Rules of the Road?

anecak · Joined: 30 Jun 2003 Posts: 14

All of us in the Gorge (hopefully) know that the standard right of way rule that motor powered craft must yield to non-motor powered craft doesn't apply when it comes to barge tows vs. windsurfers. However, does anyone know the full extent of that waiver? Does the 80 ft. cruise boat that motors up and down the river w/o blasting his horn have right of way? How about sternwheel tour boats? How about a 30 ft. cabin cruiser? How about a 20 ft. fishing boat, or a jetski? Does anyone know where the dividing line is?

Bond1 · Joined: 25 Apr 2000 Posts: 168

avi852 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 2

Since most motor boats use the SHIPPING LANE, then we must remember that any craft crossing a shipping lane must yield - that includes us poor windsurfer and kiters.

SlightlySalty · Joined: 19 Jul 2008 Posts: 92

Seriously, if you have to ask then I am scared for you. They are bigger than you and you can stay out of their way much easier that they can stay out of your way. Personally I stay away from all power boats, there is no need to test right of ways.....

anecak · Joined: 30 Jun 2003 Posts: 14

So, I gather so far no one knows the difference between a jetski and a barge tow. Not talking about challenging them. Does anyone know the rule application to the small boats?

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20936

At its simplest, the least maneuverable vessel has ROW and commercial vessels win over all ... right up to the point they fail to try to avoid collisions as best as they can. Every ROW law I can think of is derived from those principles. Bottom line, though, is that SlightlySalty is dead right ... just a you will be if you rely on a recreational power boat to recognize your ROW as you slog underpowered across his planing bow.

Mike \m/

vikingsail · Joined: 12 May 1998 Posts: 46

And hope and pray that he has not had too many beers today, or if you try to duck behind, that he isn't towing anything.

We have a serious problem out here in the east with people coming out to our lakes on the weekend and renting boats and then applying highway rules of the road. I went eye to eye on a collision course with a boat and the guy just waved and keep going until I stopped. No clue.

We're thinking about adopting a new ROW rule, if you cannot get eye contact or see a course change, JIBE AWAY.

axl.cranium · Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Posts: 11

Harhar, that is rich. Who had the ROW - Saddam or George? OJ Simpson or Marcia Clark? Rodan or Godzilla? Whoever has the biggest toys has the ROW, since forever. Sure we all like to play a little chicken with the occassional maritin slurping cruiser that ventures through the hatch, but come-on, are you really going to force the issue? If you bonk yur noggin on the ol gunwhales who really had ROW? And really, isn't ROW a flatwater concept for getting from A to B the most efficiently? If mowing the lawn is your thing, then ROW is worth worrying about. Otherwise just turn down the nearest wave face and move on. Shhheeesh.

berky · Joined: 31 Mar 1998 Posts: 20

Windsurfers on starboard tack have right of way over windsurfers on port in a board vs board scenario.

However, as said above, it comes down to tonnage - he who hath the most tonnage, wins - everytime! Windsurfer vs 20' sail boat regardless of tack = sail boat has right of way.

The real question is, how do you determine what tack a kiter is on?

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20936