right of way vs boats ?

expressboy · Since 01 Jun 2011 5 Posts Western Wa Kook

as a new kiter what is the correct way to look at right of way regarding kites/boards vs. boats on the Columbia?? . who has right of way if we are crossing the direction of traffic on the river. I know that tugs/barges always have right of way but what about boats?
I am a newbie.. be kind!
EB

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

If it's a tie...who really wins?

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm sure someone will correct me but my understanding is that wind borne watercraft always have the right of way over motor powered ones. So theoretically you have the right of way.

I however use the same logic I use as a pedestrian. It doesn't matter that I have the right of way; I absolutely do not count on the other guy to be paying attention and give me the space I need. You don't want to be anywhere near a boat if you can avoid it.

EDIT: You are right about barges/commercial ships though. In the channel they always have right of way. If they have to slow down or change course to avoid you you can be fined up to $2000 from what I have been told.

Chooch · Mon Aug 01, 11 8:51 pm

From Boat US Foundation:

The Pecking Order

There is a "pecking order" that can be used as a simplified memory aid to determine right of way for vessels
of different types. Get very familiar with this list, as it is important to understand it thoroughly. The lower most
vessel on the list is the give way vessel, and must stay out of the way of vessels that are higher on the list:

Overtaken vessel (top priority)

Vessels not under command
Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver
Vessels constrained by draft
Fishing vessels engaged in fishing, with gear deployed
Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver
Sailing vessels
Power driven vessels

I always say that you have the right of way over a power boat, but you should still keep your distance.

expressboy · Since 01 Jun 2011 5 Posts Western Wa Kook

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

That's what I'm saying. Technically I think you have the right of way but the boat is bigger than you and it clips you or snags your lines it won't matter that you had the right of way. I give them as wide a berth as possible if they are moving. If they are just floating dead in the water sightseeing then I get closer but they aren't really a worry at that point.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Usually most other boat users have the right of way over us. Reason being as we are smaller most of the time so we can maneuver around/away much easier than other bigger objects. (the bigger the boat the harder for it to maneuver around/awy!!). When in doubt, I give the other floating object the right of way, especially when it's bigger !!!

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

just jump over them..

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

CHOWDA!

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

what about a blimp?

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Chicken?

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I'll agee with dancingwind on what you should do.
kiteboarders are the most agile in comparison to other watercraft.
we can change directions at a moments' notice and bear off pretty quick.
no reason to play chicken with the boaters.
keep in mind that the boater you just made change their heading may be the one helping you when you are in distress.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1780 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

I've read somewhere that kites are not considered sailing craft, but rather a "towed vessel".

Not sure what that means in regard to this thread, just thought it interesting.

And I agree its probably not a good idea to play chicken with boats.

Macaframa · Since 06 Jul 2010 81 Posts California Delta

The rule of tonnage applies.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

No one has the Right of way!
One vessel is the “stand on vessel”, it does not have a right of way, it has an “obligation to hold course and speed” so that the other vessel can set a new course that avoids the collision. If collision seems imminent both vessels must to attempt to avoid a collision. However this does not suggest that a barge will collide with the bridge to avoid you.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Are kiteboards really "vessels"?

If we are "vessels", don't we have to carry things like a fire extinguisher, bucket, axe, and life preservers?

If so, then, I don't wanna be a vessel.

Aren't we more like "toys" in a driveway.... CRUNCH... OOPS!

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked