Raft Permit?

Dave M · 05-31-2016, 12:04 PM

Tried to find answer on forum but had no luck. Does a raft require a permit? How large can it be. Also how far out can you put the raft, rocks is an issue.

Thanks Dave M

SAB1 · 05-31-2016, 01:10 PM

Nope they used to need to a permit but no more.

Descant · 05-31-2016, 01:16 PM

For the most part, I believe rafts are not regulated. However, you can't just drop anchor and attach a raft anywhere, especially in front of somebody else's property, and not where it impedes navigation or presents a navigation safety issue. That would likely mean you can't be 150 feet from shore. This becomes problematic in small coves where "lot line extensions" may easily put you in front of somebody else's property or navigation access.

You mention rocks. If your raft is placed so that others are forced too close to the rocks it will probably have to be relocated.

Best bet is to get agreement from your neighbors if you have small frontage so they don't call MP to determine that you have "mis-located" the raft.

I imagine, if you drop a small anchor with a float in your proposed location, you could get them to swing by and give a courtesy opinion if there is any question.

Best info comes from calling MP at 293-2037 and asking.

05-31-2016, 12:04 PM	#1
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	Raft Permit? Tried to find answer on forum but had no luck. Does a raft require a permit? How large can it be. Also how far out can you put the raft, rocks is an issue. Thanks Dave M

05-31-2016, 01:16 PM	#3
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,030 Thanks: 1,208 Thanked 1,509 Times in 982 Posts	Raft regulations For the most part, I believe rafts are not regulated. However, you can't just drop anchor and attach a raft anywhere, especially in front of somebody else's property, and not where it impedes navigation or presents a navigation safety issue. That would likely mean you can't be 150 feet from shore. This becomes problematic in small coves where "lot line extensions" may easily put you in front of somebody else's property or navigation access. You mention rocks. If your raft is placed so that others are forced too close to the rocks it will probably have to be relocated. Best bet is to get agreement from your neighbors if you have small frontage so they don't call MP to determine that you have "mis-located" the raft. I imagine, if you drop a small anchor with a float in your proposed location, you could get them to swing by and give a courtesy opinion if there is any question. Best info comes from calling MP at 293-2037 and asking.

05-31-2016, 01:10 PM	#2
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,165 Thanks: 182 Thanked 297 Times in 220 Posts	Nope they used to need to a permit but no more.