Other boats

One of the biggests sources of risk when on the water is other boats. Commercial fishing boats often can not maneuver or may not be looking where they are going. Personal watercraft PWCs have been known to find sport in capsizing kayaks. Speed boats may be moving too fast to see you, or there drivers may be too drunk to care. Sail boats often can not see where they are going and are limited in which way they can turn to avoid an obstacle.

While legally human powered boats often have right of way over all other boats, but the tonnage rule applies. And if you are run over in a channel you may be charged $25,000 for obstructing traffic and then be liable for any damage to the boat that ran you down.

Rules of thumb:

• Always assume the other boat is out to kill you and plan your path accordingly.
• Always assume you are invisible and no one will try to avoid you.
• Always assume other boats may turn toward you either to investigate, gawk, or try to harm you.