Another one hits the rocks

chasedawg · 08-19-2014, 10:04 PM

We live in a wonderful place for the last 31 years.

We also live in an area that has some rocks that are clearly marked on all charts and has additional markers defining the "do not navigate" area. Oh I might add that it is a No wake Zone (NWZ) besides!

But each year we witness so many people having no clue what the markers mean and just barrel through and slam into the rocks. We see it coming and start asking each other are they going to hit the rocks. We usually run out to forewarn them but most times it is too late. So we jump in our boat and cruise out to them to see if we can help.

It happened several times last week and again today. Go figure. Last week there was this high performance beautiful Formula that was cruising through not paying attention and then boom bang, thud, and another sickening thud. They all stopped and looked around to see what caused the last "thud. Then they try and start their engine and try move forward hoping that knowing happened.

After they raise their stern drives they say "Oh Sucks...Darn.. I should have known better". (Yea sure they say that) The high performance Formula owner tried to put his twin engines in gear one at a time. The first engine reved up like it was in neutral. Oops what does that mean? You guessed it.... no prop. He decided to swim out over the rocks to see if he could find his $1200 high performance stainless prop. No luck.

I went over to see if I could help. I suggested he should check his engine compartment for any kind of leakage. I asked how could I help. He said no problem I will run on one engine back. Well back meant 10 miles back to his marina. In this case I learned that his brother in law was driving the boat and had little or no experience or not even a lic.... you guessed it.

Then today, my wife saw a boat with a couple of gals coming through the NWZ bow way up in the air. Huge wake and heading for the rocks again. She ran out to the dock! But too late another Bang, thud, another thud and then silence. Then a scream....OH No! my husband is going to..... me.

A rock collision last year, I really felt sorry for the driver of the boat. I again saw it was going to happen. It is a sickening sound again...thud, boom, thud and then silence. We run out again to see who it was this time. It was four young late teen girls. I went out to help them. I towed their boat over to our dock and helped check out their engine and lower unit. It didn't look good. The lower unit and prop were a mess. My wife offered to take them to the nearest marina or if they wanted to use our phone to call home. The girl diving the boat said...OH NO....I Can't CALL Home. MY dad will .....you fill in the blanks. We asked why and she said his boat just got fixed and put back in the water because I did the SAME THING last weekend! Scream and tears!....Oh No I understand. I feel so bad for you.

This past week we counted on average four boats hitting the rocks. and get this! There is a huge sign that says caution "LOON CHICKS".
every boat has headed for the LOON CHICK sign and the hit the rocks. Go figure!

WE try to help as much as we can....BUT IT will never end. We see people holding up their charts and we think they will be OK. But no... they still hit the rocks.

What is the problem with these people. We just hate to see them have a awful day when we hear the sound. We wish we could help but it is always too late.

All I can say is please people look at your chart and understand what it means and GO SLOW and PAY ATTENTION!

Fair winds.....and Happy sailing!

Chasedawg

Rich · 08-19-2014, 10:20 PM

Wow, I could feel the pain with each thud that you described.

Perhaps install a webcam. It may make for some interesting youtube videos!

Where, may I ask, are these aluminum magnetized rocks?

I always try hard to follow all markers and charts, but have been caught off guard myself.

Knowing the area you are talking about will allow me to preview the charts and be well aware of the issue.

Aguamenti · 08-19-2014, 11:25 PM

Are you on Chases facing Farm?

Lakegeezer · 08-20-2014, 05:46 AM

We had a similar navigational challenge in our neighborhood, although I can't figure out why. There is a buoy set out from an island, marking a ridge of rocks from the island that are close to the surface. Yet, once or twice a year, someone (including once a marine patrol boat) went on the wrong side of the marker and hit rocks. The solution, as discovered by a neighbor, was to add an additional white Clorox bottle buoy on the rock side of the marker. Since then, everyone figures out which side of the buoy to go on, and nobody has hit the rocks. A simple solution that maybe will work in your situation.

tis · 08-20-2014, 06:19 AM

By any chance are the Williams your neighbors?

cillovely · 08-20-2014, 07:24 AM

I try so hard to follow the chart to a T but I did get thrown off this year being up in Center Harbor and all the little islands which all look the same. So at one point (mind you I'm driving and trying to read the map at the same time while Hubby relaxes), I slow down because a marker was coming my way that wasn't on the map. All of a sudden Hubby yells lift the motor shut it down. Which thankfully I had the reflexes to do so, and wouldn't you know there was a huge rock under us! Thankfully no damage (especially where it was a rental). We also got turned around on another trip and all of a sudden we were facing the witches. Thankfully at that point I knew where I was and how to avoid them. I'll take the Rattlesnake Island area any day, I can identify that island so easy. And there isn't as many hidden rocks!

Like I said to my brother the other day who said how he'd love to come up to Winni with his boat "GET A MAP and FOLLOW IT CLOSELY".

ishoot308 · 08-20-2014, 07:28 AM

If there are that many people hitting the same rocks in front of your place then I would put out one or two clorox bottles by the rocks (illegal or not!) to help guide them. You may just save someones life! I would then inform marine patrol of the situation and request them to install additional navigational aids (markers) to assist boaters in that area.

Yes there are a lot of inexperienced boaters out there who either make mistakes or don't know how to read a navigation chart properly or not at all. I have been boating the lake most of my life and have made mistakes and been on the wrong side of the marker like EVERYONE else here. Let's help these people as much as we can as none of them deserve to die in a boating accident which could be easily prevented.

Dan

chocophile · 08-20-2014, 07:53 AM

The correct side of the buoys is close to Chases Island, with a lot of water on the other side to Farm Island. I guess some people just assume the correct side is the one with more water.

I like the idea of another buoy (or more likely a pair, with one on each side of the no-wake zone).

BroadHopper · 08-20-2014, 08:11 AM

One way to keep the boneheads at bay!

secondcurve · 08-20-2014, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

One way to keep the boneheads at bay!

Have a little compassion. My guess is you have it a rock or two. I busted one prop up pretty good outside of the Graveyard. Very painful!

Phantom · 08-20-2014, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

One way to keep the boneheads at bay!

Broadhopper-- that was clearly uncalled for !

Are you telling this forum you have NEVER got disoriented or cut the wrong side of a marker ?

If so ........................
(Never mind)

.

Rich · 08-21-2014, 08:18 AM

Chasedawg,

I'd still like to know where this place is on the lake. If you prefer, PM me and I won't repeat it.

Thanks!

chasedawg · 08-21-2014, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

Chasedawg,

I'd still like to know where this place is on the lake. If you prefer, PM me and I won't repeat it.

Thanks!

My apologies Rich....It has been sort of mention several posts in this thread.
It is between Chases and Farm Islands over towards the NE side of the lake and in the 19 Mile Bay area. It is on the South side of Chases and the North side of Farm Islands. It is in the NWZ. There are two black and white markers. As someone mentioned earlier there is more open water closer to Farm Island.

