Same goes for Boston Hahbah on a hot, sunny weekend afternoon. It's like that scene from Caddy Shack. Yet how many accidents do you hear about? 0.

Where is the 6 pack
 

I thought I knew most of the lake but Where is the 6 pack? The one in the lake.

FL...

I always thought the six back is by FL58 on the back side of Long Island... East Point

Woodsy

That's what I'd say it is. 3 red and 3 black buoys demarking the channel.

Sorry Woodsy --- not quite accurate .....

Mass has the same 150' boat law and I would suspect that a largest percentage of "guests" visiting the Lake are from Mass (as I am).

Not critiquing ... simply letting members know it's the Law down here too!
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Webster Lake
 

Interesting. I boat with friends on Webster Lake in Webster, Mass. I don't hear of it nor do I see it 'practiced'. I rarely see MP presence and I'm at a loss as to which side of the 'clorox' bottles I have travel. Folks call underwater hazards, 'sunken islands'. LOL!

The lake is so shallow, launching a good size boat quickly will hit bottom!

I think if you check the law in MA it is not operating a boat with 150' of the shore line or swimming beach not other boats.

Da rulz is karefuly thought out
 

... or a swimmer but you're correct, not other boats. VT is more similar to NH except theirs is a 200' rule. CT looks to be like MA but the rule is 100' and so far as I can tell ME has no similar rule at all. RI and NJ* ... fugetaboutit. ;)











*OK, OK so NJ is more like MA but with a 200' rule but that's not as funny is it.

200' is much harder to measure. I really don't have a club for that distance :eek: Hard lob wedge, very soft sand wedge. Perhaps a new law with a digital laser readout mounted in dash?

How about just maintaining a safe distance from objects and other boats, while keeping a good lookout?

Actually Maine does have a boating law that requires headway speed within the "water safety zone" which is 200 ft from shore. There is no law requiring distance from other boats above headway speed.

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/boatlaws.htm

If I'm going slower other wakes don't have a major impact on me. If I am going faster I make my course so I don't have to worry about jarring and getting beat too death.

NH is the exception with the 150 ft rule and you don't see wide-spread pandomonium by not having it in other states. This is a major part of why I don't see how any SL supporter would have a legitimate argument but whatever.

As I look, I cannot find any mention of boat to boat distance specified eithor ....... For the time being I stand corrected...

"Legislators loot navigation safety fund"; read all about it in today's page 8, May 28 www.laconiadailysun.com. Looking for money to pep up the lagging NH budget, the legislature stripped out money from a number of state agencies that were seperately funded, and the Marine Patrol's navigation safety budget that is funded by boat registration fees was transferred out to the general fund.

Is this good news, or bad news?:rolleye1:

you'll get your answer.
 

FLL

Go boating and hit a rock that is no longer marked for safety and you'll have the answer you're looking for.;)

ToW

Hummm,,,

Sure makes me happy that I go out of my way to register in NH to make sure that my funds are used to support boating on the waters I like to use the most,,,

My boating is split 50/50 between the Merrimack River in MA and Winnipesaukee and I always register one boat in NH even if its the only one I register that year as my expectation was that the funds went to support safe boating and public ramps in NH,,, So much for that idea,,, :mad:

the legislature giveth, the legislature taketh away.
 

One of the politicians during the SL debate says the MP is strapped for cash after a big budget cut. Now another $700,000 is cut. Looks like the resources to support the SL will not be there. I think Capt. Bonehead will rule the big lake.

Thank you! SL supporters!

Be careful what you wish for! :eek:

Good time to put the spotlight on gum-flapping versus concern. My guess is that those yapping about new laws won't spend a minute of thought about these cuts, nor do they really care.

Having attended all the hearings in Concord over the last few months I have to disagree with this. At the initial Senate hearing Hazelnut opined to the transportation committee about the law taking the MP "off task" from more important duties like enforcing BUI. At the end of this hearing David Barrett said to a few of us that he wished the opposition would stop using this tactic because he really didn't believe it was so. And many of us feel that the new law will be a good adjunct to our tools for enforcing the ever present problem of BUI. And BTW, there are many Capt. Boneheads who speed as well...I've seen them in action. Hence another tool to pull over Capt. Bonehead.

Not sure I understand when you say "I have to disagree with this" that the NH MP are strapped for cash, that they are facing an additional $700k budget cut, or that the previous two situations would result in a an inability to enforce the speed limits? :confused:

As for attending all the hearings on the SL, I have to be honest that I did not attend one, I'm not a resident and dont live within a hour of Concord, but I have been boating on Winnipesaukee since the days of White Gas and I have NEVER been in a speed caused boating accident, NEVER personally seen a speed caused boating accident myself, and NEVER seen anyone else at imminent risk of a boating accident from speed.

Sure I have seen folks that left me uncomfortable with the speed they were operating at, but then I have seen far more Capt Boneheads that left uncomfortable with their operation and they were NOT going fast.

