I was running down the lake and in my Scarab about 45-50mph and a kid (>13) came up on my starboard side acting like he wanted to race. I waved him off 3 or 4 times. He accelerated hard and about the time he reached the nose of my boat, he took a hard left. I actually lost sight of him and full expected to hear fiberglass and bones go through the props, but luckily, he popped out on the other side and zoomed straight for the shore where there were a dozen cousins and the one Waverunner (likely rented).

I followed him to shore and politely (I thought) told them what had happened and that he had pulled an extremely dangerous maneuver that could have easily sent him through two 17" stainless clevers of death, and they might want to keep an eye on him while he's out, as I didn't want anything to happen to him. ( he was too young to be on it by himself, which would also mean he's clearly unlicensed, and a moron--but I overlooked that). That caused a dust up!!!

Next thing I know, 2 or 3 tank topped men (or women, kind of hard to tell with this group) started talking crap and wading in the water to "whip my ass". I backed out a little, just to avoid all the paperwork I was going to have to fill out for ventilating these fools, called the Lake Patrol and waited offshore.
You know what happened next, but the point is, PEOPLE DON'T GIVE A CRAP ANYMORE. If that had been my son, I would have told the guy I appreciated letting me know, had my son apologize and he would have gotten an ear-full after the boat left.

I am a 100% defensive driver now. No use me getting mad, them getting mad, or someone getting hurt over public water. I'm out there to relax, and it's just not worth the hassle to deal with stupidity.

The absolute worse are the rental PWC's but the good thing is they seldom go out far from shore, either the owners limit how far they can go or the operators are afraid they may fall off the edge of earth.

I seen that video, those guys turned into and struck the boat.
didn't know the red and green lights up front meant that, always wondered why they didn't blink like in the song

Ring a ling hear them ring soon it will be christmas day strings of street lights even bow lights blink of bright red and green as the shoppers rush home with their treasures

christmas, brought to by watches and cigarettes !

The jet ski is definitely at fault because the boat had right of way.

Years back, my buddy Rich and I were in our 37' Active Thunders going the "S" turns at Smith Mountain Lake. I was following him, both of us doing around 45mph. I was following Rich at a safe distance. A PWC cut between us, and I had to turn my boat so hard, I ended up banking my turn on the side of Rich's wake, and I the port side rub rail of my 37' was in the water. I would bet my boat was leaned over at a 60-70 degree angle. It was GNARLY. I've had plenty of other close calls, just one last weekend on Lake Anna with a father and his two kids, just kept coming across my bow. But that one at Smith Mountain Lake could have put US in the drink, and I'll always remember that as my worst scare.

It is true that sailboats and boats in tow have right of way. Those are the only common exceptions to the 'stand on' vessel rules that i am aware of.

A sailboat with sails unfurled can also be under power and in that situation they are considered a powerboat.

True, only when a sailboat is SAILING do they have the right of way. Motoring, they are a just like any other vessel. Just be aware they are less maneuverable.

I did that once and he thought it was funny to turn and hose us down. I acted like I was going to chase him and he ran and hid. lol

Post that video!