is the last time a kayak crashed into an island at some ungodly hour of the early morning (and the maximum damage most likely would be a small scratch to the kayak)? And when was the last complaint against one kayak not giving into the right of way of the other kayak?
Yes we know occasionally a kayak blown away from a beach in the wind could be responsible for a massive search and rescue but I suspect wayward kayaks are responsible for a tiny fraction of the the MP's time and efforts.

We are not going away - PERIOD.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

We are not going away - PERIOD.

Don't take the bait..... It is just another attempt of misdirection to get the thread off track and potentially shut down.

[Kracken]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

Lower impact uses of the lake need to be encouraged. Quadruple the number of kayaks on the lake and the difference would be hardly perceptable. Quadruple the number of power boats and the difference would be insane (see acres per second utilized). My power boat is used probably 20 hours per season. The 3 kayaks and one canoe are used probably 5 hours between the four of them. And when is the last time a kayak crashed into an island at some ungodly hour of the early morning (and the maximum damage most likely would be a small scratch to the kayak)? And when was the last complaint against one kayak not giving into the right of way of the other kayak?
Yes we know occasionally a kayak blown away from a beach in the wind could be responsible for a massive search and rescue but I suspect wayward kayaks are responsible for a tiny fraction of the the MP's time and efforts.

Really?

If you hit an island at 29mph at 2:00am, if your kayak capsized in the broads 3:00pm, if you fell into your bowl of Fruit Loops and drowned this morning, what difference does it make what time and how it happened.

A water rescue, ambulance ride, or coroner’s office visit can result from a ride in a 38 foot cruiser or a 12 foot Sea Kayak.

If there were 4 times as many vessels of any kind there would be 4 times as many incidents. Although if there were 4 times as many power boats there would be four times as much revenue to fund the NHMP, milfoil eradication and….oh wait that not true…never mind.

TB,

I have to give credit where credit is due. You have been steadfast and consistent as it pertains to safety and equal rights to share the lake’s resources. While I have most often disagreed with every argument you have made, I have respected the fact that you have been unwavering in your beliefs. However, I am totally confused why on this subject, you are straying away from the principles you have agued for in the past.

[Excalibur]

The safety flag is cool idea, I had one on my bike as a child. With my kayak being the Hobie type where you typically use pedal power, the colorful paddle may not quite work.

But lets take a FLL approach and head down to Wally world or order from amazon.com (my choice) a safety flag for a bike for $10. They rise up about six feet and could be added to the kayak with some bent aluminum and a few bolts, washers and thumb screws.

http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/...Store_Code=abs

FLL... I attach a whistle to all the kids PFD's and ones used for kayaking,skiing,jet ski, and canoeing. Its a great safety idea for all.

[jrc]

The registration sticker for kayaks idea has been discussed here before. Remember that the registration fees boaters pay goes to several uses, out of every registration:

(a) $7.50 lake restoration and preservation fund
(b) $1 fish and game search and rescue fund
(c) $5 compensation for processing the registration
(d) $5 statewide public boat access fund
(e) $2 tidal or coastal waters, harbor dredging and pier maintenance fund

I believe that kayaks directly benefit from a,b, and d. A small fee for an annual sticker would be fair. Now I know people (like me) usually have a strong negative reaction to any new taxes, but someone needs to pay for these services, I believe a user fee is more equitable than funding from the general fund.

[jrc]

BTW I would do this as an access sticker. You walk into a marina or sporting goods store and buy a sticker and stick it on the boat. No need for titles and fancy stuff. It doesn't prove you own the boat, just that you paid to navigate state waters.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Kracken

Really?


If there were 4 times as many vessels of any kind there would be 4 times as many incidents.

Statisticly it would actually be worse than that with many more drownings occurring in canoes/kayaks than in powerboats.

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by Kracken

Really?



If there were 4 times as many vessels of any kind there would be 4 times as many incidents. Although if there were 4 times as many power boats there would be four times as much revenue to fund the NHMP, milfoil eradication and….

If there were 4 times as many power boats on the lake there would be four times the need for four times the number of MP's on the lake.

Arguing that kayaks might have as much of an impact as powerboats on the lake? Come on...that's just not rational. And BTW I have a 14' powerboat and kayaks too. No one here is advocating a kayak only lake. I do wonder if some of our posts are getting rather histrionic bordering on hysterical. Way too many outbursts like "boaters are not criminals" and "we're not leaving the lake".

