Rule of the road question.

[Gail R]

Same for New Hampshire, ever looked at a chart for Lake Winnipesaukee?

http://www.lake-winnipesaukee-travel-guide.com/map.html


Not only do they have 4 types of markers, they use black as one of the colors, good luck spotting a black buoy at night!



I can't speak for Ken, but for me, too close is when the give way vessel (assuming it is another sailboat, and I am not racing them) is going to pass less than 3 to 5 boat lengths away from my established course (depending on conditions) at our closest point of approach. If I have to alter course in anyway to ensure this minimum distance, then I get angry.

If it's a powerboat and making a wake, I expect the minimum 200ft separation at all times, and anyone that comes within 400ft throwing a large enough wake that i need to turn into it I consider a total *****. I will get on the radio and call powerboats out for passing within 200ft if they both make a big wake and I can read the name on their hull. Have reported a few to the CG when they passed within 50 ft...

I don't argue that the powerboaters making wake ought to keep their distance. But if we expected 200 feet, we'd never get in and out of our harbor! Fortunately, most everyone is reasonably polite. But for those who are not, we have little recourse as there is not a big law enforcement contingent available for that kind of thing.

 

[FourPoints]

I don't argue that the powerboaters making wake ought to keep their distance. But if we expected 200 feet, we'd never get in and out of our harbor!

I don't mind if they wany to pass me closer, just don't do so while throwing a big wake!

I think if the channel is less than 250 ft wide, it should always be a no wake zone, at least while in the vicinity of other boats...

 

[Gail R]

I don't mind if they wany to pass me closer, just don't do so while throwing a big wake!

I think if the channel is less than 250 ft wide, it should always be a no wake zone, at least while in the vicinity of other boats...

Oh, it is a no wake zone... once you get in! Actually, most people are pretty reasonable, even the sportfisherman type power boats come in with no wake. The worst guy is in a little red skiff who consistently proceeds at half throttle throwing wakimus maximus. Efforts to educate him have been fruitless.