When did we decide that feel good legislation, unsubstantiated but actual collision numbers, would make the waters of Winnipesaukee safer for all,,,

I think focusing on education of basic boating safety practices will do far more to improve boating safety than anything else we can do.

I would love to see this issue put into meaningful terms, number of collisions plotted against number of registered boats (annually).

I suspect that the numbers would be so low we would all be shaking our heads in disbelief as to how this issue ever got started.

I remain respectfully unconvinced that I am any safer then I was 5 years ago!

I'm guessing that I am at far more risk trailering my boat back and forth to Winnipesaukee than I am actually using it on the lake,,,

So how many "tools" are left in their bag when their budget keeps getting cut? I'm sure you raised your hand and asked for additional funding, no?

Like I said, some here "get it". Some are just gum flappers.

This kind of negative and petty rhetoric is why these threads are continually shut down. Lots of us "get it" and fortunately our legislators, by a wide margin in both houses, agreed. Get over it!

They can agree all they want. This topic started as a thread about the 150' Safe Passage rule. It has been stated recently that in addition to declining revenues targeted for the NH MP, another $700,000 will be cut from their budget. This is what I'm addressing, since I've been saying for some time their budget should be increased.

This is not "rhetoric" at all. You certainly don't have to involve yourself in any discussion of the budget cuts at all. However, and I'm being extra special Nice :liplick:, the budget cuts directly impact everything your favorite legislators have passed.

I think I'm being on topic, and certainly not negative.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse but
 

Hello Forum.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse but hiding the law is just plain stupid.

Why is there no mandated signage at each and every launch ramp with a select few of the important safety rules? :confused:

The 150 foot rule.
The speed limit law while it is in effect.
The water ski and observer ages, numbers and allowed times.
The driver age and safety certificate requirements.
The overnight anchoring prohibition.
The PFDs for kids and all passengers law.
The No Rafting regulations.
The sound and exhaust restrictions.

Just to name a few important bullet points.

Why make it hard for boaters to know the basic rules and then complain that they don't follow them then clamor to make up even more rules?

Is there any reason that these few important items are not posted at every private and public launch ramp? Why hide them?

I dont know either of you folks, but from what I can see this looks like a case of “the pot calling the kettle black”

You may not like VtSteve’s statement; “Like I said, some here "get it". Some are just gum flappers.” but your own response “Get over it!” is more harsh. So is this leading by example? :confused:

Unfortunately its your opening comment “This kind of negative and petty rhetoric is why these threads are continually shut down.” comes across as threatening. :(

Forums like this are created to allow people to share information and opinions. Yes it should be done respectfully, but your accusation leads me to believe you either don’t believe we are entitled to voice our opinions or that you consider any opinion that is contrary to yours as negative, and your response to either situation is to ratchet the tone up to make your point. Sounds like bullying to me,,, :mad:

The fact that we are talking about rules/laws and politicians is NO reason to stop discussing and debating any issue, if anything its more of a reason to vigorously debate the matter. :argue:

If the goal is safer AND more enjoyable boating, and for some of us limited government and taxes and fees, then the debate MUST continue. Hopefully respectfully and productively,,, :cheers:

Well that’s one boaters opinion, and more icons than I have ever used in one post. :D

That's OK XCR
 

I think the majority get my comment, and hope they don't view it as nasty or whatever. It's just plain common sense.

But it's a consistent argument. Those on the side of SNONH have consistently supported giving the MP the funds they need to properly do their job. It's ironic that those that always support more laws, make nasty comments everytime we mention the MP budget being cut.

Grownups can make up their own minds as to what that means.

I think this is a good idea, however if only a few "important" laws were posted at ramps etc, then people can claim ignorance. "But officer, the sign at the ramp didn't say anything about the law I broke". It is up to the person operating the boat to know the rules and regs of the waters they are operating their boat on.

Saying "get over it" more harsh as a response to "gumflapper"??? If you say so. Anyway, one more bit of gum flapping regarding budget cuts. Most NH residents and users of the lake are reasonable law abiding citizens. And if Memorial Day weekend is any indication, uncontrolled chaos has not erupted on the lake. I have kids out on the lake as well as in my car...glad no one is proposing abolishing speed limits on our roads and highways because of budget cuts in our police force. Or are they?:eek:

Not Many boats
 

Being on the lake on Sunday (80+ degrees and sunny), I think we commented on the lack of boats on the water for Memorial Day weekend at least a half dozen times. From the Weir's Channel to Johnson's Cove to Robert's Cove, crossing the broads side of Rattlesnake and into the Weir's Channel, hardly any boats to speak of.

In the time from Robert's Cove to the Witches we encountered no more than 20 boats. We were traveling less than 20 into the wind and waves with the canvas up to keep the girls and kids dry, so it took us quite some time at about 5:30pm.

Everywhere we went, we noticed a severe lack of boats on the water for what was a beautiful weekend, minus the smoke.

So if Memorial Day weekend is any indicator, this is going to be a very slow boating year.

Good point, and hopefuuly this could help to mitigate the effects of said budget cuts. I suppose the scenario is explainable...poor economy, fewer boaters, tax revenues down, budget cuts.

