I have encountered tows in narrow channels on the C&D Canal, the rock pile of the South Carolina ICW, and the inland rivers. The bow wave will push small vessels away, but as the wake runs down the barge side, it will suck small vessels towards it. Don't get too close or it'll scrape the barnacles off your hullsides. . And Lee is certainly right about big ships operating at speed. In the Chesapeake Bay, where ships are running at 18 kts or better in the deep water channel, the bow wave is capable of throwing small vessels all over hell and back. At 1/2 mile or so, it's easy to quarter into it. Not at all fun if it takes you by surprise. Jim Peg and Jim Healy, living aboard Sanctuary http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436