Scary situation

Sue Doe-Nym · 07-20-2009, 09:18 AM

A few days ago, our neighbors were out towing their grandkids on tubes out in Moultonborough Bay. A wooden boat came towards them, never slowing, getting closer and closer. It came within 10 feet of them, and the guy was looking right at them. The name of the boat was either the Margaret Ann or Magdeline Ann.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Why would anyone do this on purpose? It makes me think twice about taking my young nephew and nieces out tubing if someone is out there deliberately jeopardizing tubers safety.

Kamper · 07-20-2009, 09:26 AM

The driver was either blind or stupid.

I'm not trying to "blame the victim" but it would have been wise for your neighbors to take evasive action before he got that close.

SteveA · 07-20-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

The driver was either blind or stupid.

I'm not trying to "blame the victim" but it would have been wise for your neighbors to take evasive action before he got that close.

I totally agree with both statements. The boat driver "should" have changed course.

However, the single biggest problem I see on the lake is irresponsible boaters that are towing "tubers" .

I can't count the times some dope with kids in tow totally ignores the rules. They seem to either don't know or ignore the fact that they are subject to all the same rules all boats need to obey.

I think, that they think, they have some sort of special rules because they have someone in tow. They don't. They are required to obey all of the 150' and "give way" rules.

http://boat-ed.com/nh/handbook/ski.htm

ApS · 07-20-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

"...The driver was either blind or stupid..."

I have three neighbors who are sighted in only one eye. (!)

The neighbor I know best collides occasionally with cars pulling out of curbside parking spaces to the right. Because it is perfectly legal to drive having sight in just one eye, he has never been charged in those R.O.W. collisions.

One other neighbor, here on Lake Winnipesaukee, would alarm most of us with the choice of his dreamed-for performance boat!

Now for the "Uh-oh"...

The economy keeps him in his old, wooden classic 26-footer.

Speaking of tubers, I saw one skipper last week who stood astride the helm, occasionally glancing over his shoulder ahead, then alternately turning to smile proudly at his gifted offspring. I couldn't see any "observers".

Lakegeezer · 07-20-2009, 10:04 AM

I had a similar incident a few years ago with the Margaret Ann, up near Ganzy Island. Came right at me from the left front quadrant (where I had stand-on rights). I pulled it back to neutral and he ended up passing about 20 feet from me at full speed. Old boat, maybe he DOES own the lake.

ishoot308 · 07-20-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

A few days ago, our neighbors were out towing their grandkids on tubes out in Moultonborough Bay. A wooden boat came towards them, never slowing, getting closer and closer. It came within 10 feet of them, and the guy was looking right at them. The name of the boat was either the Margaret Ann or Magdeline Ann.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Why would anyone do this on purpose? It makes me think twice about taking my young nephew and nieces out tubing if someone is out there deliberately jeopardizing tubers safety.

This doesn't surprise me at all as the idiots were out in full force this past weekend on the lake. I have never seen or experienced the amount of idiotic moves by boaters than what I have over the weekend. Some of the moves occurred right in front of a Marine Patrol boat and they did nothing. 150' rule infractions are a joke! How about 20' infractions at wide open throttle right next to a sailboat! I witnessed at least a dozen serious 150' rule violations...when I say serious I'm talking 50' or less!! I gave up getting mad and simply continued on with my rule of ALWAYS being the give way vessel no matter what!

Whew...That felt good!

Dan

NoRegrets · 07-20-2009, 11:03 AM

It was a great weekend on the lake. We were heading back to the marina in Paugus bay Sunday evening around 5:30 PM we witnessed a family pulling a tube towards the Wiers right in the middle of all the boats. I thought that was a poor choice by the driver but it is their right to the lake. Then we could not believe it when they continued right through the channel with a child on the tube (tow rope extended to around 60+ feet). We ended up being several boats behind. I was concerned that the fast flow may swing the tube into the oncoming boat traffic but they made it okay.

Is it only me thinking that this was a stupid action? I can't help being aggravated about the risk they introduced to everyone in the channel if something were to go wrong. I felt like I should have done something but you can not change stupid.

GTO · 07-20-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

A few days ago, our neighbors were out towing their grandkids on tubes out in Moultonborough Bay. A wooden boat came towards them, never slowing, getting closer and closer. It came within 10 feet of them, and the guy was looking right at them. The name of the boat was either the Margaret Ann or Magdeline Ann.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Why would anyone do this on purpose? It makes me think twice about taking my young nephew and nieces out tubing if someone is out there deliberately jeopardizing tubers safety.

