Common guys and gals - We're not talking about 1000 ++ ton ocean liners here with considerably restricted "quick maneuvering" capabilities.
We're mainly [in this forum anyway] mulling over the capability of our little [25' to 60'] quick turn/stop/accelerate pleasure cruiser motor boats capability to avoid disastrous collisions with any other type boat [sail or pwr]. And, shoals, floating debris, docks too for that matter.
Of course sail boaters can be a big pia. But so can pwr boaters who get all anal retentive about the whole "right-of-way" thang!
So I leave it at this statement. IMO: All pleasure boat captains of any type boat should leave their right-of-way egos at the dock. Sure there will be times when another boater may act as a puffed up a-hole regarding the ways of boating and sure there are plenty of pleasure boaters that have not a clue regarding what is/are correct actions to take on the water - BUT - So What?? Simply keep your eyes open and avoid all chances of collision at nearly any cost (especially the cost of temporally deflated ego) is the way to correctly play the pleasure boating game.
So, I repeat. "Here lies the body of one Michael O'Day. He died defending his right-of-way. He was right, dead right, as he sailed along... but he's just as dead as if he were wrong!"
Lighten up, loosen up, enjoy pleasure boating and most importantly stay alive!!
Happy Boat-Path Daze! - Art