Why are boats right hand drive?

Factual Questions
1

Does anyone know why most powerboats, like a water ski boat, are almost always right hand drive? Sure, some of the super fast ones are center, and sailboats are usually center, and ships could be any number of things… but the average power boat one might tow behind a truck for a day at the lake is always right. Weird.

2

nm

3

I’ve heard that the main reason is to put the steersman on the side of the boat that would be approached by other boats that have the right-of-way over yours. In other words, visualize a boat sailing on the starboard side of yours. In any direction, from overtaking you from the stern to crossing in front of you from right to left, you will be on his port side and would see (at least at night) his red running light. This would signify that he has the right of way over you, and you must give way.

I guess this is as good a reason as any.

4

Did you see this?

5

Well, no, I had not seen that.

Thanks.

6

I was told it was a combination of maritime coordination and weight balance.

Ships and boats meeting head on under normal conditions are supposed to pass each other with their port sides exposed to one another. And an overtaking vessel must sound a horn designating whether it proposes to pass on the port or starboard side. So with no other information the rules say if nobody is coming toward you and no one is blowing a pass signal behind you then going to the left is the safest way to turn.

And if you must turn around quickly it is best to turn left. You’re already looking forward so you know if you can safely move to port. The turn to port would make a boat with no stability control pitch down on the port side and raise up on its starboard side. This not only elevates the pilot of the vessel giving him a better view of his surroundings it also uses the pilot as a counterweight to the pitch of the vessel giving the vessel the ability to turn tighter if necessary.

7

A couple of friends of mine were out sailing when they heard a signal from behind indicating that the overtaker intended to pass on their starboard side. “Good”, they thought, “at least there is someone who knows the rules”. However, when they were level the driver of the other boat shouted to them “Didn’t you hear that I signalled to you to move out of my way, you effing Sunday sailors!”