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

I do wonder if some of our posts are getting rather histrionic bordering on hysterical. Way too many outbursts like "boaters are not criminals" and "we're not leaving the lake".

Oh the horrors

I was drinking coffee when I first saw the title of this thread.

Heck, I needed a new monitor anyway

If that's all you have to put up with SOTD, consider yourself very lucky

[Kracken]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

If there were 4 times as many power boats on the lake there would be four times the need for four times the number of MP's on the lake.

Arguing that kayaks might have as much of an impact as powerboats on the lake? Come on...that's just not rational. And BTW I have a 14' powerboat and kayaks too. No one here is advocating a kayak only lake. I do wonder if some of our posts are getting rather histrionic bordering on hysterical. Way too many outbursts like "boaters are not criminals" and "we're not leaving the lake".

Sunset,


I enjoy your posts….keep them coming.


My point was simple although admittedly a bit sarcastic.

There is a reason why Canobie Lake, Lake Massabesic and others in this state allow boats but not swimmers. It is easier to remove the contaminants from a power boat than from humans.

Does that mean a bather actually does more damage? I don’t know but the fact is: It’s debatable. The more important fact is it’s not an issue. Lake Winnipesaukee is very clean and the boats, swimmers and kayakers are not damaging the lake. One might say the wakes are causing erosion; well the wind causes a lot more waves than boats do. We can't ban the wind...although some days I would like to.

I just can’t rationalize penalizing one type of vessel or rewarding another type for using more or less of the lake. That is a very slippery slope. I am not anti any type of boat. I enjoy the kayak, the canoe and my favorite toy…the floating chase lounge. I don’t believe any should be banned or limited. I just believe they should ALL be used responsibly.

I am playing in a 100 hole golf tournament tomorrow for charity. That floating chase lounge chair will get a lot of use this weekend.

[robmac]

Perhaps MHO is wrong but I think alot of this has to do with everyone wanting safety. With that said, shouldn't everyone participate in maintaining that with MP getting the needed funds? Who is not in favor for the safest waterways and family enjoyment we can have? I for one wasn't happy with the added cost this year but accept that to insure that we do have safe guards in place they cost money,why shouldn't all boater share that responsibility? Again this is IMHO

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by robmac

Perhaps MHO is wrong but I think alot of this has to do with everyone wanting safety. With that said, shouldn't everyone participate in maintaining that with MP getting the needed funds? Who is not in favor for the safest waterways and family enjoyment we can have? I for one wasn't happy with the added cost this year but accept that to insure that we do have safe guards in place they cost money,why shouldn't all boater share that responsibility? Again this is IMHO

B I N G O

Safety is a relative thing. You just can't support new laws and then go about your business. There are responsibilities, repercussions, and costs. Having common sense adults in charge of this process goes a long ways towards success, as this year's events have shown us.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

If there were 4 times as many power boats on the lake there would be four times the need for four times the number of MP's on the lake.

Arguing that kayaks might have as much of an impact as powerboats on the lake? Come on...that's just not rational. And BTW I have a 14' powerboat and kayaks too. No one here is advocating a kayak only lake. I do wonder if some of our posts are getting rather histrionic bordering on hysterical. Way too many outbursts like "boaters are not criminals" and "we're not leaving the lake".

Outbursts? Au contraire! Just stating our opinions, just as you have the right to do. I'm sure you would prefer that us "sheep" just keep quiet and let these noodlebacks in Concord (that have no clue about boating) continue to fall prey to lobbying groups with agendas against powerboaters. Not going to happen.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

Lower impact uses of the lake need to be encouraged.

Now I have only copied a portion of TB post here... To focus on something the statement itself "lower impact uses"... well I agree with this statement, I think it can be defined in many ways.... One example is power boats vs. canoes/kayaks... however I tend to look at it from the aspect of how the things we use on and in the water impact the lake. Two strokes are slowly disappearing from the lake... There is no doubt that a 4 stroke is better for the environment. People also need to think about things like dock structures and how they impact the environment... seasonal docks are less intrusive, using non-pressure treated lumber is even further reduces the intrusiveness. Now I am not trying to point fingers or give anyone a hard time hear... however preserving the lake is important... there are many ways to do it....

