Seaplane or Amphibian
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 5200; Flight Crew Type 130
Other / Unknown
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors
While setting up for a water landing on a river; I saw two boats on the west side of the river so I turned approximately 30 degrees to the left where the water surface was clear of any boats and proceeded to set up for a landing.  As I approached the water at about 10 feet of altitude; I caught a glimpse of a boat out of my side of the canopy directly below me. I applied full power and estimated I missed the boat by a couple of feet.  I then circled around and proceeded back to the airport to land.  The area where I was going to land was totally clear so the only conclusion I can come up with is that the boat saw me landing and proceeded over to my landing area from behind me.  There are many very fast boats on this river and my landing speed was only 45 knots. I have made over a thousand water landings and never had this happen before.  Always look for boats and other obstructions and land well clear of them.  I will have to scan the area better and make sure no boats are headed to where I plan to land.  If they are curious about an airplane landing on the water; and head towards my landing area; I'll have to land someplace else.
Seaplane pilot reports a near collision with a boat while attempting a river landing. The intended landing area had appeared clear but the reporter surmises that a very fast boat had intentionally obstructed the landing. A go-around is initiated and the reporter returns to his airport.