The narrow side or North side of the markers and the correct passage is along Chases Island. It is clearly marked on the charts. The rocks are in about 4' of water at high water. It always gets those who do not pay attention to the NWZ and the black markers.

One of the issues I feel is how the black markers are placed. The far West one is closer to Farm Island. So if one is not paying attention and look at both markers it appears that safe passage would be to go between them. Obviously, that is the worst possible course to take and "another one hits the rocks" will most likely will occur. If they are obeying and following the rules of the NWZ ( We know about that discussion in another post) they will probably clear the rocks. And those that do will generally let out a frantic scream...STOP!...ROCKS!

It has been mention by VitaBene that we should hire a painter and paint the rocks florescent. LOL :<)

What would you do?

jrc · 08-21-2014, 02:07 PM

Well if I read you right there are four damaged boats a week in there. That's a 30-40 boats a season. I'd think the MP would take notice and improve the markers.

If they are not interested, you could obviously do something. Two 12" round orange buoys, $35 each at Amazon, 20' of nylon line and two cinder blocks, for less than $100 and an hour of time you could mark the two biggest rocks on the bad side of the markers.

I guess it depends how much it bothers you that this is happening, it doesn't sound like anyone is getting hurt. So how much time and money are you willing to spend to prevent total strangers from breaking their boats.

Rich · 08-21-2014, 02:59 PM

Chasedawg,

Thanks for clarifying. I haven't made it over to that part of the lake yet, so I'm happy to have your clarifications.

I looked at the Navionics web app map (http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en ), and I can see how some could be confused.

BroadHopper · 08-21-2014, 03:31 PM

Is clearly marked with channel buoys yet I have seen many people ignore the Headway speed marker and plane right into the rocks in front of Irwin Marine. On occasion someone would float some Clorox bottles in the area hoping it would be a deterrent.

I would like to make two proposals to NH legislature. One all motorized rental vessels regardless of horsepower, the lessee must pass the boater's safety course. Two, lessors of motorized vessels must inform the lessees of all safety features such as a map, life jackets, throwables, whistle etc. Unless there are already on the books.

I don't think this is too much to ask.

chasedawg · 08-21-2014, 05:26 PM

I can't believe it. My wife is sitting out on our deck just now and she said to me "another one hit the rocks". This was at 6:25 PM this evening. I went out to see if they needed help. It was a elderly couple and it looked like a brand new Colbalt! I waved to them to see if I could help. They went slow for a long way then opened the boat up to WOT. Good luck to them. Hopefully they will make it home.

Bear Islander · 08-21-2014, 11:19 PM

The Marine Patrol do not have a problem with bleach bottles that are placed in an area to be helpful. Naturally they reserve the right to remove them if they don't like the placement.

I think what would work here is to find an old busted in half boat and secure it up on the rocks. That might give boaters a visual indication of which side of the markers they should be on.

Then you could have a cute name for the area like "Hole in Boat Bay" or "Propeller Pile Cove". I was sailing the coast of Antarctica when we came on a large dangerous rock. The chart actually had it's name "Full Astern Rock".

http://icetent.net/page/2/

TiltonBB · 08-21-2014, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Is clearly marked with channel buoys yet I have seen many people ignore the Headway speed marker and plane right into the rocks in front of Irwin Marine. On occasion someone would float some Clorox bottles in the area hoping it would be a deterrent.

I would like to make two proposals to NH legislature. One all motorized rental vessels regardless of horsepower, the lessee must pass the boater's safety course. Two, lessors of motorized vessels must inform the lessees of all safety features such as a map, life jackets, throwables, whistle etc. Unless there are already on the books.

I don't think this is too much to ask.

I agree with the concept but you can't legislate common sense. I am against more laws and regulations. There are many licensed, seasoned boaters on this lake that violate the rules daily. Two of the most significant accidents on the lake in recent years were with very seasoned boaters at the helm.

If someone rents a vessel to head out on the lake and doesn't have, or inquire about a chart, then there is not much hope. If they are not smart enough to know they they need it then what would you expect? You can't fix s.....

I was going through the Weirs Channel today and someone was coming towards me in the middle of the channel. I was operating a boat with a 14 foot beam. After honking at them three times, motioning to them, they forced me aside and as they passed asked me what I wanted. I explained that they couldn't take their half in the middle. They didn't get it. They went under the bridge, dead center.

It's getting worse. I have seen more violations and dumb moves in the last month than I have in the previous 5 years.

Chaselady · 08-21-2014, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

I agree with the concept but you can't legislate common sense. I am against more laws and regulations. There are many licensed, seasoned boaters on this lake that violate the rules daily. Two of the most significant accidents on the lake in recent years were with very seasoned boaters at the helm.

If someone rents a vessel to head out on the lake and doesn't have, or inquire about a chart, then there is not much hope. If they are not smart enough to know they they need it then what would you expect? You can't fix s.....

I was going through the Weirs Channel today and someone was coming towards me in the middle of the channel. I was operating a boat with a 14 foot beam. After honking at them three times, motioning to them, they forced me aside and as they passed asked me what I wanted. I explained that they couldn't take their half in the middle. They didn't get it. They went under the bridge, dead center.

It's getting worse. I have seen more violations and dumb moves in the last month than I have in the previous 5 years.

I agree, you can't legislate common sense. And you can't fix stupid. But when you let inexperienced people go out on the lake, piloting a boat, with little to no experience, it puts everyone else on the water at risk.
It's not all about that driver, yeah, I know, they're on vacation...we can't ruin their "fun" This is NH, the "Live free or die " State
It's also about us, who have to share the water, and our kids, who also are out there on the water.
We can't rent a car without a (real) license. Why do we allow people to drive on the lake without that real experience?

Chaselady · 08-21-2014, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Well if I read you right there are four damaged boats a week in there. That's a 30-40 boats a season. I'd think the MP would take notice and improve the markers.

If they are not interested, you could obviously do something. Two 12" round orange buoys, $35 each at Amazon, 20' of nylon line and two cinder blocks, for less than $100 and an hour of time you could mark the two biggest rocks on the bad side of the markers.

I guess it depends how much it bothers you that this is happening, it doesn't sound like anyone is getting hurt. So how much time and money are you willing to spend to prevent total strangers from breaking their boats.

If they don't see the 2 no-wake markers, the 2 black and white spar markers, and the rather LARGE floating, orange floating sign that says "Caution! Caution"
(Warning of loon chicks in the area) they aren't going to see any more bouys.

BroadHopper · 08-21-2014, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

Broadhopper-- that was clearly uncalled for !

Are you telling this forum you have NEVER got disoriented or cut the wrong side of a marker ?

If so ........................
(Never mind)
.

I hit the rocks off of The Witches. Only because the marker was way off. I'm not the only one as others have complained. I took until this spring when the buoy was finally in the right place.

