What is the recommended distance to maintain from other boats as a common rule?

Maintaining a distance of at least 100 feet from other boats is recommended to ensure safety and avoid collisions on the water. This distance provides enough space to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden changes in the movement of nearby vessels or obstacles. It also helps to reduce wake interference, which can be especially important in crowded areas or near smaller boats and shorelines. By observing this guideline, boaters can navigate more safely, allowing for greater awareness of their surroundings and giving other operators adequate room to maneuver without feeling constrained.