Boating Etiquette When Encountering Kayakers

[tjm]

2 minutes ago, MickinMO said:

technically small craft must give way to larger craft.

I thought (from long ago memory) that powered craft yielded to to sail and oared craft? 

[fishinwrench]

17 minutes ago, MickinMO said:

I believe technically small craft must give way to larger craft. Not only part of the boating rules, but also self preservation on their part. I usually run about 20mph on Taneycomo when planed out. My boat can't even do 30mph at top end of rpm range. I just think that kayakers doing their best to blend in with water and surrounding vegetation shouldn't be floating right down the middle of Taneycomo or at least don't act offended if you think someone is too close.

Whatever the rules are you can rest assured that they will be broken.

Generally the craft with the least amount of manuverability has the right of way (paddle craft and sail boats for example) but don't expect that to save you from vehicular homicide in a courtroom.  Run over a PWC with a 60' cruiser and your lawyer will get fat off of you.  It isn't going to matter that the PWC had more manuverability.  

On the other hand, let your 16'Jon boat get in front of a river barge and you just committed suicide.

[MickinMO]

8 minutes ago, tjm said:

I thought (from long ago memory) that powered craft yielded to to sail and oared craft? 

You aren't all wrong. However, there is a separate part of the rules that says a vessel should not impede other craft. A kayak going right down the channel fits that description. 

[tjm]

25 minutes ago, tjm said:

Do Mo boating regs address paddle craft in the hierarchy of who gives way and who stands on?

I guess I should ask if Mo has separate boating laws or if the Federal regs are the only rules. I looked  on line a couple times and didn't find any Mo regs.

[fishinwrench]

15 minutes ago, MickinMO said:

You aren't all wrong. However, there is a separate part of the rules that says a vessel should not impede other craft. A kayak going right down the channel fits that description. 

The kayak isn't "impeding" anyone no matter where it is.  There's no place on Taney where a kayak can block the entire waterway.   

You just gotta watch out for them.  Expect them to be everywhere.

[fishinwrench]

2 minutes ago, tjm said:

I guess I should ask if Mo has separate boating laws or if the Federal regs are the only rules. I looked  on line a couple times and didn't find any Mo regs.

Boating laws/rules are pretty common sense.   Nothing mystical or confusing about them at all, until you start assuming that everyone has common sense.  

[Gavin]

Lots of newby kayakers are relaxed and oblivious.

[tjm]

There is no such thing as common sense, certainly not that would hold up in a court room.

[fishinwrench]

9 minutes ago, Gavin said:

Lots of newby kayakers are relaxed and oblivious.

Kinda like bicyclists.  One could swing in front of you during rush hour at a busy intersection, and if you hit him your assisgrass.

[MickinMO]

15 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

Boating laws/rules are pretty common sense.   Nothing mystical or confusing about them at all, until you start assuming that everyone has common sense.  

From the MO Handbook:

Obstructing or Impeding Navigation
It is illegal to:
■ Anchor a vessel in the traveled portion of a river or channel 
that will prevent or interfere with any other vessel passing 
through the same area.
■ Operate or otherwise position a vessel, other object, or any 
person in such a manner so as to obstruct or impede the 
normal flow of traffic on the lakes of this state.