I think the vast majority of boaters couldn't closely approximate 150' if there was a reward for doing so. but 50 yards isn't really that far, and I still think many that get worried, are actually further away than they think they are.
Our rule is 200', and not really that hard to do in open waters. The trickier times are when several boats leave a bay headed for an outlet. Generally speaking, the CG and police boats will stay in the lane along with the other boats, typically 50' to 100' or so. Speed is generally dictated by keeping up with the overall flow. Problems usually begin when boats returning don't adhere to the normal flow of boat traffic.
I think the intent of the 150' rule is a good one, and enforcement is usually based on common sense. The boats that roar off from a channel with other boats close are the ones that typically will draw the ire of law enforcement. Last year, a CG boat was to my port, an a 50' Carver between us leaving and inlet. We both took off quickly, and we were boat about 30' when we did so. Our wakes were not going to budge the Carver, but we'd not have much fun doing so with his wake. I waved, the CG dude waved back.
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