G I wouldn't have to because I wouldn't get in a collision to
begin with because I'd hail them and find out their intentions.
Then, of course, just before the collision if you insist that there
must be one, I would run below, disconnect the fuel line, and
claim that I tried to start the engine but it wouldn't happen,
so I tried everything in my power to avoid. The best defense
is a good offense.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Shen44" wrote in message
...
Subject: night sailing - too close for comfort.
From: "Jonathan Ganz"
Date: 08/15/2004 22:21 Pacific Standard Time
Message-id:

I agree, but I don't think I'd want to try and argue if the CG determines
it was on. How do I prove it wasn't being used to propel the boat?


G Let's carry this a step further. You have a sailboat with an engine
fitted,
that is not running, and you have a collision.
How do you prove that it was not running and being used for propulsion?
I think (and here we'd need a Maritime Lawyer's input) it would be on the
shoulders of the CG (or whomever) to prove you were using the engine to
propel
the boat.

Shen