About 7 PM last night a pontoon rental was stuck in The Witches, I called it in and the MP was there in minutes. Stuck around until everyone is safe. Found out the pontoon boat only had a 25 HP motor so that it can be rented out to people without a boater's certificate! Someone needs to change that. Also found out it was the skipper first time boating and he was lost trying to find the Weirs. He didn't know there was a map on board?????

jeffk · 08-21-2014, 10:57 AM

The world is full of clueless people who run around banging into things.

While I would also offer to help if I was nearby, the extent of my sympathy has become limited. When you run around in ignorance and carelessness, bad things will eventually happen. The teen daughter is an example. She did it before and her dad lets her take the boat again? Duh! Was she texting at the same time? Hope he has lots and lots of spare cash because neither he nor his daughter seemed to have learned anything the first time around.

Now I also get how even careful people can ding a rock in this lake. I did it on an unmarked rock when I started boating here 20 years ago. It's an unfortunate cost of boating around here. If you stay in the main boating lanes the chances of it happening are far less. I explore other areas on a jet ski or kayak. No more propeller dings since.

brk-lnt · 08-21-2014, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffk

The world is full of clueless people who run around banging into things.

While I would also offer to help if I was nearby, the extent of my sympathy has become limited.

I tend to have the same viewpoint as you. I haven't hit anything *yet* but I also go pretty slow and cautiously if I'm in an area I don't know well. On this lake, or any other.

Misha888 · 08-21-2014, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

I tend to have the same viewpoint as you. I haven't hit anything *yet* but I also go pretty slow and cautiously if I'm in an area I don't know well. On this lake, or any other.

Sincerely, you can't fix ignorance as made apparent by the "teen" who did it before.

It is really unimaginable to me why people still try and go between Pig and Varney Point. At least 2x a year someone tries even if you yell at them to back up they ignore you and the big sign painted in red lettering that say ROCKS! Danger. Typical response "I got it" as they hit the rocks, grind the prop . . .

Great story telling too. Thank you.

Bmcgov78 · 08-21-2014, 08:50 PM

WE have a place right Near Chase and Farm. As a matter of fact I can see it from my Dock. First of all, clearly I have to pay better attention while i relax, I haven t seen anyone loose a Prop this season lol. Although I do see several idiots a week burn through there and Ignore both the NWZ and the Loon chic sign. But I have to disagree, although I had a boat growing up in that area as a kid. I only recently bought a boat 3 seasons ago. I think it is pretty strait forward, go north of the 2 Black top buoys. In the 3 seasons Ive put about 180 hrs out on the lake and there are much more dangerous and complicated places the deal with. if they can't navigate that properly then they have issues.

jrc · 08-21-2014, 10:02 PM

Chaselady, the other Chase asks what he could do, I don't know the area very well, I always go around those islands not between. But more buoys is really the only practical solution. You say there are enough buoys now but at the current hit rate, eventually someone is going to get hurt.

Misha, I take my kayak between Pig and Varney every weekend, I can't believe anyone would try to bring a boat through. Sometimes my kayak scrapes the rocks. I still don't know how the guy gets his Campion in there, especially in the fall.

PTBoater · 08-24-2014, 07:29 AM

Thanks for all these posts, stories and details. My 15 year old son is a not-yet licensed boater in our part-time boating family. We are regular Winnisquam boaters and drive with the chart out finding most every marker when on the 'big lake' so we know where we are all the times. Even with diligence we have found ourselves on the wrong side of markers. Each time not serious and great lessons 'for him'. I came across this blog and enjoyed the writing style on a serious subject so I started reading out loud to both my teens around the campfire. Since we couldn't envision the hazard zones, he ran to get the lake chart. We found each place mentioned as I read and we all had a great discussion about safety, stupidity, tolerance, kindness and responsibility.
Not naut for naught.

dickiej · 08-24-2014, 07:55 AM

Several years ago my son and I were fishing the mouth of the Merrimac River around dusk when a cigarette boat came barreling in through the mouth around 60 mph and hit the rocks near toothpick on the Salisbury side. Thank god, no one seriously hurt, but pretty much a total loss of a $60,000 boat!

CrownRay · 08-25-2014, 09:11 AM

I am not afraid to admit that I have hit rocks also. It was over by the Weirs, out by Governors' Island and that other island (can't remember the name) where the NWZ is. And I have been on this lake 25+ years. Saw them coming. Jammed it into reverse, spun the wheel and JUST clipped it. Took the boat to the marina right after and got it up on a lift. Thankfully, no damage...just a scratch on the hull.

I will say that being on the ocean 97 percent of the time, I get spoiled with channel buoys and day markers! That's not to say, however, that at least once every weekend, I hear MAYDAY calls from mostly sailboats (usually from out-of-town ) hung up on the rocks just outside Logan Airport. Usually you hear the Coast Guard say "Just wait until High Tide" (Well, not always!)

Nobody's perfect, but the Charts are printed for a reason. Situational awareness needs to be really drilled into peoples' heads when they get their licenses...

RumGuy · 08-25-2014, 10:10 AM

Just a heads up (one that I was fortunate on!): The blinking light at Sandy Point is considerably INSIDE the marker. Heading to the Bay for ice cream , I gave decent berth to the blinker, only to get spooked by the black marker sliding by the boat. I only wish I could get a dock post that close when landing....

Dave R · 08-25-2014, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RumGuy

Just a heads up (one that I was fortunate on!): The blinking light at Sandy Point is considerably INSIDE the marker. Heading to the Bay for ice cream , I gave decent berth to the blinker, only to get spooked by the black marker sliding by the boat. I only wish I could get a dock post that close when landing....

I've heard that unless you draw 6 feet or more, there's nothing to hit between the markers at Sandy Point.

NH_boater · 08-25-2014, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

I've heard that unless you draw 6 feet or more, there's nothing to hit between the markers at Sandy Point.

Yup. Mainly for Mount.

LIforrelaxin · 08-25-2014, 03:40 PM

ChaseDawg, I know the area very well.... I have been boat in that area of the lake for 25 years now.... It amazes me every year how many people screw up goinging between chase and farm island. Not having lived in that specific area however I had never noticed just how many boats are damaged through there. Although I have once or twice been told that I was an idiot and on the wrong side of the markers, in which case I just stayed quite and prayed for the other guy...

I don't believe that there is any more that needs to be done by the MP as far as additional AtoNs. The danger area is very well marked. I would not try and put additional rock markers out there, because it will certainly only add to the confusion.

The problem for some reason in that area of the lake, is that people seem to loose a conception of where north really is. And because that side of the lake is not as busy as the southern side of the lake there aren't always people to "follow".... Thus on the northern side of the lake there always are more rocking hitting episodes, in certain areas.

You are doing your part, by helping people out when they screw up. You check on them, and help them out, that is what is important and you should be commended for. The only thing further you could do is look at their map with them to see how they got the impression that they where doing the right thing.

