not to aggravate,but an unwritten
rule like Might is Right that will get a thousand gilnetters hopping mad.their #1
written rule would be "we're
fishing we can't move!"
Anyways,to state the best case offered so far?(And it's not mine,by the way.)
..given the kayak lights are the clue?
at night,
Imotoring and
a)the kayak has no lights.It's a sitting duck and is crushed if it can't scuttle away.That's where the night/and/or low visibility is different from day.If you can't see it,you can't avoid it.Doesn't wash in good visibility.
b)the kayak has a white light so "go round" .It's a lit (awash is good!)obstruction.
Confusions
it's moving,so it's not anchored.It must be a rowboat or very small vessel.It has no obligations or need to be "clear as to intention" beyond it's fear .... "faster than you thought"
Sailboat sees white light and avoids....kinda difficult when the
wind dies or changes etc given the kayak is hopping along at 4 knots.It has no obligation beyond saying hello. the hello helps after I've tacked four times to avoid this nuisance.
c)the kayak has sailing lights so you can tell it's direction.Better for Imotoring but still go round it... Even though it's got direction advertised,it doesn't have to or may not be able to maintain course and speed just like a sailboat...
confusions.sailboat and kayak crossing.Both have dim "sailing"lights but being slower more time is available for action.sailboat with"right of way" carries on for awhile. and really begins to notice how small this thing is and how fast...kayak gets nervous,stops,turns ...or near miss and yelling.
I don't like that!Worse,if it turned out to be a WarCanoe..
same thing apparently for a rowing sailboat?Imotoring can see sailing lights moving and avoids. ..a little suprised that it kept moving on a windless night.(a hesitating thought: perhaps all-round light is burned out? and it's a MV maneuvering )
Now,in daytime.from night...an Obstruction to go round?
apparently Yes,and,given the lights argument,so are sailboats.
Problem
solved,Intent of rules is clear!
and of course, an Overtaking Obstruction keeps clear of me...
Not so clear for two "obstructions" meeting though.
still slightly unsatisfying.