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Originally Posted by sailingdog
I'd like to point out that there is a major difference. The person going in and getting the crotch rocket or the Lamborghini probably has a driver's license, and probably had some education regarding driving. Whether they have any common sense is a different story...but there should be a base level of knowledge, at least enough that they were able to obtain a license in most cases. This is not the case with boats. There is no such requirement for any minimal education standard or licensing for an adult to operate a boat, regardless of how powerful in most states. This may be changing, but at least in the states I am familiar with, there are no current requirements..
Granted, there will the the occassional whack job, who goes and drives without any education or training in the operation of a motor vehicle, and who isn't licensed...but in the majority of cases, the operator has had some training or education towards driving or operating a motor vehicle.
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What would you like to see, Licensing for boaters?
I've got news for you, virtually no one upon recieving their first drivers license knows how to drive. A good driver matures with time and experience.
Personally, I think we are losing too many freedoms as it is.
If you can tell me that you have always been 100% prepared and educated before you took chances in you life, then I yeild. However, I don't think you can.
There are a lot of people in this world who, if asked, would say that it's crazy to set sail in a little sailboat and cross an ocean. It's something they just don't understand. To you, it's a natural and even reletively safe. Tell me how many good sailors have lost their lives. How much money has the government spent rescuing sailors who have underestimated the conditions, their vessel or their own abilities?
How would you like to be told that it's "stupid" "reckless" and that you can't live that lifestyle anymore because the majority doesn't think you should.
I kinda think that your tune would change.