I was out last weekend and was coming towards a small channel near where I live. There was a boat coming towards me so at no wake speed and I slowed down and did the same. (there's just a little more than enough room for boats to pass through here safely anyways). That worked out fine but the bonehead that was coming up behind me at full throttle must of had other ideas. He finally throttled down about 15-20 feet from us. For a minute, we were all looking back wondering if he was going to stop at all.
I sat on the dock and watched boat traffic yesterday and said outloud, "there are going to be some real serious accidents this year".

LIforrelaxin · 07-20-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoRegrets

It was a great weekend on the lake. We were heading back to the marina in Paugus bay Sunday evening around 5:30 PM we witnessed a family pulling a tube towards the Wiers right in the middle of all the boats. I thought that was a poor choice by the driver but it is their right to the lake. Then we could not believe it when they continued right through the channel with a child on the tube (tow rope extended to around 60+ feet). We ended up being several boats behind. I was concerned that the fast flow may swing the tube into the oncoming boat traffic but they made it okay.

Is it only me thinking that this was a stupid action? I can't help being aggravated about the risk they introduced to everyone in the channel if something were to go wrong. I felt like I should have done something but you can not change stupid.

I see people pulling tubes or other pull behinds through the six pack, hole in the wall, barber's pole, and grave yard all the time...... do I agree with it no,,, should something be done about it, I wish something would be.... however I have seen this done right in front of the MP so I am thinking there may actuall be no rule against it.....

Skip any words of Wisdom or obscure RSA that you know off here????

Pricestavern · 07-20-2009, 12:06 PM

Saturday I was coming across the Broads from Wolfboro and just happened to be explaining what a "Captain Bonehead" was to one of my guests. We had our eye on a med-sized boat that was coming towards us from the port quarter and not slowing down or making moves to avoid.

Figuring we had a prime example of Cap'n Bonehead on our hands, I cut back throttle to let the joker pass. To our amazement, this tarter-head stops his boat directly in front of us, no more than 100 foot away and starts rooting around for something down in his cabin. After a few seconds, he reappars, guns the engine and takes off up the Broads. I don't think he ever realized that we were there.

Never assume anyone knows what they're doing.

bigRazor · 07-20-2009, 03:47 PM

Yesterday I passed someone pulling their kid on a tube through the Weirs channel. He was at no wake at least.

rander7823 · 07-20-2009, 03:59 PM

We took the trip to Wolfeboro on Friday on the Mount and I couldn't believe how many boats were cutting across the bow and really close. One went acrsss the stern and could have been more than 50 feet away.

Skip · 07-20-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

...I have seen this done right in front of the MP so I am thinking there may actuall be no rule against it.....

Skip any words of Wisdom or obscure RSA that you know off here????

While we are all aware of the observer rules (over 13, able to assist and one for each tuber, with a maximum of 2 tubes) there are no specific rules forbidding what we have all seen discussed here.

Both the boat and the towed individual are legal if both are observing all applicable boating regulations.

Crazy but true.....

travaler18 · 07-20-2009, 06:31 PM

without anyone getting hurt i would like to see the tuber in the weirs channel break free during this current and watch the ensuing panic of the idiot father seeing his son swept downstream while other boats try to miss him. OOOOH WHAT A SIGHT !

Then again, someone stupid enough to do that would just shrug it off.

BroadHopper · 07-20-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

While we are all aware of the observer rules (over 13, able to assist and one for each tuber, with a maximum of 2 tubes) there are no specific rules forbidding what we have all seen discussed here.

Both the boat and the towed individual are legal if both are observing all applicable boating regulations.

Crazy but true.....

Sounds like we need a reasonable and prudent law for towing watersports. Towing should be done in a reasonable and prudent matter.

MJM · 07-21-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveA

........
I think, that they think, they have some sort of special rules because they have someone in tow. They don't. They are required to obey all of the 150' and "give way" rules.

http://boat-ed.com/nh/handbook/ski.htm

Right on the money! Over the years, I have had this conversation with MANY friends/aquaintances, most of whom are experienced boaters and safety-concious. They thought the fact that they had someone in tow gave them the right of way.

Gatto Nero · 07-21-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Sounds like we need a reasonable and prudent law for towing watersports. Towing should be done in a reasonable and prudent matter.

Please, no more laws, reasonable, prudent or otherwise. I saw some chucklehead right about in front of Shed Brown's a week or so ago towing two kids on a tube with his jetski and no spotter. He was all alone without a care in the world. Every now and again he would turn around to check if they were still there. There is a law against that but this guy certainly had no clue of its existence. More laws won't help. To steal somebody's tag line, "You can't cure stupid".

