Hb 162 News

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

SNIP

Given the above, what factors determine whether a collision will occur or not. Certainly the ability to see the hazard is prime and so at what distance can a reasonable person see the hazard ? This is largely independant of speed. Does the available sightline (how far can you see) exceed this distance ? How long will it take the operator to perceive and react to the hazard ? And lastly how much distance does the required control action (slowing or turning or both), to miss the target, take ? Combining all these, at some speed even Superman can't avoid the collision because his sightline is restricted or he, and/or the boat, can't react fast enough. And the other side at some speed even a drunk sailor is virtually guranteed to avoid the collision. In between these 2 speeds is where the reasonable man can avoid the collision and where the speed limit, if necessary, should be set.

I agree with you in principle. Still see no need for a limit, yet. Statistics don't show a need and I'd rather see emphasis on fixing other obvious problems like lack of boater ed.

I got my Safe Boater Certificate years before it was required of me and do what I can to teach others safe boating as well. Wish Mr. Pilliod would push for that sort of behavior in the rest of us.