Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 32
In general, boats with less maneuverability have right of way over more-
agile crafts. You must stay clear of the vessel with right of way and pass to
his stern.
Sailboats and boats paddled or rowed have the right of way over motor boats. Sailboats under power are
considered motorboats. Small pleasure craft must yield to large commercial boats in narrow channels.
Burdened Vessel
The burdened vessel does not have the right-of-way and has the duty to take positive and timely action
to stay out of the way of the privileged vessel. Normally, the burdened vessel should not cross in front of the
privileged vessel. The burdened vessel should slow down or change directions and pass behind the other vessel.
The burdened vessel operator should always move in such a way that the privileged vessel operator can see
what you are doing in ample time to avoid a collision.
Crossing
In crossing situations, the boat to the right from
the 12 o’clock to the 4 o’clock position has the right-
of-way, and it must hold course and speed. The
burdened boat passes behind the privileged boat.
Boats going up and down a river have the privilege
over boats crossing the river. The illustration depicts a
situation in which you are the boat in the center and
you are the privileged vessel. You must hold course
and speed. All vessels approaching your vessel from
the directions depicted by the red vessels must yield
to your boat.
Conversely, the illustration depicts a situation in
which you are the boat in the center and you are the
burdened vessel. You must give right-of-way to all
vessels coming towards you from the directions shown in green.
Meeting Head-On
When meeting head-on, neither vessel has the
right of way. Both boats should decrease speed, turn
towards their right (starboard side) and pass on their
left sides (port-to-port). However, if both boats are
clearly on each other’s right (starboard) side then,
each vessel should sound two short blasts and pass
on their right sides (starboard-to-starboard).