Sue Doe-Nym · 07-21-2009, 08:22 AM

Thank you all for your responses. I got more info on the situation.

My neighbor, who I know to be extremely conscientious, took his grandkids out at 9 am on a weekday to take advantage of the low boat traffic and calm waters. Apparently, there were no other boats in sight, yet the Maragaret Ann came right for them. The evasive action he took was to power the boat down to neutral.

As the many stories here can attest, there are plenty of irresponsible boaters who don't yield, or don't know when to yield, when towing people (or not towing people). From what Lakegeezer says, the owner of the Margaret Ann seems to be one of them. I hope he isn't boating recklessly deliberately, but it sounds like he has endangered the safety of a few boaters.

So, if you are out on the lake and see the Margaret Ann coming towards you, take evasive actions, quickly, and if you can't, close your eyes, say a prayer, and for your sake, I hope you had the foresight to bring a change of underwear.

SAMIAM · 07-21-2009, 08:46 AM

Just for your info.....it is illegal to tow a tube in a channel. I've seen the MP stop people for it.
Also have a "bonehead" story.........Skier in the water waiting for power. Along comes a rental pontoon boat with 6-8 Asian men, all in long sleeved white shirts and long black slacks. All standing and all with a drink in hand. The captain was weaving deliberately, just fooling around and all were laughing and having a good time. Only problem was, they were heading right for my skier.......fortunately, I had time to quickly circle to protect her and they passed within 30' at about 20mph which was about WOT for a 50HP. Still shaking my head over that one even though it was several years ago. Don't know if they were a religious group, conventioners or what. Makes me wary of rental boats.

Woodsy · 07-21-2009, 09:15 AM

Samiam...

Can you point to a specific RSA that indicates towing a tube through a channel (with a person on it) or some similar device is illegal? I looked and could not find anything. I would guess that the MP stop you witnessed was to :advise: the boat operator that towing a tube through a channel was'nt exactly "wise".

I too have seen the family bonehead out for a tube with the little ones with absolutely no regard for the safety of the child(ren) or other boaters...

Bonehead #1 - Tows child on tube through Weirs Channel (Inbound to Paugus Bay) 4th of July weekend 3 years ago... fast current and LOTS of boats!

Bonehead #2 - Tows 2 kids on Banana Boat (very easy to fall off) through the slot between Eagle Is & Governors Is...

Bonehead #3 - Thinks that tubing off Marker #1 in the Weirs is a good idea on a busy saturday afternoon in August!

So many small coves and bays and these morons need to risk thier kids safety to tube through busy areas!

Woodsy

SAMIAM · 07-21-2009, 11:35 AM

Think you're right, Woodsy......I couldn't find anything either. As I remember, they used that stop to do a safety check, as well.

VtSteve · 07-22-2009, 11:12 AM

It's good to see all is calm and quiet on the lake this year

Funny how not much has changed, including the MP's propensity to seemingly never be in the right spot at the right time.

I'm sure those that have been shadowed by the MP, or have seen their tricks first hand, are delighted to hear these stories

skprbob · 07-23-2009, 09:11 AM

The towing rules for people - as the RSAs read - that's RSA 270:d-3

1. Without a special permit, one may tow a maximum of two people, regardless of the number of objects. For example, two tubes, with two riders on each tube, is illegal (4 people).

2. You need an appropriate observer for each person. For example, one tube, with two riders, requires two observers.

So - it's always the number of people that count! The one I love most is the inflatable "torpedo" with six kids on it, wearing only old ski belts, and one 10 year old observer. Argh.

3. There is no rule against towing someone through a channel as long as other navigation rules are observed. For example, if you tow through the Graveyard and you are the only boat there, have at it. You're good unless you meet another boat and have to slow down to comply with the safe passage rule. The Weirs Channel is a posted "no wake" area, so you would have to tow at headway speed (if you were dumb enough to try it). If I were still an MP officer, I'd likely not worry too much about the Graveyard guy. In the crowded Weirs Channel, I could easily construe such a maneuver as creating a hazard to navigation and take enforcement action that way.

Either way though, towing anywhere but open water is one of the hallmarks of Capt Bonehead!

4Fun · 07-23-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skprbob

The towing rules for people - as the RSAs read - that's RSA 270:d-3

1. Without a special permit, one may tow a maximum of two people, regardless of the number of objects. For example, two tubes, with two riders on each tube, is illegal (4 people).

