Almost hit a kayak

[dwna1a]

At Jamestown we are used to boating around kayaks and paddle boards. They rent them out, so we see them everyday. This season we've had many close calls yesterday it was my turn. After returning from a boat fire (another story) I was setting up to back into my slip so all attention was to my stern, I under shot my slip and was sliding toward my neighbors boat. I went to bump my boat forward and saw something out of the corner of my eye then heard a guy fussing at me. The kayaker had cut so close to my bow that I couldn't see him under my anchor pulpit. After explaining that my boat didn't come with water brakes I asked why he was so close to my boat, he saw me backing in so he paddled towards the front. When I asked if he had thought about moving futher away from the boat I was given a few words and told HE had the right of way because he wasn't a powered boat.....I asked him if he would walk in front of a freight train and claim he had the right of way? Education is the key to stop these close calls

 

[mistercomputerman]

He is a vessel under all definitions of the term and is not exempt from any rules that you and I have to abide by.

Did the kayaker have you on his right? If so, then he was the give way vessel.


Rule 15: Crossing Situations

•When two vessels are crossing paths, the vessel which has the other on her own right side shall give way and avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. Taking early and substantial action to keep well clear will reduce confusion.


Was he restricting your ability to maneuver in a narrow navigable channel?

Rule 9: Narrow Channels

•Any vessel proceeding along a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as far right as is safe and practicable. For kayaks, who can travel in very shallow water, this usually means outside the narrow channel as long as this option is not dangerous.

•A kayak shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway, or which is constrained by her draft in any other way. Take early action to get out of the way.

•Do not cross a narrow passage or fairway if such crossing impedes a vessel which can safely navigate only in the channel.

In any event, the guy was an idiot.

Summary
DO NOT CLAIM THE RIGHT OF WAY
KAYAKS LOSE BY THE TONNAGE RULE
WALLOW IN THE SHALLOWS
BIG BOATS WILL HIT MORE THAN YOU IF YOU’RE IN SHALLOW WATER
RED RIGHT RETURN IS WRONG, Stay out of the lanes
NO ONE ELSE CAN OR WANTS TO SEE YOU
CROSS ALL FREEWAYS QUICKLY
BE POLITE, CLEARLY SIGNAL YOUR INTENTIONS
REMEMBER POWER BOATS THINK KAYAKS ARE JUST SPEED BUMPS

 

[MonacoMike]

Yesterday was a fairly dark day on the big lake and a dark kayak and a paddler in dark clothes was almost invisible against the water. Certainly had no visual markings to attract attention. But if you hit them it's your fault...

MM

 

[Gofirstclass]

We knew the guy was an idiot when he paddled so close to your bow. Because a boat happens to be backing one minute doesn't mean it's going to be backing the next minute....as this idiot found out.

All's well that ends well, so in this case you both lucked out.

 

[Lazy Daze]

There's no question that "technically" he was in the right since you have the motor and he does not. BUT, while technically correct, it was a very STUPID move on his part. There's no question who would win a fight between a 10,000lb boat and a 30lb kayak. I like Scott's answer about natural selection!

 

[Billfletcher]

I am on an outrigger canoe, in the water about 2-3 times per week. I mostly launch through the surf, but when the waves are too big, I sometimes paddle in the harbor, around boats. I know boaters have limited visibility, so i stay off to the side, out of the lanes, and wear bright clothing. We have had an explosion of stand up paddleboarders in our area the past 3-4 years, and i mean a HUGE increase. The problem is many of these folks drive from inland areas, and in general are not ocean/boat saavy. I expect these guys to get in my way and do stupid things. I am actually thinking of installing a speaker on my bow so i can ask them to move if needed.

 

[Sidebar]

As an avid kayaker myself, I do my best to make myself visible while in the water, similar to motorcycles I know we are difficult to see. So I do my best to keep myself out of harms way. Just common since. He should have backed off and given you plenty of room. It sounds like HIS lack of experience put you both into what could have been a very bad situation.

 

[BritLady]

Pleased everyone's okay as that could have ended really badly! When we are in our dinghy we like to give "bigger" boats as wide a berth as possible, with winds and currents anything can happen and often does

 

[boatrboy]

I too had a similar experience last week - I was in a very unfamiliar narrow channel, really at less than steerage speed, looking for the dock master to guide me into a bulkhead for a few hours. I was kicking in and out of gear and a guy in a kayak paddled right up to my bow and sharply crossed in front of me while I was still moving. He scared my family into yelling at me to stop - which I did see him but was in dis-belief that he would be so stupid! None-the less, I was able to go into reverse and avoid hitting him but came close to hitting slipped boats. I read post 3 above and feel he really did not have the right to cut me off. I keep my cool and focused on docking but man was I shocked!

 

[Mike Blake]

Thats why they have Kayaks and not a searay!!! You can't fix stupid