The larger vessel has the right of way in a narrow channel, and here's why it matters for California boaters

Size matters in the squeeze: who has the right of way when two vessels meet in a narrow channel?

Let me set the scene. You’re cruising along a tidy Californian waterway, perhaps the Delta's maze of channels or a calm stretch near a coast town. Ahead, two boats converge in a tight spot. One is a big, solid vessel with a lot of hull and a fair amount of momentum. The other is smaller, quicker to maneuver, maybe a rib or a deck boat. The question you were likely asked—who should yield?—isn’t just trivia. It’s a live, on-the-water decision that keeps people safe.

The simple rule most of us learn first is this: when two vessels of different sizes approach a narrow channel, the larger vessel has the right of way. It sounds almost counterintuitive if you’re at the helm of the smaller craft, but there’s a practical logic behind it. Bigger ships have more momentum, more mass, and a longer stopping distance. They also have a harder time changing direction quickly in tight spaces. In a confined waterway, giving them space reduces the risk of a collision that could cause serious damage or even capsize.

Let me explain why this rule makes sense in real life. Picture trying to stop a truck versus a bicycle. The bike can slow, weave, or stop with a flick of the handlebar. The truck can’t bend nearly as easily. Water is similar—boats don’t “stop on a dime,” especially when wind, current, and the wake add to the challenge. In a narrow channel, a large vessel faced with limited options for turning around needs as much room as possible to maneuver safely. If the smaller craft were to go first, the big boat might have to throttle down hard or swing wide into the other lane, raising the risk of a wake-induced upset, a close encounter, or a head-on squeeze that you don’t want to imagine.

But safety isn’t just about a rule printed on a chart. It’s about how you apply it in the moment. Here are some practical cues to keep in mind, whether you’re steering a compact runabout or piloting a commercial-style tilt deck in California waters:

• Communicate clearly and early. A quick radio check-in or a sound signal can set expectations. If you’re the larger vessel, a simple, steady horn or a radio call to the other boat can confirm you’re slowing or adjusting course to give space.

• Reduce speed. In a narrow channel, even a small increase in speed can mean a lot more wake. Slow down, then reassess. You’ll gain time to react if the other boat makes a sudden move.

• Stay centered in the channel. The vessel with the larger mass should typically stay closer to the center, not hugging the bank. That center-of-channel path creates a wider margin for error and keeps the shoals or shallows from turning into a surprise.

• Watch for sensitive areas. In places with shoaling, submerged hazards, or traffic from multiple directions, the margin gets even tighter. Extra caution isn’t overkill—it's smart.

• Keep eyes and mind on the water. Don’t get lost in the gadgetry. binoculars, radar, or AIS are great, but the human lookout still saves lives. If visibility is limited, slow down further and prepare to stop if needed.

• Plan your exit. If you’re the larger vessel approaching a pinch point, think ahead about where you’ll pass and what you’ll do if the other boat doesn’t hold its course. A small, premeditated adjustment now beats a frantic maneuver later.

A little scenario to anchor the idea: you’re in a busy inland waterway where commercial craft move with a purpose and pleasure boats drift along. A tug with a barge is entering a narrow stretch. A small powerboat is coming from the opposite direction. The tug, being the larger vessel, has the right of way. The pleasure craft should slow, stay in the channel boundaries, and allow the tug to pass with ample clearance. If you’re the larger vessel, you keep your speed low and make your intentions known by a steady horn and a clear draw to the middle of the channel. The result? A calm, predictable passage for both, with no last-minute swerve into someone else’s wake.

Now, a quick note about what this means on California waterways. California is famous for its diverse boating environments—from the open Pacific to the busy inland waterways and the glittering channels around the Delta. In all these places, the same principle applies: larger vessels generally have the right of way in narrow passages. California captains know that the rule isn’t about power or bravado; it’s about predictability and margin for error. You want a safe glide through a channel, not a tense clench of nerves as you roll with the wake of a passing ship.

