Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
I wonder how the two have grown so far apart. Seems to me that the greater "danger" lies in the operation of our land going vehicles, at least as far as the danger they present to others. Yet we enjoy the absolute right to travel unimpeded in those, with some sort of probable cause being required before we can be stopped. No stopping just to check. Interesting that that seems to be a given in the nautical world, and even more interesting that it appears to be accepted. Why the difference?
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Jeff, I think operating a boat on a busy lake is far more dangerous than driving on the road. Stuff comes at you from 360 degrees and there is a huge speed potential difference between, say a ski boat or a 200hp jet ski and a kayak, paddle board, or rowing scull. And you know people, they're stupid...on both sides of the speed equation. As often as not, it's the paddle boards and kayaks in the middle of the lake that get stopped and I imagine the conversation goes something like this, "Get out of the middle the lake you dumb$%*#, don't you see the 20 surf and wakeboard boats out here trying not to kill you?"
When we sit on the deck on busy weekends and watch the police or sheriff boats roam around, we can pretty much tell who's in for a "fear of God check" and I have no problem with that. I've lived on the lake for 9 years and have never been stopped. I also never drink and boat.