Governor's Island Bridge Right of Way

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

The problem with that approach is all the people who can't see the logic in front of their faces. With the road scenario you describe there is often a person (or pair of people) flagging the vehicles at either end, and most likely communicating with each other to manage the queues on both sides.

Let's assume there is an infinite line of boats on either side of the bridge. How many go through at a time? How do you communicate that number effectively? What if all the boats on one side are 30'+ slow-moving vessels and the other side is all 17' ers that can glide through?

Yes, groups of boats through is the most efficient, but alternating sides is the most *practical* in a random setting with no management system in place.

I have been under that bridge many many times. I have yet to encounter an infinite number of boats on even one side of the bridge. Therefore an infinite number of boats on BOTH sides of the bridge seems highly unlikely to me.

Anyway wouldn't an infinite number of boats require more gas that is available at local marinas? Or on planet earth? And where would you find food for an infinite number of operators? And don't get me started on sanitation!

[Kamper]

Of course, if you're in a hurry you should just go around the Island.

The channel is a nice scenic ride if you don't mind the delay and can admire other peoples property and boats.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I have been under that bridge many many times. I have yet to encounter an infinite number of boats on even one side of the bridge. Therefore an infinite number of boats on BOTH sides of the bridge seems highly unlikely to me.

Anyway wouldn't an infinite number of boats require more gas that is available at local marinas? Or on planet earth? And where would you find food for an infinite number of operators? And don't get me started on sanitation!

What I'm saying is that while your logic is understandable, it doesn't scale to common situations. If there were typically only 2 or 3 boats backed up on 1 side, and all skippers were rational/logical, then it would make sense. However, we're dealing with variable numbers of boats on either side and people that don't always think rationally. Therefore, IMO, the most practical solution is alternating sides, which trades a slight slowdown in total passage time for calmed nerves and reduced chances of high blood pressure and verbal assaults.

[NH_boater]

Sorry OP but the other boat is probably 'more right'. Alternating is the only practical solution and perfectly fine for all but the heaviest traffic days. Other methods are certainly more efficient but lead to more problems than they solve. Maximum efficiency is not needed and is not easily managed without a traffic cop. Anyone in a rush should avoid the long nwz anyway.

I view this similar to a queue at a 4 way stop sign. A long queue in one direction does not matter. One at a time. Alternating passage.

[Dave R]

The engineer in me wants to point out that there's plenty of room for two typically-sized (<9' beam <3.5' draft) boats to pass each other under that bridge if they both stay to the right. I've done it (before I knew it wasn't normal there)...