AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-power-gives-way-to-sail

A powerboat and a sailboat under sail are on a collision course in open water. Which one generally gives way?

The powerboat.

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  1. The powerboat ✔
  2. The sailboat
  3. Whichever one is bigger

Why: Inland Rule 18 says a power-driven vessel underway keeps out of the way of a sailing vessel. Narrow channels and overtaking are exceptions, where other rules take over.

Huh, didn't know that: A sailboat under sail must itself keep out of the way of a vessel fishing with nets or trawls that limit its maneuvering.

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References

Answer: The powerboat. Inland Rule 18 says a power-driven vessel underway keeps out of the way of a sailing vessel. Narrow channels and overtaking are exceptions, where other rules take over.

  1. USCG Amalgamated Navigation Rules, Rule 18 navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated
    A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. USCG Amalgamated Navigation Rules, Rule 18 navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated
    (iv) a sailing vessel.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. USCG Amalgamated Navigation Rules, Rule 18 navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated
    A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  4. USCG Amalgamated Navigation Rules, Rule 18 navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-amalgamated
    (iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterA sailboat moving under sail alone at night shows which lights?Boating & WaterA sailboat has its sails up but is also using its engine for propulsion. Under the Navigation Rules, it counts as what?Boating & WaterTwo powerboats are crossing paths. Which one must keep out of the way?

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