Of course, there are always exceptions and nuances. The sea has a way of bending the rules to fit the moment. For example, a vessel under sail might have unusual priority in certain crossing situations, or a vessel with limited ability to maneuver in a specific scenario might take different precautions. The takeaway is simple: know the general rule, stay aware of your surroundings, and communicate. When in doubt, slow down, give way, and prioritize safety over speed or ego.

Here are a few everyday tips that feel natural in California’s boating life and help you put this rule into practice:

• If you’re piloting a smaller craft, don’t push it. You’re the agile one, but agility doesn’t mean racing through a narrow channel. Yield early to the bigger ship and keep your boat’s path predictable.

• If you’re the larger vessel, own your space without aggression. A confident, slow approach that keeps to the channel center sends a clear signal to others: I’m maneuvering with care.

• Use signals and light when needed. Daylight calls for clear hand signals; night calls for proper navigation lights and the appropriate horn blasts. These aren’t extra; they’re essential.

• Be mindful of wakes. A rolling wake can turn a calm moment into a close call. Ease off the throttle as you pass and be mindful of boats that might be following you closely.

• Respect local traffic patterns. Some channels have posted rules or common courtesy standards to reduce risk. When you’re on a busy stretch, adopt the local rhythm—slower, steadier, more communicative.

If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a narrow channel and wondered who should move first, you’re not alone. The mental math is part of the craft. It’s about balance—between speed and safety, between momentum and margin, between what a rule says and what the water demands. The larger vessel has the right of way in most narrow-channel scenarios, and that principle aims to keep everybody safer, with less drama and fewer “oh-no” moments.

Let me share one more angle—practice, if you will—on confidence and calm. On the water, confidence isn’t swagger. It’s preparation plus presence. Before you head into a narrow channel, check the forecast, look at the tide, consider traffic patterns, and decide who will yield before you get there. When the moment arrives, you’ll already know what to do. You’ll switch to a steady hum of throttle, a decisive but gentle course correction, and a clear signal that you’re not trying to push anyone off their line. Confidence on the water is what keeps people from being surprised by a sudden move or a big wake.

California’s waterway culture has a lot of heart. You’ll hear stories of early morning crossings in the Delta, of kayakers threading between mooring lines, of ferries that hum along with the rhythm of the tides. The common thread across all these stories isn’t bravado; it’s mutual respect and practical sense. The larger vessel acts with responsibility in tight spaces, while the smaller craft stays prepared to yield when the situation calls for it. That balance—between give and take, between caution and purpose—keeps boating enjoyable for everyone.

If you’re thinking about how to translate this into everyday boating, here are a few punchy reminders to keep in your pocket:

• When approaching a narrow channel, scan early for approaching traffic from both directions.

• If you’re on the larger vessel, start your slow-down early. Give yourself space to maneuver and communicate clearly.

• If you’re the smaller vessel, don’t press your luck. Offer a predictable line of travel and be ready to adjust.

• In low light or fog, drop speed and rely more on signals and listening for wakes or engine sounds.

• Remember that the water is a shared space. A little courtesy goes a long way.

So, to bring it back to the core idea one last time: in a narrow channel, the larger vessel usually has the right of way. It’s a guideline born from the realities of momentum, maneuverability, and the need to avoid dangerous situations in tight spaces. It helps keep California’s busy waterways safer, smoother, and more enjoyable for everyone who’s out there on the water, from the weekend hobbyist to the seasoned captain.

If you’re ever unsure, the safe move is simple: slow down, give way, and communicate. The ocean doesn’t rush, and neither should you. Safe boating in California isn’t about memorizing every rule in a single glance; it’s about building a habit of looking ahead, planning, and respecting the space you share with others. The next time you’re near a narrow channel, you’ll know what to do—and you’ll do it with calm confidence. The water will feel a little friendlier, and your ride will be a little safer for it.