Ragbaggers are Safer than Smokeblowers

[Khagan1227]

At least in the U.S.

U.S. Coast Guard releases 2013 Recreational Boating Statistics Report | Coast Guard News

Looks like the smokeblowers are learning though.

[IdoraKeeper]

I agree, my Dad beat us to the anchorage in his trawler but then dinner was interrupted by the bilge alarm heralding a needed packing gland adjustment. We sent the kids into the engine room with him as an education regarding the perils of power. The sail boaters had hot dinner and hogged up the wine.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

I agree, my Dad beat us to the anchorage in his trawler but then dinner was interrupted by the bilge alarm heralding a needed packing gland adjustment. We sent the kids into the engine room with him as an education regarding the perils of power. The sail boaters had hot dinner and hogged up the wine.

Don't cruising-size sailboats have an inboard engine and a packing gland?

[Hudson Force]

It seems as though the vessels that most commonly experience problems are the most commonly present vessels. I don't think that the data allows us to make any conclusions about the relative safety of diffrent types of boaters.

Oh no! I spoke too soon! Table 24 gives the data by vessel type the OP is right! The guys in the open motorboats are at the far ....far higher risk. Some how this does not surprise me. Those that go out and zip about in a small power boats with alcohol and little knowledge abound!

[mariner36bob]

I did not read the 79 page report because I'm a little high but the statistics given in the intro article all showed a decrease, which is great news.

A heartfelt well done to all Coasties, past and present.

[SaltyMonkey]

There are more powerboats out there.

[Adventurebound]

Sailers use their motor a lot less. Theoretically you could sail around the world never starting the engine.

[FSMike]

When powerboaters do something stupid they're going fast.
We aren't smarter, we're slower.
More time to recover from the possible effects of our mistakes.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by FSMike

When powerboaters do something stupid they're going fast.
We aren't smarter, we're slower.
More time to recover from the possible effects of our mistakes.

Excellent point!