Who has the Right Of Way

[Mink Islander]

I read a post on another Winnipesaukee forum where the writer was describing how he was towing a skier this past weekend and another boat coming from his right did not give way to him and he even went so far as to chase the offending boater down and yelled at him for not understanding the ROW rules.

Left me scratching my head. I have never thought a boat pulling (not towing!) a skier or tuber suddenly gets the ROW no matter what. I think there is confusion about when a boat that is TOWING something — like another boat or a barge, etc. such that ITS NAVIGATION ABILITY is limited — where that boat does have the ROW. Realistically, those boats are probably not going fast either.

A boat with a skier behind it going 30+ mph does not have any limitations on it’s ability to navigate and hence is subject to all the usual ROW rule. A boat crossing from the Right (starboard) side is the stand on boat and the ski boat has the obligation to give way. Moreover, I would argue that the ski boat has an even higher obligation to maintain a strong watch and to make conservative decisions to avoid dangerous crossing situations which could also put the skier at risk.

And of course common sense says to drive your boat in a way to minimize the risk of collision regardless of who is right.

I looked in the NH boating safety handbook and did not see this specific topic addressed.

Educated me!