Re: Eye lead time
well said, dingbat. I'm one of those busy harbor/open waters boaters, too. We say, "Keep your head on a swivel." the "eye lead time" is a very small part of what you have to do.
We all naturally compare motor boat drving to car driving, but there are way too many differences to make the few similarities matter. For example, on an interstate, you really only need to worry about what's behind or in front of you, and on the surface of the road. Perhaps boating in a long canal is like that. But not driving on a neighborhood street or boating on busy creek full of docks and marinas. On the road, cars generally restrict travel to the road. Boating is like being in a big unmarked parking lot.
Boats: no brakes and generally not as manueverable. Watch 360 above the surface. Watch the surface straight ahead, and also "watch" what's under it (not a concern on cars!). Watch what's above (weather) also not as much a concern with cars (a 15 mph change in wind speed in a boat would be of equal concern of a tropical storm/blizzard on a car). Severe injury from impact (no selt belts, airbags, safe design) and risk of drowning! But the immediate effects of a break-down are usually harmless. Boats also require more maintenance, more "on the road" repairs, more safety/emergency/repair equipment , and more skill to operate.
Cars: more obstructed view (e.g. car coming out a side street); more restrictions (stop lights/signs; lanes of travel) and danger from people ignoring them; lower margin of error (ditches/walls/curbs on the sides); higher speed = longer stopping and greater likelihood of skidding or rolling. If you break down suddenly (flat front tire) especially in traffic you are more likely to get creamed by another driver.
Other drivers: Who's to say whether the threat from other drivers acting stupid is worse on the water or on land. For me at home (urban drving on land, experienced boaters mostly on water) land is worse. I surmise from comments here that many of you have your lakes full of morons but land traffic isn't so bad, comparatively. Of course, the "holiday weekend" traffic can be bad both places!
