psneeld
Guru
Yep...if you have working taillights and blinkers...no need to signal with your hand....BUT if they aren't or riding a bike...you are legally required to use hand signals...so till they come up with another requirement (and the anchor ball has survived recent NAVRULE changes unlike the "fishing basket dayshape")I think we can equate this regulation (as far as pleasure boats go anyway) to the requirement that was in place when I got my driver's license that the driver of a car or truck stick his or her arm out the window and signal right or left turns or stop.
Fight the concept all you want ....but opinion is not the law, whether enforced or not...plus it just plain rude to other experienced boaters, whether you think so or not....
after thinking some more...it's really funny the concept is being looked at from the wrong point...maybe it's not so much that the rec boater easily sees that other boats are anchored...it's for the commercial guy pushing even a small crane barge in and around a small boats anchored (not a special anchorage) and by seeing the anchor balls early on, he can make wise decisions out further because of his tow possibly restricting his maneuvering/sight picture....
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