Anyways I knowI am guilty of so I will stop now

[Kracken]

Power Boating has a lower impact on the lake than swimming.


I am sorry I can’t help myself today…..

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Kracken

Power Boating has a lower impact on the lake than swimming.


I am sorry I can’t help myself today…..

Don't laugh as you don't know how correct you are! Lake Massabesic which supplies Manchester and some surrounding communities with drinking water allow power boats but absolutely no swimming! You can't even be in the water with waders! Why...because people spread a lot more bacteria than a power boat!

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Don't laugh as you don't know how correct you are! Lake Massabesic which supplies Manchester and some surrounding communities with drinking water allow power boats but absolutely no swimming! You can't even be in the water with waders! Why...because people spread a lot more bacteria than a power boat!

This is true of Lake Auburn up in the Lewiston / Auburn area of Maine as well....

[Kracken]

Basically, an internal combustion engine is cleaner than the human body.

It is easier to extract chemical agents from the water than it is to remove biological agents.

Does that mean a powerboat does less damage than a kayak? I am not sure; I guess it depends on how wet the paddler gets in the kayak. Potentially, an “all day” trip in a kayak would be very damaging (compared to power boating). I am talking 8 hours of kayaking….no breaks…just paddling all day…

So the argument of kayaks being less of an impact on the lake might have a few “leaks” in it.

[NoBozo]

There is a little thingy (or two) that is available for sale in Pilot Shops for use in small aircraft that do not have Toilet Facilities.... Essentially anything short of a corporate jet will not have those facilities.

The thingy ...A WEE WEE Pot....(Available in both Male and Female versions) is much like the little thingy you are provided when in Hospital when you can not ..or do not feel like getting out of bed.

I've NEVER seen one of these for boats.

I totally apologize for this Trivia. NB


EDIT: For those who have an insatiable curiosity:

http://sportys.com/PilotShop/category/930 Check ALL FOUR Products.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by jrc

"...The registration sticker for kayaks idea has been discussed here before..."

It was certainly discussed here in 2008.

This was one of my two responses, two years ago:

To tax kayaks at this time is a mean-spirited goal: cobbled with with weak justifications and poorly-conceived poll questions, we'll be seeing this brought up for a third time later.

The other response:

1) Some of the most expen$ive boating rescues may already be billed to insurance companies, but too-seldom are billings paid by the one person needing rescue.

2) Why penalize against the many who cannot afford more gasoline or "more boat", and try to enjoy this scenic lake gently. It's showing even more "sour grapes" to demand that I sell a taxed house to pay another tax on an insignificant boat that in many other states doesn't require any additional taxes for registration.

3) Maine—already losing population—is hardly the state to start copying their regulations and registrations. New Jersey requires the red flag.

4) Youngsters who have read the book First You Must Row a Little Boat by Richard Bode, would be discouraged from boating by having to register their exempt rowboat. First You Must Row a Little Boat was written to show why countless aspects of operating lesser boats avoids the future confusions that larger cruisers feel at the dock—and beyond. (At just $9, it could be a stocking-stuffer for the aspiring young boater).

5) Why penalize the many paddlers who peaceably boat on NH's quieter lakes, ponds and streams to benefit some perceived increase of rescues on "the lake"?

The last NH kayaker needing "rescue" was run over by a powerboat!

6) There are many more non-powered craft in garages, lofts, barns, backyards or stored on automobile racks.

7) A rack of six rowing sculls near me would have to pay $66 for the privilege of rowing between 6AM and 8AM only on the days that were calm enough!

8) My own eclectic flotilla would be $55—money that would be better spent at area restaurants and other Lakes Region businesses.

9) Vermont, which has many more raging rivers and streams than NH (and many-more rescues), doesn't require registration for paddlers.

10) DART helicopters evacuate many injured Vermont paddlers by air to Dartmouth/Hitchcock Hospital in New Hampshire.

Are Vermont individuals assessed for their rescues by New Hampshire?

11) What happens to the frequently-cited Coast Guard statistics when the number of "registered boats" in NH doubles or triples?

12) There are many more unpowered boats than powered boats in New Hampshire. They're just not on all NH lakes, not on all NH lakes all at once, and not every day. Rental companies would be penalized also—would reduce their inventory and would raise their fees to compensate.