2. You need an appropriate observer for each person. For example, one tube, with two riders, requires two observers.

So - it's always the number of people that count! The one I love most is the inflatable "torpedo" with six kids on it, wearing only old ski belts, and one 10 year old observer. Argh.

3. There is no rule against towing someone through a channel as long as other navigation rules are observed. For example, if you tow through the Graveyard and you are the only boat there, have at it. You're good unless you meet another boat and have to slow down to comply with the safe passage rule. The Weirs Channel is a posted "no wake" area, so you would have to tow at headway speed (if you were dumb enough to try it). If I were still an MP officer, I'd likely not worry too much about the Graveyard guy. In the crowded Weirs Channel, I could easily construe such a maneuver as creating a hazard to navigation and take enforcement action that way.

Either way though, towing anywhere but open water is one of the hallmarks of Capt Bonehead!

I thought of this rule yesterday when I was reading my local newspaper and they had a picture of 3 kids having fun on a tube on Cobbets Pond in Windham. Those 3 kids would be in Juvenile detention if they tried that on Winni

20 years ago I used to tow a person on a tube using 1 person stand up JetSki. Didn't need a spotter, when they fell off you picked up 10MPH speed instantly

07-20-2009, 10:04 AM	#5
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,657 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 342 Thanked 618 Times in 278 Posts	I had a similar incident a few years ago with the Margaret Ann, up near Ganzy Island. Came right at me from the left front quadrant (where I had stand-on rights). I pulled it back to neutral and he ended up passing about 20 feet from me at full speed. Old boat, maybe he DOES own the lake. __________________ -lg

07-20-2009, 11:03 AM	#7
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	Another one.... It was a great weekend on the lake. We were heading back to the marina in Paugus bay Sunday evening around 5:30 PM we witnessed a family pulling a tube towards the Wiers right in the middle of all the boats. I thought that was a poor choice by the driver but it is their right to the lake. Then we could not believe it when they continued right through the channel with a child on the tube (tow rope extended to around 60+ feet). We ended up being several boats behind. I was concerned that the fast flow may swing the tube into the oncoming boat traffic but they made it okay. Is it only me thinking that this was a stupid action? I can't help being aggravated about the risk they introduced to everyone in the channel if something were to go wrong. I felt like I should have done something but you can not change stupid.

07-20-2009, 12:06 PM	#10
Pricestavern Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle) Posts: 388 Thanks: 125 Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts	Cap'n Boneheads Everywhere Saturday I was coming across the Broads from Wolfboro and just happened to be explaining what a "Captain Bonehead" was to one of my guests. We had our eye on a med-sized boat that was coming towards us from the port quarter and not slowing down or making moves to avoid. Figuring we had a prime example of Cap'n Bonehead on our hands, I cut back throttle to let the joker pass. To our amazement, this tarter-head stops his boat directly in front of us, no more than 100 foot away and starts rooting around for something down in his cabin. After a few seconds, he reappars, guns the engine and takes off up the Broads. I don't think he ever realized that we were there. Never assume anyone knows what they're doing.

07-20-2009, 03:59 PM	#12
rander7823 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 301 Thanks: 539 Thanked 39 Times in 23 Posts	Cap'n Boneheads We took the trip to Wolfeboro on Friday on the Mount and I couldn't believe how many boats were cutting across the bow and really close. One went acrsss the stern and could have been more than 50 feet away.

07-20-2009, 06:31 PM	#14
travaler18 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	lost tuber without anyone getting hurt i would like to see the tuber in the weirs channel break free during this current and watch the ensuing panic of the idiot father seeing his son swept downstream while other boats try to miss him. OOOOH WHAT A SIGHT ! Then again, someone stupid enough to do that would just shrug it off.

07-20-2009, 09:18 AM	#1
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,372 Thanks: 710 Thanked 758 Times in 393 Posts	Scary situation A few days ago, our neighbors were out towing their grandkids on tubes out in Moultonborough Bay. A wooden boat came towards them, never slowing, getting closer and closer. It came within 10 feet of them, and the guy was looking right at them. The name of the boat was either the Margaret Ann or Magdeline Ann. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Why would anyone do this on purpose? It makes me think twice about taking my young nephew and nieces out tubing if someone is out there deliberately jeopardizing tubers safety.

07-20-2009, 09:26 AM	#2
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,296 Thanks: 67 Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts	The driver was either blind or stupid. I'm not trying to "blame the victim" but it would have been wise for your neighbors to take evasive action before he got that close.