On another not no matter how well things are marked, some people just seem to be inclined to leave there mark on rocks... I have a rock to the side of my dock, that I have marked. My neighbor thought it was a good idea too, after he hit it several times.... even though he knew it was there. So each year it gets a noticeably bouy anchored by it, almost as soon as the ice goes out. One Spring a few years ago some guy was trolling along the shore before any docks where in, and I was working on the camp, I very audibly heard a passenger say, "that bouy probably marks a rock". The next thing I heard was a loud thud. When I looked They where examining a just newly converted 2 bladed prop.... Luckily they had a trolling motor and putted away, but not before hitting another rock, several doors down, for good measure. The second hit of course was there hull hitting the rock, so they didn't damage the trolling motor prop. I did eventually see the boat, down at the marina, being repaired, but I always wondered, if that skipper set out on the day, to find all rocks close to shore. If he did, he was doing a dam good job of it.

Wolfeboro_Baja · 08-25-2014, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RumGuy

....I only wish I could get a dock post that close when landing....

Practice, practice, practice!

RumGuy · 08-26-2014, 06:45 AM

It wasn't that I was on the wrong side of the marker, it was that I missed hitting it by a very narrow margin. I have watched countless boats run the wrong side of that marker without issue over the years, and have wondered what the situation there is. Similar with the markers at the South end of Rattlesnake.
As for landings, I practice whenever possible: At least once for every trip out, and I make those trips at any chance I can!

DBreskin · 08-27-2014, 09:16 AM

I volunteer at a Boy Scout camp; the Health Staff there sell T-shirts with the slogan "Stupidity should be painful".

If boat operators have to repair their boats often enough, they'll learn to navigate properly or stop boating. Either option will stop close encounters with rocks.

glastron guy · 09-01-2014, 08:41 PM

A few weeks ago my wife and I were near the witches and saw a good sized boat going right through the middle of that area at a fairly high rate of speed. We tried motioning him to slow down and to turn away but he just waved back at us and kept going. How he made it is beyond me but he did.

KPW · 09-01-2014, 09:00 PM

I noticed a couple new red markers, marking the rocks on the "wrong side" of the buoys between Chase and Farm. Great idea!

Chaselady · 09-02-2014, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPW

I noticed a couple new red markers, marking the rocks on the "wrong side" of the buoys between Chase and Farm. Great idea!

Glad you like them....many thanks to Cate P. for bringing them over.
Unfortunately, yes, you guessed it, we are still seeing people go on the wrong side.
Two boats in a row, today. Hitting the rocks when they went between the 2 black and whites, and between the two red jugs!
I asked the second boat (as his female companion was pushing their boat away with a paddle " can I just asked you why you went on that side of the markers?"
His response was "I thought you always go on the other side of those markers"
(Meaning the south side) So I said, no you should go either north or east of black and whites. I told him we are trying to figure out what is causing so many accidents by these markers, and that we had put out extra red bouys.
His response...." I thought it was a mooring field or something"
???!!!!!!! I didn't even ask him why he felt he should plow through the middle of a mooring field.

Rich · 09-02-2014, 02:41 PM

You need a large sign, in clearly written block letters that can be read from a distance and from people bouncing in a boat:

Quote:

DANGER: THERE BE ROCKS HERE !!!!

IF YOU PROCEED THOUGH HERE, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT BOAT DAMAGE!

(This is not a joke, we do care about your safety)
Posted by your the Friends here on the lake.
Welcome to NH, please boat carefully!

Or perhaps a bright safety orange painted float on EACH rock labeled in bold black letters ROCK on all sides of the float.

That will look very pretty...

ROCK ROCK ROCK . . . . ROCK ROCK .... ROCK ROCK ROCK, ROCK ROCK all over the place!

Wolfeboro_Baja · 09-02-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaselady

His response...." I thought it was a mooring field or something"???!!!!!!! I didn't even ask him why he felt he should plow through the middle of a mooring field.

You should have, it probably would have been an interesting answer and might have provided hours of entertainment for us here!

We should come up with a questionnaire for these people to fill out after they've hit the rocks there, simply for our own entertainment!

4Fun · 09-02-2014, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaselady

Glad you like them....many thanks to Cate P. for bringing them over.
Unfortunately, yes, you guessed it, we are still seeing people go on the wrong side.
Two boats in a row, today. Hitting the rocks when they went between the 2 black and whites, and between the two red jugs!
I asked the second boat (as his female companion was pushing their boat away with a paddle " can I just asked you why you went on that side of the markers?"
His response was "I thought you always go on the other side of those markers"
(Meaning the south side) So I said, no you should go either north or east of black and whites. I told him we are trying to figure out what is causing so many accidents by these markers, and that we had put out extra red bouys.
His response...." I thought it was a mooring field or something"
???!!!!!!! I didn't even ask him why he felt he should plow through the middle of a mooring field.

I went through there yesterday and was wondering how people could get this wrong. I saw the tide bottles and laughed... Since there is more space on the side with the rocks than the safe side maybe they think wider is the safe water?? A quick look a the green dots on the chart and it's clear where to go.

A couple of questions?
Do people really really go around without a chart just guessing what side of the marker to be on?
Does anyone really use the direction of travel to determine what side of the marker to go on? I just refer to the Bizer chart.

DEJ · 09-02-2014, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaselady

Glad you like them....many thanks to Cate P. for bringing them over.
Unfortunately, yes, you guessed it, we are still seeing people go on the wrong side.
Two boats in a row, today. Hitting the rocks when they went between the 2 black and whites, and between the two red jugs!
I asked the second boat (as his female companion was pushing their boat away with a paddle " can I just asked you why you went on that side of the markers?"
His response was "I thought you always go on the other side of those markers"
(Meaning the south side) So I said, no you should go either north or east of black and whites. I told him we are trying to figure out what is causing so many accidents by these markers, and that we had put out extra red bouys.
His response...." I thought it was a mooring field or something"
???!!!!!!! I didn't even ask him why he felt he should plow through the middle of a mooring field.

Did you or your friend get permission from Marine Patrol to put new unofficial markers in the lake? Could be an issue for whoever put them in if an accident happened due to these unofficial markers. I understand the intent but is it worth the potential liability?

KPW · 09-03-2014, 04:01 PM

The marine patrol would have a difficult time keeping up with all the jugs that mark rocks. If some one hits the rocks, isn't that a failure to keep a proper look out? I think they would lose in court.

DEJ · 09-04-2014, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPW

The marine patrol would have a difficult time keeping up with all the jugs that mark rocks.

That was my point, the last thing we need is for people to start using bottles to mark navigation routes. The occasional bleach bottle to mark a rock near shore is common and appears is acceptable practice but that should be it.

chasedawg · 09-15-2014, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEJ

Did you or your friend get permission from Marine Patrol to put new unofficial markers in the lake? Could be an issue for whoever put them in if an accident happened due to these unofficial markers. I understand the intent but is it worth the potential liability?

