On Sunday, August 21, 2011 4:09:13 AM UTC-7, Wayne B wrote:

We were involved in an interesting, fast moving scenario on our way
north this year. We were moving SE at idle speed, just emerging from
the Cape May, NJ canal into the inner harbor, constrained by draft on
both sides. It was immediately obvious that a large party fishing
boat was approaching from the port side on a collision course. If he
turned right into the canal we'd be OK, but continuing straight would
hit us amidships. As the "stand on" vessel I immediately called him
on VHF 16 to clarify his intentions. It sounds easy in retrospect but
things happen fast between two approaching vessels and it's absolutely
critical to get it right.

When boating on my favorite lake "Carlyle" I'm always looking around to see what's going on. Basically looking out for people who won't look out for themselves.

Even though I've had the right-of-way, I've shut my boat down many a time to let someone cross in front of me to avoid a possible accident.

Right of way, doesn't give me permission to over ride safe and sound judgment.