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Navigation Rules

Uncle Joe’s Real Rules of the Nautical Road

Distilled from years of rowing on Lake Otsego and San Francisco Bay


1. Stay Alert: Listen While You Row

  • No earbuds – you need to hear motors, swimmers, or unusual sounds from any direction.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings both ahead of the boat and behind your back.

2. Be Seen: Wear Bright Colors & Use a Mirror

  • Bright, high-visibility clothing helps others see you.
  • Use a rowing mirror adjusted to show just the edge of your ear – practice until it’s natural.
  • Your mirror helps you spot boats, logs, or obstacles behind you while rowing.

3. Powerboats: Always Assume They Don’t See You

  • Many powerboat operators are inexperienced. Stay cautious.
  • Water-skiers and jet skiers may reverse suddenly without warning.
  • Fishermen trolling are quiet and dislike changing course – give them space.

4. Sailboats: Expect the Unexpected

  • Sailors often believe they always have the right of way – don’t rely on them to avoid you.
  • Every sailboat behaves differently – treat them as unpredictable and stay clear.

5. Handling Wakes: Stay Dry and Safe

  • Watch boats that make waves and track the wakes.
  • Turn to meet wakes head-on or stern-on – avoid taking them broadside.
  • A 45-degree angle also helps if you can’t square up in time.
  • Staying alert helps ensure drier, safer rows.

6. Swimmers: Always Watch for People in the Water

  • Be especially vigilant near shorelines and popular swim spots like Ferry Spring.

7. When in Doubt: Stop, Wave, or Head to Shore

  • If unsure, stop rowing and wave your arms (wearing bright colors helps).
  • Move towards the shallows if needed – powerboats typically avoid shallow water.

Always Maneuver to Avoid

As the formal Rules of the Road state:

“The vessel that can avoid a collision, must.”
Safety first. Always.

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