Re: Boating 101+1 - ANSWER
Congratulation to Pointer for having the insight to know this is not an easy scenario to resolve. I was surprised at the misinformation that appeared in response to this thread. Originally I had intended to correct each with the appropriate citation from the Inland Navigation Rules. Instead, if there is enough interest in Boating 101, I will post further questions that will resolve the misconceptions.<br /><br /> ANSWER <br /><br />It remains unknown. Ive posed this question to several USCG certified captains. There is no consensus as to a correct answer. The general overall feeling is the rowboat is probably the stand-on vessel because the ability to maneuver would imply propulsion means to accomplish an evasive maneuver in a reasonable time, something not likely with a rowboat.<br /><br />The rowboat is slow enough that any question of which vessel has priority is lost to Rule 2. You are required to break the Rules as needed to avoid collision. In the example above the sailboat will likely have to turn-away, regardless of which vessel has priority.<br /><br />Rule 2b: In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.<br /><br />Rule 3b: The term power-driven vessel means any vessel propelled by machinery.<br /><br />An oar attached to the rowboat is a machine
a lever, with the oarlock being the fulcrum, the occupant provides power on the bar handle, and the other end of the bar applies force as the paddle. If this is the case, a rowboat is a power-driven vessel, and the sailboat would be the stand-on vessel.<br /><br />I wonder if a rowboat can be considered restricted in her ability so maneuver and thus have priority as the stand-on vessel?!?<br /><br />Rule 3g: The term vessel restricted in her ability so maneuver means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel;
<br /><br />Rule 25d(ii): A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels,
<br /><br />When it comes to the use of navigation lights, a rowboat would conform to the display scheme of sailboats. This suggests both the sailboat and the rowboat have the same priority.
<br /><br /> I want to say the row boat is the stand on vessel because of lack of speed, but the dang blow boat is also less than "manuverable" under sail... hummmmmmm.. General prudential rule should be observed by both vessels I guess...<br /><br />ahhh heck with it... I hate sailboats... RAM THE BLOW BOAT!!!!!!! 