13) NH didn't require "no-engine" sailboats to be registered until about 1985: were Legislators "thinking clean" back then? I don't think so: they simply wanted more money from the public. ["Tax that other guy—behind the tree"].

14) With a new requirement adding 200,000+ new registrations, there's at least one category of CG statistics that would become swollen by imponderables: "Falls From Boat".

15) Those tourists returning to "the lake"—or those distant from "the lake"—shouldn't be hampered with more fees.

16) Canoes with a trolling motor require registration!

I think that's wrong as well—if for no other reason than the filthy environment that every petroleum-fueled craft leaves behind it.

17) A government can tax to discourage, or not-tax to encourage: Lake Winnipesaukee shores and waters can benefit by environmentally-clean boats.

As I wrote years ago on these pages: double registration fees for the most excessive boats—later—double them again.

18) A 45 MPH solar/hybrid/wind turbine powered 50' boat should not be taxed, although anyone who can afford one today shouldn't be bothered by the present tax. (Especially when the energy required for it is inexhaustible).

19) My canoe/kayak registrations would have an answering machine at the listed number—in a distant state—and I doubt NH would snail-mail me about a found kayak anyway.

20) With 45-minute NHMP response times considered "reasonable", any "rescue" should be taken out of the issue.

21) Some "Sunfish" and their clones are made in short models that are exempt from NH registration. I don't think small-boat manufacturers should be hampered in any additional manner. Big boat manufacturers have noted a downward trend in boaters: their response? "Try Boating" campaigns.

22) We don't use the same 150-foot-passage "at any given time". And we CERTAINLY don't use it at the same rate!

(Adding these below for 2010):

23) Near me is a new rowboat: it has two hulls!!! Double the fees—double the red flags!

24) Biological contaminants are consumed by bacteria and vegetation.

This lake's most concentrated areas of biological contamination are found around rafters. (Most often powerboaters).

25) Petroleum contaminants are mostly released to the atmosphere, largely without regard for US emission standards.

Kayaks emit none.

26) I don't think registration (or red flags) should be extended to "paddleboards" either.

This is the "paddleboard" you want to tax:


Paddleboard numbers seem to be increasing here. They're surprisingly fast into strong winds!

27) I pick up feathers from the lake and stranded ladybugs. Why can't you see kayaks?

[Winnipesaukee]

Folks, it's a lake. It's a body of water that happens to be completely contained in one state. It's not like I'm buying a pass to tear up beaches with my truck on the Cape.

I don't expect to be "rescued" by anybody that I pay taxes to. I have TowboatUS, a VHF (even on the small sailboats I use), and flares. Boaters take care of each other.

If I am in a kayak (but believe me, I can't kayak for my life), my prop isn't chopping up and spreading milfoil; my wake isn't eroding Weirs Beach or the public docks; I don't pollute the water with my exhaust or dump 40 gallons of gasoline into the lake when I sink (oh wait, kayaks don't sink). So should I really be forced to pay to "restore" and "preserve" it?

One could argue that the powerboater may even be more prepared due to the amount of safety gear required to be on board.

How do you figure? Us non-powerboaters (although I do powerboat, too ) are usually far more prepared than the average Capt. Bonehead. We're the ones you usually see in a bright-colored drysuit (with positive buoyancy---if the water is under 60 degrees F. We could survive for days in a drysuit) and PFD. If a powerboat sinks, they have to don their PFD's, and if the water is cold, almost certainly won't have anything to keep them alive for long.

I've got everything imaginable in my small runabout (heck, even a shotgun from the days spent in the ocean!), but if it were to sink in cold water, I could be in some trouble...

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

I've got everything imaginable in my small runabout (heck, even a shotgun from the days spent in the ocean!), but if it were to sink in cold water, I could be in some trouble...

No reason to turn stupid then in a powerboat, just wear your drysuit

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

Folks, it's a lake. It's a body of water that happens to be completely contained in one state. It's not like I'm buying a pass to tear up beaches with my truck on the Cape.

I don't expect to be "rescued" by anybody that I pay taxes to. I have TowboatUS, a VHF (even on the small sailboats I use), and flares. Boaters take care of each other.

If I am in a kayak (but believe me, I can't kayak for my life), my prop isn't chopping up and spreading milfoil; my wake isn't eroding Weirs Beach or the public docks; I don't pollute the water with my exhaust or dump 40 gallons of gasoline into the lake when I sink (oh wait, kayaks don't sink). So should I really be forced to pay to "restore" and "preserve" it?



How do you figure? Us non-powerboaters (although I do powerboat, too ) are usually far more prepared than the average Capt. Bonehead. We're the ones you usually see in a bright-colored drysuit (with positive buoyancy---if the water is under 60 degrees F. We could survive for days in a drysuit) and PFD. If a powerboat sinks, they have to don their PFD's, and if the water is cold, almost certainly won't have anything to keep them alive for long.

I've got everything imaginable in my small runabout (heck, even a shotgun from the days spent in the ocean!), but if it were to sink in cold water, I could be in some trouble...

He Winni. It sounds like you are as prepared on a kayak as I am on my powerboat.. But as you probably realize as I do, not everyone is as attentive as we are. I have seen kayakers out without life jackets at all. I think there are extremes on both sides of the coin. The only major difference is that most powerboaters know there are a lot more requirements other then a whistle and lifejacket that go along with a powerboat. Because a boaters certificate or registration is not requried for nonpower boats or kayaks, many people just drop in and go.. I have seen this many times where people borrow a friend's and the friend doesn't go through the regulations and safety aspects.

[Ropetow]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

There is a little thingy (or two) that is available for sale in Pilot Shops for use in small aircraft that do not have Toilet Facilities.... Essentially anything short of a corporate jet will not have those facilities.

The thingy ...A WEE WEE Pot....(Available in both Male and Female versions) is much like the little thingy you are provided when in Hospital when you can not ..or do not feel like getting out of bed.

I've NEVER seen one of these for boats.

I totally apologize for this Trivia. NB


EDIT: For those who have an insatiable curiosity:

http://sportys.com/PilotShop/category/930 Check ALL FOUR Products.

Awwww....let's hope that none of our Nanny State government officials read your post, NB. Otherwise, we can all look forward to some new mandated 'equipment' for our boats.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by robmac

I am some what confused. When an option comes up that would help everyone from a safety standpoint paddlers find it a bad suggestion? I would think all boaters would want to work to make the waterways as safe as we can for all that enjoy them. I would think and hope all boaters were wanting and looking for the same thing, a safe and friendly place to coexist on all of our waterways. Perhaps I am wishing but I would think that safety is everyones main concern. Just a thought IMHO.

The question is at least twofold : Is this really a problem that needs a solution, a Govt solution ? ... and are "safety" flags a real answer ?

Frankly I doubt the former. Stingrays experience is one in extreme weather. It's not very often I see kayaks out when it's whitecaps and "Victory at Sea" (a great series though !) conditions. Would we all advocate having to wear PFDs at all times just because sometimes it really makes sense to do so ? In SR's condition it would seem the flags would have made the kayaks more visible though it would depend on the wave depth and flag height. The ones linked to in the OP would seem to be inadequate.

I also wonder about the latter question above. If you can't see the blades, I have to seriously doubt a flag will be any more visible. Or more visible than a brightly colored PFD and/or helmet. Now you could argue that it might not help but it doesn't hurt and that's were most kayakers I've listened to disagree. As said above in this thread having one attached hurts the ability to roll back right. The break-away design in the OP's link seem to try to address this issue but I have to again wonder if that really a workable solution (stays on in wakes and surf, breaks away underwater). But let's say it works, I would still have to ask if this is a big enough issue that "we" want to make kayakers put what I'm sure is a (dorky to them) flag on their boat. Simply saying it's a "safety" issue doesn't cut it, at least for me. Given the boat-boat collisions we've had, where the words "I didn't see him" were used, I could just as well argue that every boat should be glow green or blaze orange in order to enhance visibility. Afterall what could it hurt ... and it might help. So are all of us boaters are set to signup for those colors ? Perhaps safety isn't the main concern afterall but rather exists within a continuum of concerns. Seems to me everyone wants someone else to do something for our safety.

This all said it's at least an issue where the facts could be determined. We get enough good and bad weather and every other condition on the lake to do experiments and find the truth. I won't hold my breath though as that would actually take effort and time.