Re: catalina27-talk: Mandatory PFD usage in Maryland

[TTagg65796]

I also have to chime in on this one. We have to remember, historically speaking, that if the law says they must be worn on boats under 22', pretty soon it will be boats under 25', then 27', then any boat with a white hull, etc. And for those of us who will not be effected by this law, remember, if it happens there, it's only a matter of time before it happens to you. Give em an inch.........   Tommy,     In a message dated 2/7/2006 1:58:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Sorry Phil, but, respectfully, I do not agree with you. It should be any adult's right to make his or her decision as to whether or not to wear a PFD on a boat (or a captain's right and responsibility to do so for the crew), not some legislator's. And it shouldn't matter whether you own a powerboat or a sailboat. What you would be saying with your suggestion to expand PFD requirements to powerboats 22 feet and under is that you have the right to decide whether or not to wear a PFD, because you captain a 27 foot Catalina, but the owner of a 20 foot Sea Ray does not have that same right. To me that's not reasonable or fair. Who is to say who is more responsible? But a more important point is this: We in the boating community have political power because of our numbers. Boaters have influenced legislation locally and nationally. But we need to act in concert. It would be a mistake for us in the sailboat community to protect our rights at the expense of those of the powerboaters. It's that old story...a house divided against itself shall not stand. Larry Pinto Hardtack Calvert Marina Solomon's Island, Maryland 27' Catalina (#3401M77H)