Jmen,

Have to agree, very few boats out there on Sunday. No cruising around for us with the rollers on the Broads, from dock to dock I was hummin the Gilligan’s Island theme.

There are a lot of empty slips at Parker Marine in Alton...... Seems like only a few years ago the place was full-tilt with boats.

Keep in mind that Sunday was extremely windy and very rough going on the lake. I heard multiple reports of waves crashing over the bow's of boats.

We also need to remember that the lake is an important part of the region's economy. The less boaters that launch on the lake, the less revenue for the area. So, while the MP presence on the lake is seriously reduced, the overall effect on the region is also impacted.
I'm pretty sure Winnfabs has solutions to both of these issues on their site...or not...

A corrolation of the nationwide (worldwide?) recession with Winnfabs seems tenuous and contrived at best, but I do know that two of the biggest hospitality players in the lakes region (Common Man and Inn at Mills Falls) and 12 marinas have endorsed WinnFabs efforts as being a plus for the economy. And with this economy we need all the help we can get.

Given the wind on Sunday. I was amazed how many boats were out. The Glendale area was packed and the Meredith docks area was also crowded.

Lots of small boats out on a day that the wind would have made me nervous. Plus it's getting hard to see some of those markers in the chop. Why are some so short?

Lots of people seem to forget to follow the rules of the road when you are in a no wake area. I had a bow rider almost t-bone me at idle speed near the Meredith docks. Then a Baja crosses within two feet of my stern, I know the 150' rule doesn't apply at idle but leave a little room for error.

Monday was a slower day than I expected. The West Alton sandbar still had space around noon. The water is still too darn cold.

It's been brought up before. Lower boat traffic means less $$ spent in the region. When your goal is to rid the lake of big money, you sometimes get some unintended consequences, even if you claim to have it all figured out

I thought it was great to see the amount of boats out on the lake this weekend. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Given a few new boaters or maybe even some older boaters need a refresher course and have the cobwebs removed, but all in all most people were very courtious out there.

I personally enjoyed the wind. On my way over to visit another winni.com member I had to cross from Barber's Pole to Welch Island. There were some very nice rollers out there.. 2-4 footers.. I ate them up no problem but there were a few people out there that probably had bitten off more then they could chew.

I agree although you may be adhering to the letter of the law, common sense goes a mile. As an example when crossing under the Long Island bridge. I was behind a few boats. The second they felt they were 150 feet from the bridge they took off. Although legal they aren't giving any thought to the numerous boats rafted off to their right that now have to deal with their wakes. (yes thats right boats make larger wakes the slower they are going when plaining off ;)) I always try to wait until I am closer to the red marker much further out. This way you don't disturb someone else's great day.

My only pet peave this weekend really was the amount of people that would be in a narrow channel and are clueless to those behind them. On several occassions people just stopped for no reason, or changed course, or just cut right out. Please be aware of those behind you who are also crusing and may not have the same interest in a duck that you want to look at. :laugh:

Common sense and courtesey go a very long way so that laws don't need to be added.

Hogwash, it wasn't bad after a minute or two.:laugh:

I will agree that the wind and waves were big, we were in a 26 ft bowrider and some of those waves were timed just right to get a bunch of spray over the bow. That was the only day this weekend that I was out.:( propably contributed to the slow day, but my cousin was out on Saturday as well and noted that things were slow.

I went in the water every day this weekend, except Sunday. It was brisk but as Jmen says not too bad after a minute or two, that's how long it takes to go numb :eek::eek:

I used to tolerate the 2-4 rollers with my bow rider, the wife hated them. Once we stuffed the bow on Dad's cuddy so deep I though we would never come up. It never boring on Winnipesaukee:):)

Add this to signs at ALL launch Ramps
 

You are right Chipj29. I am new to posting here and need practice. I have been a long time lurker though. I should have added another line to the idea of a sign I suggested be posted at all boat launch ramps.

For a comprehensive list of rules and regulations see the Boater’s Guide of New Hampshire – A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities. The pamphlet is free and available at many marinas and marine supply outlets or on-line at: HTTP:// boat-ed.com/nh/handbook. which is HERE .

There is a limit to how much information you can put on a sign otherwise you could add another link to this site: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html

(this is not directed at Chipj29)
Don't hide the rules or make it hard to find them and then complain that visitors ignore those rules so let's make more laws. It's like a turtle that pulls it's head in it's shell so it doesn't see everything that is really going on and won't stick it's neck out to face reality!

I'm in favor of the ideals of the group Safe Boaters Of New Hampshire http://sbonh.org and have signed their petition.

Great idea
 

Hi Hammond,

To take your idea one step further, if MP is willing to give us enough copies of the handbook, SBONH could attach some weather tight boxes (like the real estate signs have sometimes) and fill with handbooks at some of the key public ramps.

Very good idea... I know that SBONH members will be sporting a new sticker. If they could get booklets as well perhaps make them available to anyone who asked. Just a thought.