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jrc · 06-18-2009, 09:52 AM

Clearly there is ambiguity, so here are the possible states:

Sails Engine Prop Rules to follow
Up off stopped Sailboat
Up running stopped Sailboat
Up running spinning Powerboat
Down off stopped Sailboat
Down running stopped Sailboat
Down running spinning Powerboat

I don't know enough about the actual enforcement to know if this right.

I'm guessing that the law was written to give preference to sailboats because they are less manuverable, when sailing. It's much easier for a powerboat to adjust speed and steer around a crossing situation, than a sailboat which might have to drop sails and or tack.

Saying that a sailboat which is has running engines deserves special privileges just because those engines are not in gear seems counter-intuitive.

I have a powerboat without sails, if I carry a sail in a locker or on my antenna, can I claim sailboat crossing privileges, just by putting my engine in neutral?

06-18-2009, 09:52 AM	#13
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Clearly there is ambiguity, so here are the possible states: Sails Engine Prop Rules to follow Up off stopped Sailboat Up running stopped Sailboat Up running spinning Powerboat Down off stopped Sailboat Down running stopped Sailboat Down running spinning Powerboat I don't know enough about the actual enforcement to know if this right. I'm guessing that the law was written to give preference to sailboats because they are less manuverable, when sailing. It's much easier for a powerboat to adjust speed and steer around a crossing situation, than a sailboat which might have to drop sails and or tack. Saying that a sailboat which is has running engines deserves special privileges just because those engines are not in gear seems counter-intuitive. I have a powerboat without sails, if I carry a sail in a locker or on my antenna, can I claim sailboat crossing privileges, just by putting my engine in neutral?