Boating safety

[EconGuy]

My son-in-law, grandson, and I came very close to being hit by another boat at night on July 3rd. We were returning to the launch area about 10:30 and a boat approaching from our left at a high rate of speed failed to yield the right of way until the very last second. We did not see the oncoming boat until it was almost on us (they did have running lights on). They were obviously upset with us, cursing and screaming - even chased us down to continue yelling at us even though we had the right of way. Please remember the "rules of the road". When two boats are crossing, the boat approaching from the RIGHT has the right of way.
EconGuy

[Bodyman]

EconGuy, With safety being your concern you should always remember. The # one rule in right of way is don't always insist on keeping it. I have given up right of way many times on the road and the water to keep from an accident or close call. As the one in control of the boat and the lives of your family you should have seen the other boat earlier and made adjustments to avoid the problem. Being right is little concelation after a wreck.

Fishing is Life

[This message has been edited by Bodyman (edited 07-05-2002).]

[metro 1]

that is a good point,forget the right away rule and boat safe . metro

[EconGuy]

Bodyman,
I never insist on the right of way, on the highway or on the water. My only point was that there are rules of the road for the water just as there are for the highway and boaters ought to be familiar with them. I hope if someone ever runs a stop sign and almost hits you that you will be as understanding,
EconGuy

[Bodyman]

EconGuy, I have had the experience of someone running a red lite on me causing one heck of a wreck. Totaled the 66 malibu I was restoring and bumps and bruises for myself and 2 passengers. I wasn't very understanding. But I had no other recource, there wasn't time for any reaction. The driver who hit me had no clue what he had done wrong, he was talking to his passenger.
In your post you metioned he gave you right away at the last second which led me to believe you saw him for more than that second. Meaning you had time to throttle back or make some attempt to avoid a collision. The fact that he followed you and cursed you out, led me to think he had formed an opinion of your reaction also.
The fact is alot of accidents happen for just that reason, people insisting on the right of way. If that wasn't the case, I'm sorry I took it the worng way.

Fishing is Life