DEJ...Thank you for alerting us to a possible liability concern of placing unofficial markers in the lake.

To that regard...we asked a MP officer what is the liability and should we remove them. We advised him that many boats had hit the rocks and we and many others were concerned enough to see if we could alert folks with putting floating objects marking a hazard.

He said he was fine with the markings. As long as they are not a navigation hazard. He would want to check each out to see if it could be a potential issue.
He said there are a few areas that are not marked on charts that have hidden rocks. Some folks do put out a "bleach bottle" markers. It would be best, however, to call the MP to advise them and to grant permission.
He said it was a very busy summer. Most issues enforced were NWZ and 150 rule violation. Boats out at night with no lights on were also a problem.
The MP officer was very professional and offered to help explain any issues or questions. I felt as though he and the MP Management would be very helpful in a meet and greet community session explaining what they experience on a daily basis and reasons for their actions. ( I offer this as a suggestion for a possible meet and greet briefing and gathering. Would any one like to attend such a informative session around the lakes region?)

The officer gave many examples what they run into day and night that could be potential dangerous situations.
He said any time you see repeated violations don't hesitate to call the MP. They will be vigilant tn making sure any violations are scoped out and enforced.

DEJ · 09-16-2014, 05:34 AM

Good deal. Like I initially said I understand the intent here but what was done was not the placement of a bleach bottle marking a rock near shore, these bottles you put out are in the middle of a very busy travel area. They could confuse boaters since they are not official markers. I believe another set of official markers placed by MP where you have the bottles would solve the problem and do so the proper way.

I hope this trend of private citizens placing home made markers in the lake is discouraged by MP in the future. Can you imaging what the lake would look like if this activity is allowed to go unchecked.

jrc · 09-16-2014, 06:15 AM

When I kayak, I see dozens of private rock markers, doesn't seem to do any harm. I'm sure a lot of locals know their area better than the MP. You can't expect the government to do everything for you.

4Fun · 09-16-2014, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEJ

Good deal. Like I initially said I understand the intent here but what was done was not the placement of a bleach bottle marking a rock near shore, these bottles you put out are in the middle of a very busy travel area. They could confuse boaters since they are not official markers. I believe another set of official markers placed by MP where you have the bottles would solve the problem and do so the proper way.

I hope this trend of private citizens placing home made markers in the lake is discouraged by MP in the future. Can you imaging what the lake would look like if this activity is allowed to go unchecked.

That area is officially marked fine. If you have the Bizer chart there should be NO confusion. FOLLOW THE GREEN LINE ON THE CHART. I doubt those markers are ever called confusing. The people who hit the rocks are just not using them at all.

With that said I would probably change them to white instead or red bottles not to make it look like you between them and the black.

DEJ · 09-16-2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Fun

That area is officially marked fine.

I agree the area is officially marked fine. If more markers are needed then Marine Patrol should make that decision, not the general public.

jrc · 09-16-2014, 11:00 AM

Well since the only reason we have markers it to prevent accidents and if we have a lot of accidents, then by definition the markers are not fine.

I don't know the actual statistics about how many accidents happen compared to other places, I don't live there. But people who do started this thread and indicated that they thought too many happened. They did a good deed to help prevent a few. I applaud their selfless effort.

DEJ · 09-16-2014, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Well since the only reason we have markers it to prevent accidents and if we have a lot of accidents, then by definition the markers are not fine.

Your logic is flawed. The markers are indeed fine, it is the boaters who pass on the wrong side of these markers that are not fine.

chasedawg · 09-16-2014, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Well since the only reason we have markers it to prevent accidents and if we have a lot of accidents, then by definition the markers are not fine.

I don't know the actual statistics about how many accidents happen compared to other places, I don't live there. But people who do started this thread and indicated that they thought too many happened. They did a good deed to help prevent a few. I applaud their selfless effort.

JRC, DEJ and others... We thank you for your very valuable and helpful comments supporting us or not trying to help boaters we see most every other day alerting them not to damage their lovely boats when they go on the wrong side of the markers.

For many years we have yelled and screamed to the unbeknown boater that they are heading for rocks. We have learned it is not only the boat renters that hit the rocks, but are boat owners who have years experience on our treasured lake.

You know you can only help folks for so long. We want to live a free conscious and move on. Even with our years of years experience on the Great Lakes and Captain on NH waters it is time for some one else to take control and help these poor folks.

So we have decided with all of your constructive and positive comments that it is not worth our anguish any longer. We will let the MP and the local governing body do as they wish to help prevent further very nice and genuine folks and families from hit the rocks.

Tomorrow we will be pulling the markers and leave it as has been for 30 plus years. Unfortunate Cate we tried.

Fair winds and happy sailing!

Rusty · 09-16-2014, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasedawg

Tomorrow we will be pulling the markers and leave it as has been for 30 plus years. Unfortunate Cate we tried.

Fair winds and happy sailing!

Maybe DEJ will volunteer some of his time to give you a hand.
I'm sure it would give him great pleasure seeing these markers being pulled.

Thank you for your concern about boats hitting the rocks...However in a lot of cases No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.

CateP · 09-17-2014, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasedawg

JRC, DEJ and others... We thank you for your very valuable and helpful comments supporting us or not trying to help boaters we see most every other day alerting them not to damage their lovely boats when they go on the wrong side of the markers.

For many years we have yelled and screamed to the unbeknown boater that they are heading for rocks. We have learned it is not only the boat renters that hit the rocks, but are boat owners who have years experience on our treasured lake.

You know you can only help folks for so long. We want to live a free conscious and move on. Even with our years of years experience on the Great Lakes and Captain on NH waters it is time for some one else to take control and help these poor folks.

So we have decided with all of your constructive and positive comments that it is not worth our anguish any longer. We will let the MP and the local governing body do as they wish to help prevent further very nice and genuine folks and families from hit the rocks.

Tomorrow we will be pulling the markers and leave it as has been for 30 plus years. Unfortunate Cate we tried.

Fair winds and happy sailing!

Sigh...I thought we were doing a good thing that day. Maybe DEJ can help out by asking MP to investigate the area and re-mark the rock hazard.

4Fun · 09-17-2014, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Well since the only reason we have markers it to prevent accidents and if we have a lot of accidents, then by definition the markers are not fine.

I don't know the actual statistics about how many accidents happen compared to other places, I don't live there. But people who do started this thread and indicated that they thought too many happened. They did a good deed to help prevent a few. I applaud their selfless effort.

I guess my point was the markers are not confusing IF you have a chart and use it. If you do not have a chart or don't use it nothing short of a fence in front of the shoal is going to help you. If the people who hit the rocks picked a different route that day they would have hit some other rocks. You just can't drive around blindly for very long on Winni.

I would not be detered by posters. Leave the markers if you think they help.

