jet drives in our futures?

[Phil T.]

I haven't searched the net to verify this, but the new issue of TrailerBoats magazine contains a potentially upsetting sidebar. A man's wife fell out of their boat and was killed by the prop. He sued the boat manufacturer, claiming the lack of a prop guard made the boat/motor unsafe. He lost his lawsuit in a couple of courts, but he won the right to sue in the US Supreme Court.
There should be something in boatbiz, or NMMA.
Maybe one of our resident lawyers could comment.
Personally, I don't want to buy a jet conversion, nor one of those ring-shaped prop guards.

[Typical]

We still haven't learned that we cannot pass laws that protect us from ourselves huh?
Sad story, but that's all we need is a new law against something else.

[Phil T.]

We don't have to wait for a law against exposed propellers, all we need is a big legal settlement against the boat/motor manufacturer.
Notice all the silly locks on new firearms, lawn mowers that shut off when you release the handle, etc.
Careless is careless. It can often result in injury, but in these times it can result in big $$ damage claims.
Should the widower be granted a multi-million dollar settlement, I think our propulsion systems will change for the worse. We won't be given a choice.

[Natural Selection]

One phrase sums it up:
If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough.


Accidents happen. That's a fact. The only way to protect everybody at all times is to make everyone live in a bubble.

These laws and regulations are getting rediculous, and not only are the people starting the litigation at fault, but the judges and jurys awarding the damages as well.

People need to start being accountable for their actions instead of looking for a reaction when they screw up.

[GR8WTHUNTER]

As I see it the captian (person in control) of the boat is responsible for the safety of all on board. How did this person end up in the water with the motor running and the prop engaged? I don't know the details of this accident but it is my opinion that most accidents can be avoided if the risky behaviors are eliminated. Rich

[Mark_AZ]

I don't know a whole lot about boats... but it seems to me that the propeller didn't malfunction in any way. It was only doing it's job.