Did you conveniently forget to mention that the number of boats on the
water increases exponentially below 20 feet?

No, the statistics are typically expressed in deaths per thousand. That
neutralizes the numerical difference.

Good aspect to consider, though.

I won't deny that the operators are likely to
be less experienced, or that the boats are likely less stable in rough
weather, but they're nowhere near the deathtraps your statistical
manipulation makes them out to be.

Deathtraps? Never did I say deathtraps.
All other things be equal, a boater will be safer in a larger and heavier boat
that he knows how to run well than in a smaller and lighter boat than he knows
how to run well.

When it comes to safety, there's no replacement for displacement.


In fact, in some ways you are safer on a boat less than 20 feet. A boat
less than 20 feet is required to have flotation... basic flotation for
inboards and stern drives, and level flotation for outboards. Over 20
feet, there is no legal requirement for flotation, and most don't have it,
so will sink like a rock.

If flotation made that much difference, the statistics per thousand would
actually favor the little boats. The statistics do not.

Given a choice between a 4000 lb bowrider with 15 inches of freeboard and full
flotation and a 10,000 lb boat with a proper foredeck, 30 or more inches of
freeboard, lacking full floation I'd opt for the latter.
I'm more interested in avoiding a situation where the flotation becomes the
critical difference between life and death, but that's just me. Lots of room on
the water for more than one opinion.