Rusty · 09-18-2014, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasedawg

To that regard...we asked a MP officer what is the liability and should we remove them. We advised him that many boats had hit the rocks and we and many others were concerned enough to see if we could alert folks with putting floating objects marking a hazard.

He said he was fine with the markings. As long as they are not a navigation hazard. He would want to check each out to see if it could be a potential issue.

Is it possible to just wait and see if the MP has a problem with the markings as you have stated above?
You notified them and they gave you a response.
It was very nice of you to not only try to help boaters from getting damage to their boats but to also contact the MP about what you did.

Leave them there until the MP gets a chance to see them.

Thank you

ITD · 09-04-2014, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaselady

Glad you like them....many thanks to Cate P. for bringing them over.
Unfortunately, yes, you guessed it, we are still seeing people go on the wrong side.
Two boats in a row, today. Hitting the rocks when they went between the 2 black and whites, and between the two red jugs!
I asked the second boat (as his female companion was pushing their boat away with a paddle " can I just asked you why you went on that side of the markers?"
His response was "I thought you always go on the other side of those markers"
(Meaning the south side) So I said, no you should go either north or east of black and whites. I told him we are trying to figure out what is causing so many accidents by these markers, and that we had put out extra red bouys.
His response...." I thought it was a mooring field or something"
???!!!!!!! I didn't even ask him why he felt he should plow through the middle of a mooring field.

I would use a different color than red..... if you see red and black markers you are supposed to go between them, in this situation it is easy to mistake black over white for black if there is a red marker nearby, bleach bottles would be better......

thinkxingu · 09-17-2014, 08:23 PM

I would also like to see the original wording of DEJ's email--the response seemed to refer to a guided setup ("to your point...). Seems disingenuous.

brk-lnt · 09-17-2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I would also like to see the original wording of DEJ's email--the response seemed to refer to a guided setup ("to your point...). Seems disingenuous.

Not only that, but I think the MP is unlikely to officially endorse those kinds of markers in writing. Not sure what exactly what was expected in their reply, but I could have almost written that same reply just based on guessing what they'd put in writing.

Rusty · 09-17-2014, 09:17 PM

We know that he told the MP about “private” markers not being approved because the MP said this: "so you are correct that "private" markers are not approved on navigable waters across the state."

Also we know he said something to make the MP say this: “While the intention is good, to your point, if everyone took it upon themselves to "courtesy mark" what they perceived as a navigational hazard may cause greater confusion to those trying to navigate an already precarious
body of water.

So what is the MP supposed to do?…well……exactly what the person who asked the questions wanted him to do.

Greene's Basin Girl · 09-17-2014, 09:22 PM

When boating into Green's Basin there is a narrow channel. On the right side of the channel there is a rock that can be hit depending on the water level. For years there had been a Clorox bottle there. There wasn't one there this year. I missed seeing it so I was always looking for the rock. I think there are places where the Clorox bottles are beneficial. There aren't any markers in the area so a boater would obviously know to avoid the area near the bottle. The people who live on the lake know the area around them more than anyone else. They are only trying to help. Our season is short and there is nothing worse then having you boat in a marina to be repaired. Before you know it the summer is gone. I have been on this lake my entire life. Back in the day nobody worried about every little thing on the lake.

08-19-2014, 10:04 PM	#1
chasedawg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melvin village Posts: 519 Thanks: 509 Thanked 313 Times in 147 Posts	Another one hits the rocks We live in a wonderful place for the last 31 years. We also live in an area that has some rocks that are clearly marked on all charts and has additional markers defining the "do not navigate" area. Oh I might add that it is a No wake Zone (NWZ) besides! But each year we witness so many people having no clue what the markers mean and just barrel through and slam into the rocks. We see it coming and start asking each other are they going to hit the rocks. We usually run out to forewarn them but most times it is too late. So we jump in our boat and cruise out to them to see if we can help. It happened several times last week and again today. Go figure. Last week there was this high performance beautiful Formula that was cruising through not paying attention and then boom bang, thud, and another sickening thud. They all stopped and looked around to see what caused the last "thud. Then they try and start their engine and try move forward hoping that knowing happened. After they raise their stern drives they say "Oh Sucks...Darn.. I should have known better". (Yea sure they say that) The high performance Formula owner tried to put his twin engines in gear one at a time. The first engine reved up like it was in neutral. Oops what does that mean? You guessed it.... no prop. He decided to swim out over the rocks to see if he could find his $1200 high performance stainless prop. No luck. I went over to see if I could help. I suggested he should check his engine compartment for any kind of leakage. I asked how could I help. He said no problem I will run on one engine back. Well back meant 10 miles back to his marina. In this case I learned that his brother in law was driving the boat and had little or no experience or not even a lic.... you guessed it. Then today, my wife saw a boat with a couple of gals coming through the NWZ bow way up in the air. Huge wake and heading for the rocks again. She ran out to the dock! But too late another Bang, thud, another thud and then silence. Then a scream....OH No! my husband is going to..... me. A rock collision last year, I really felt sorry for the driver of the boat. I again saw it was going to happen. It is a sickening sound again...thud, boom, thud and then silence. We run out again to see who it was this time. It was four young late teen girls. I went out to help them. I towed their boat over to our dock and helped check out their engine and lower unit. It didn't look good. The lower unit and prop were a mess. My wife offered to take them to the nearest marina or if they wanted to use our phone to call home. The girl diving the boat said...OH NO....I Can't CALL Home. MY dad will .....you fill in the blanks. We asked why and she said his boat just got fixed and put back in the water because I did the SAME THING last weekend! Scream and tears!....Oh No I understand. I feel so bad for you. This past week we counted on average four boats hitting the rocks. and get this! There is a huge sign that says caution "LOON CHICKS". every boat has headed for the LOON CHICK sign and the hit the rocks. Go figure! WE try to help as much as we can....BUT IT will never end. We see people holding up their charts and we think they will be OK. But no... they still hit the rocks. What is the problem with these people. We just hate to see them have a awful day when we hear the sound. We wish we could help but it is always too late. All I can say is please people look at your chart and understand what it means and GO SLOW and PAY ATTENTION! Fair winds.....and Happy sailing! Chasedawg

08-19-2014, 10:20 PM	#2
Rich Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Derry / Gilford Posts: 1,224 Thanks: 69 Thanked 341 Times in 231 Posts	Wow, I could feel the pain with each thud that you described. Perhaps install a webcam. It may make for some interesting youtube videos! Where, may I ask, are these aluminum magnetized rocks? I always try hard to follow all markers and charts, but have been caught off guard myself. Knowing the area you are talking about will allow me to preview the charts and be well aware of the issue. __________________ Don't listen to me, obviously I don't understand what I'm talking about! Let's help each other save time and money: WinniGas.com

