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A sailboat under sail meets a boat engaged in fishing (trawling nets, for example). Which one keeps out of the way?

The sailboat must keep out of the way of the fishing vessel.

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  1. The fishing vessel
  2. Whichever boat is bigger
  3. The sailboat ✔

Why: Rule 18 says a sailing vessel underway keeps out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing, plus boats not under command or restricted in maneuvering. 'Engaged in fishing' means gear like nets that limits maneuvering, not trolling lines.

Huh, didn't know that: A powerboat must keep out of the way of all of these, plus sailboats.

The dad joke
Why did the sailboat give the fishing boat room? It didn't want to get caught up in the net drama.
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References

Answer: The sailboat. Rule 18 says a sailing vessel underway keeps out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing, plus boats not under command or restricted in maneuvering. 'Engaged in fishing' means gear like nets that limits maneuvering, not trolling lines.

  1. 33 CFR 83.18, Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.18
    A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. 33 CFR 83.18, Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.18
    A vessel engaged in fishing.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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