Re: [Paddlewise] Rules of the Road?

I've spent a lot of time in small boats.  I've studied the rules of
right of way but don't really retain the particulars.  The intent is:

   The less maneuverable vessel has right of way over the more
maneuverable
   vessel.

The application is:

   The less maneuverable vessel is to hold course in a predictable 
   manner while the more maneuverable vessel changes course to 
   avoid collision.

Just who is more maneuverable depends on the situation.  A 50 ft
sailboat cruising in open water can easily avoid me in my kayak.   But
put them in a narrow channel and I'm now more maneuverable.  

In practical application, even when I have right of way, I watch and
then steer a course that avoids collision.  And then I watch and make
sure that the other guy is taking my cue.  I can not think of a single
incident where I felt in danger of a collision.  

I also carefully avoid Saturday afternoon small boat traffic.

Tom Unger
Seattle





"R. Walker" wrote:
> 
> A difference should be noted between legal rules of the road, vs
> practical, and how they effect one another.
> 
> Legally, a paddled craft has right of way over just about everything
> except commercial and deep draft vessels moving in a channel.
> What this means is that you are responsible for not doing anything
> unpredictable.  You should also be vigilant to avoid inconveniencing
> other vessels.  Try to maintain a consistent distance between you
> and the shore, cruise on the right hand side of the channel, just
> like when you are driving.  When crossing a channel, sprint.  Put
> every last dribble of power you have into it.   BE SEEN.  BE
> PREDICTABLE.
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