08-20-2014, 05:46 AM	#4
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,657 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 342 Thanked 618 Times in 278 Posts	Additional markers? We had a similar navigational challenge in our neighborhood, although I can't figure out why. There is a buoy set out from an island, marking a ridge of rocks from the island that are close to the surface. Yet, once or twice a year, someone (including once a marine patrol boat) went on the wrong side of the marker and hit rocks. The solution, as discovered by a neighbor, was to add an additional white Clorox bottle buoy on the rock side of the marker. Since then, everyone figures out which side of the buoy to go on, and nobody has hit the rocks. A simple solution that maybe will work in your situation. __________________ -lg

08-20-2014, 07:28 AM	#7
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 5,932 Thanks: 2,290 Thanked 4,943 Times in 1,918 Posts	If there are that many people hitting the same rocks in front of your place then I would put out one or two clorox bottles by the rocks (illegal or not!) to help guide them. You may just save someones life! I would then inform marine patrol of the situation and request them to install additional navigational aids (markers) to assist boaters in that area. Yes there are a lot of inexperienced boaters out there who either make mistakes or don't know how to read a navigation chart properly or not at all. I have been boating the lake most of my life and have made mistakes and been on the wrong side of the marker like EVERYONE else here. Let's help these people as much as we can as none of them deserve to die in a boating accident which could be easily prevented. Dan __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

08-20-2014, 07:53 AM	#8
chocophile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 19-Mile Bay Posts: 109 Thanks: 14 Thanked 30 Times in 13 Posts	Stay Close to Chases Island The correct side of the buoys is close to Chases Island, with a lot of water on the other side to Farm Island. I guess some people just assume the correct side is the one with more water. I like the idea of another buoy (or more likely a pair, with one on each side of the no-wake zone).

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08-19-2014, 11:25 PM	#3
Aguamenti Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: MA/Tuftonboro Posts: 143 Thanks: 95 Thanked 36 Times in 21 Posts	Are you on Chases facing Farm?

08-20-2014, 06:19 AM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,411 Thanks: 719 Thanked 1,381 Times in 957 Posts	By any chance are the Williams your neighbors?

08-20-2014, 07:24 AM	#6
cillovely Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 106 Thanks: 17 Thanked 25 Times in 14 Posts	I try so hard to follow the chart to a T but I did get thrown off this year being up in Center Harbor and all the little islands which all look the same. So at one point (mind you I'm driving and trying to read the map at the same time while Hubby relaxes), I slow down because a marker was coming my way that wasn't on the map. All of a sudden Hubby yells lift the motor shut it down. Which thankfully I had the reflexes to do so, and wouldn't you know there was a huge rock under us! Thankfully no damage (especially where it was a rental). We also got turned around on another trip and all of a sudden we were facing the witches. Thankfully at that point I knew where I was and how to avoid them. I'll take the Rattlesnake Island area any day, I can identify that island so easy. And there isn't as many hidden rocks! Like I said to my brother the other day who said how he'd love to come up to Winni with his boat "GET A MAP and FOLLOW IT CLOSELY".

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08-20-2014, 08:11 AM	#9
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,512 Thanks: 3,118 Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 Posts	One way to keep the boneheads at bay! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

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08-21-2014, 08:18 AM	#12
Rich Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Derry / Gilford Posts: 1,224 Thanks: 69 Thanked 341 Times in 231 Posts	Chasedawg, I'd still like to know where this place is on the lake. If you prefer, PM me and I won't repeat it. Thanks! __________________ Don't listen to me, obviously I don't understand what I'm talking about! Let's help each other save time and money: WinniGas.com

08-21-2014, 02:07 PM	#14
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Well if I read you right there are four damaged boats a week in there. That's a 30-40 boats a season. I'd think the MP would take notice and improve the markers. If they are not interested, you could obviously do something. Two 12" round orange buoys, $35 each at Amazon, 20' of nylon line and two cinder blocks, for less than $100 and an hour of time you could mark the two biggest rocks on the bad side of the markers. I guess it depends how much it bothers you that this is happening, it doesn't sound like anyone is getting hurt. So how much time and money are you willing to spend to prevent total strangers from breaking their boats.

08-21-2014, 02:59 PM	#15
Rich Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Derry / Gilford Posts: 1,224 Thanks: 69 Thanked 341 Times in 231 Posts	Chasedawg, Thanks for clarifying. I haven't made it over to that part of the lake yet, so I'm happy to have your clarifications. I looked at the Navionics web app map (http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en ), and I can see how some could be confused. __________________ Don't listen to me, obviously I don't understand what I'm talking about! Let's help each other save time and money: WinniGas.com

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08-21-2014, 03:31 PM	#16
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,512 Thanks: 3,118 Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 Posts	The Lakeport Channel Is clearly marked with channel buoys yet I have seen many people ignore the Headway speed marker and plane right into the rocks in front of Irwin Marine. On occasion someone would float some Clorox bottles in the area hoping it would be a deterrent. I would like to make two proposals to NH legislature. One all motorized rental vessels regardless of horsepower, the lessee must pass the boater's safety course. Two, lessors of motorized vessels must inform the lessees of all safety features such as a map, life jackets, throwables, whistle etc. Unless there are already on the books. I don't think this is too much to ask. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

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08-21-2014, 05:26 PM	#17
chasedawg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melvin village Posts: 519 Thanks: 509 Thanked 313 Times in 147 Posts	Just now...another one hit the rocks! I can't believe it. My wife is sitting out on our deck just now and she said to me "another one hit the rocks". This was at 6:25 PM this evening. I went out to see if they needed help. It was a elderly couple and it looked like a brand new Colbalt! I waved to them to see if I could help. They went slow for a long way then opened the boat up to WOT. Good luck to them. Hopefully they will make it home.

08-21-2014, 11:19 PM	#18
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,757 Thanks: 31 Thanked 429 Times in 203 Posts	The Marine Patrol do not have a problem with bleach bottles that are placed in an area to be helpful. Naturally they reserve the right to remove them if they don't like the placement. I think what would work here is to find an old busted in half boat and secure it up on the rocks. That might give boaters a visual indication of which side of the markers they should be on. Then you could have a cute name for the area like "Hole in Boat Bay" or "Propeller Pile Cove". I was sailing the coast of Antarctica when we came on a large dangerous rock. The chart actually had it's name "Full Astern Rock". http://icetent.net/page/2/

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08-21-2014, 10:57 AM	#23
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,130 Thanks: 201 Thanked 421 Times in 239 Posts	The world is full of clueless people who run around banging into things. While I would also offer to help if I was nearby, the extent of my sympathy has become limited. When you run around in ignorance and carelessness, bad things will eventually happen. The teen daughter is an example. She did it before and her dad lets her take the boat again? Duh! Was she texting at the same time? Hope he has lots and lots of spare cash because neither he nor his daughter seemed to have learned anything the first time around. Now I also get how even careful people can ding a rock in this lake. I did it on an unmarked rock when I started boating here 20 years ago. It's an unfortunate cost of boating around here. If you stay in the main boating lanes the chances of it happening are far less. I explore other areas on a jet ski or kayak. No more propeller dings since. Last edited by jeffk; 08-21-2014 at 10:59 AM. Reason: grammar

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08-21-2014, 08:50 PM	#26
Bmcgov78 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	WE have a place right Near Chase and Farm. As a matter of fact I can see it from my Dock. First of all, clearly I have to pay better attention while i relax, I haven t seen anyone loose a Prop this season lol. Although I do see several idiots a week burn through there and Ignore both the NWZ and the Loon chic sign. But I have to disagree, although I had a boat growing up in that area as a kid. I only recently bought a boat 3 seasons ago. I think it is pretty strait forward, go north of the 2 Black top buoys. In the 3 seasons Ive put about 180 hrs out on the lake and there are much more dangerous and complicated places the deal with. if they can't navigate that properly then they have issues.