07-20-2009, 03:47 PM	#11
bigRazor Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pelham, NH Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Yesterday I passed someone pulling their kid on a tube through the Weirs channel. He was at no wake at least.

07-21-2009, 08:22 AM	#18
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,372 Thanks: 710 Thanked 758 Times in 393 Posts	Characteristic bad boating by the Margaret Ann operator Thank you all for your responses. I got more info on the situation. My neighbor, who I know to be extremely conscientious, took his grandkids out at 9 am on a weekday to take advantage of the low boat traffic and calm waters. Apparently, there were no other boats in sight, yet the Maragaret Ann came right for them. The evasive action he took was to power the boat down to neutral. As the many stories here can attest, there are plenty of irresponsible boaters who don't yield, or don't know when to yield, when towing people (or not towing people). From what Lakegeezer says, the owner of the Margaret Ann seems to be one of them. I hope he isn't boating recklessly deliberately, but it sounds like he has endangered the safety of a few boaters. So, if you are out on the lake and see the Margaret Ann coming towards you, take evasive actions, quickly, and if you can't, close your eyes, say a prayer, and for your sake, I hope you had the foresight to bring a change of underwear.

07-21-2009, 08:46 AM	#19
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	Just for your info.....it is illegal to tow a tube in a channel. I've seen the MP stop people for it. Also have a "bonehead" story.........Skier in the water waiting for power. Along comes a rental pontoon boat with 6-8 Asian men, all in long sleeved white shirts and long black slacks. All standing and all with a drink in hand. The captain was weaving deliberately, just fooling around and all were laughing and having a good time. Only problem was, they were heading right for my skier.......fortunately, I had time to quickly circle to protect her and they passed within 30' at about 20mph which was about WOT for a 50HP. Still shaking my head over that one even though it was several years ago. Don't know if they were a religious group, conventioners or what. Makes me wary of rental boats.

07-21-2009, 09:15 AM	#20
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,949 Thanks: 80 Thanked 969 Times in 432 Posts	Samiam... Can you point to a specific RSA that indicates towing a tube through a channel (with a person on it) or some similar device is illegal? I looked and could not find anything. I would guess that the MP stop you witnessed was to :advise: the boat operator that towing a tube through a channel was'nt exactly "wise". I too have seen the family bonehead out for a tube with the little ones with absolutely no regard for the safety of the child(ren) or other boaters... Bonehead #1 - Tows child on tube through Weirs Channel (Inbound to Paugus Bay) 4th of July weekend 3 years ago... fast current and LOTS of boats! Bonehead #2 - Tows 2 kids on Banana Boat (very easy to fall off) through the slot between Eagle Is & Governors Is... Bonehead #3 - Thinks that tubing off Marker #1 in the Weirs is a good idea on a busy saturday afternoon in August! So many small coves and bays and these morons need to risk thier kids safety to tube through busy areas! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

07-21-2009, 11:35 AM	#21
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	Think you're right, Woodsy......I couldn't find anything either. As I remember, they used that stop to do a safety check, as well.

07-22-2009, 11:12 AM	#22
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	It's good to see all is calm and quiet on the lake this year Funny how not much has changed, including the MP's propensity to seemingly never be in the right spot at the right time. I'm sure those that have been shadowed by the MP, or have seen their tricks first hand, are delighted to hear these stories

07-23-2009, 09:11 AM	#23
skprbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 19 Mile Bay Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 90 Times in 29 Posts	Skip's almost right The towing rules for people - as the RSAs read - that's RSA 270:d-3 1. Without a special permit, one may tow a maximum of two people, regardless of the number of objects. For example, two tubes, with two riders on each tube, is illegal (4 people). 2. You need an appropriate observer for each person. For example, one tube, with two riders, requires two observers. So - it's always the number of people that count! The one I love most is the inflatable "torpedo" with six kids on it, wearing only old ski belts, and one 10 year old observer. Argh. 3. There is no rule against towing someone through a channel as long as other navigation rules are observed. For example, if you tow through the Graveyard and you are the only boat there, have at it. You're good unless you meet another boat and have to slow down to comply with the safe passage rule. The Weirs Channel is a posted "no wake" area, so you would have to tow at headway speed (if you were dumb enough to try it). If I were still an MP officer, I'd likely not worry too much about the Graveyard guy. In the crowded Weirs Channel, I could easily construe such a maneuver as creating a hazard to navigation and take enforcement action that way. Either way though, towing anywhere but open water is one of the hallmarks of Capt Bonehead! Last edited by skprbob; 07-23-2009 at 12:36 PM. Reason: adding the RSA