08-21-2014, 10:02 PM	#27
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Chaselady, the other Chase asks what he could do, I don't know the area very well, I always go around those islands not between. But more buoys is really the only practical solution. You say there are enough buoys now but at the current hit rate, eventually someone is going to get hurt. Misha, I take my kayak between Pig and Varney every weekend, I can't believe anyone would try to bring a boat through. Sometimes my kayak scrapes the rocks. I still don't know how the guy gets his Campion in there, especially in the fall.

08-24-2014, 07:29 AM	#28
PTBoater Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Great read for new teen boater Thanks for all these posts, stories and details. My 15 year old son is a not-yet licensed boater in our part-time boating family. We are regular Winnisquam boaters and drive with the chart out finding most every marker when on the 'big lake' so we know where we are all the times. Even with diligence we have found ourselves on the wrong side of markers. Each time not serious and great lessons 'for him'. I came across this blog and enjoyed the writing style on a serious subject so I started reading out loud to both my teens around the campfire. Since we couldn't envision the hazard zones, he ran to get the lake chart. We found each place mentioned as I read and we all had a great discussion about safety, stupidity, tolerance, kindness and responsibility. Not naut for naught.

08-24-2014, 07:55 AM	#29
dickiej Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: White Salmon, WA Posts: 291 Thanks: 21 Thanked 165 Times in 90 Posts	Several years ago my son and I were fishing the mouth of the Merrimac River around dusk when a cigarette boat came barreling in through the mouth around 60 mph and hit the rocks near toothpick on the Salisbury side. Thank god, no one seriously hurt, but pretty much a total loss of a $60,000 boat!

08-25-2014, 09:11 AM	#30
CrownRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Medford MA/Blackcat Island Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 16 Posts	Been there, done that! I am not afraid to admit that I have hit rocks also. It was over by the Weirs, out by Governors' Island and that other island (can't remember the name) where the NWZ is. And I have been on this lake 25+ years. Saw them coming. Jammed it into reverse, spun the wheel and JUST clipped it. Took the boat to the marina right after and got it up on a lift. Thankfully, no damage...just a scratch on the hull. I will say that being on the ocean 97 percent of the time, I get spoiled with channel buoys and day markers! That's not to say, however, that at least once every weekend, I hear MAYDAY calls from mostly sailboats (usually from out-of-town ) hung up on the rocks just outside Logan Airport. Usually you hear the Coast Guard say "Just wait until High Tide" (Well, not always!) Nobody's perfect, but the Charts are printed for a reason. Situational awareness needs to be really drilled into peoples' heads when they get their licenses... __________________ "The ocean (or lake) itself is not dangerous, it's the hard stuff around the edges that will kill you."

08-25-2014, 10:10 AM	#31
RumGuy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cape Cod / W.Alton Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Close Just a heads up (one that I was fortunate on!): The blinking light at Sandy Point is considerably INSIDE the marker. Heading to the Bay for ice cream , I gave decent berth to the blinker, only to get spooked by the black marker sliding by the boat. I only wish I could get a dock post that close when landing....

08-25-2014, 03:40 PM	#34
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,827 Thanks: 1,017 Thanked 881 Times in 515 Posts	ChaseDawg, I know the area very well.... I have been boat in that area of the lake for 25 years now.... It amazes me every year how many people screw up goinging between chase and farm island. Not having lived in that specific area however I had never noticed just how many boats are damaged through there. Although I have once or twice been told that I was an idiot and on the wrong side of the markers, in which case I just stayed quite and prayed for the other guy... I don't believe that there is any more that needs to be done by the MP as far as additional AtoNs. The danger area is very well marked. I would not try and put additional rock markers out there, because it will certainly only add to the confusion. The problem for some reason in that area of the lake, is that people seem to loose a conception of where north really is. And because that side of the lake is not as busy as the southern side of the lake there aren't always people to "follow".... Thus on the northern side of the lake there always are more rocking hitting episodes, in certain areas. You are doing your part, by helping people out when they screw up. You check on them, and help them out, that is what is important and you should be commended for. The only thing further you could do is look at their map with them to see how they got the impression that they where doing the right thing. On another not no matter how well things are marked, some people just seem to be inclined to leave there mark on rocks... I have a rock to the side of my dock, that I have marked. My neighbor thought it was a good idea too, after he hit it several times.... even though he knew it was there. So each year it gets a noticeably bouy anchored by it, almost as soon as the ice goes out. One Spring a few years ago some guy was trolling along the shore before any docks where in, and I was working on the camp, I very audibly heard a passenger say, "that bouy probably marks a rock". The next thing I heard was a loud thud. When I looked They where examining a just newly converted 2 bladed prop.... Luckily they had a trolling motor and putted away, but not before hitting another rock, several doors down, for good measure. The second hit of course was there hull hitting the rock, so they didn't damage the trolling motor prop. I did eventually see the boat, down at the marina, being repaired, but I always wondered, if that skipper set out on the day, to find all rocks close to shore. If he did, he was doing a dam good job of it. __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

08-26-2014, 06:45 AM	#36
RumGuy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cape Cod / W.Alton Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	close again It wasn't that I was on the wrong side of the marker, it was that I missed hitting it by a very narrow margin. I have watched countless boats run the wrong side of that marker without issue over the years, and have wondered what the situation there is. Similar with the markers at the South end of Rattlesnake. As for landings, I practice whenever possible: At least once for every trip out, and I make those trips at any chance I can!

08-27-2014, 09:16 AM	#37
DBreskin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wolfeboro NH Posts: 283 Thanks: 143 Thanked 121 Times in 76 Posts	I volunteer at a Boy Scout camp; the Health Staff there sell T-shirts with the slogan "Stupidity should be painful". If boat operators have to repair their boats often enough, they'll learn to navigate properly or stop boating. Either option will stop close encounters with rocks.

09-01-2014, 08:41 PM	#38
glastron guy Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 19 Thanks: 3 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	A few weeks ago my wife and I were near the witches and saw a good sized boat going right through the middle of that area at a fairly high rate of speed. We tried motioning him to slow down and to turn away but he just waved back at us and kept going. How he made it is beyond me but he did.