Are the Test Zones Marked ?
 

When we were on the Lake for an extended Memorial Day week-end there was no markers or indicators for the two new Speed Limit Zones.

I realize that it wasn't in effect until June 1 -- but being May 30th, I thought we'd see some buoy's or indicators to help map out exactly where the Start/Finish lines might be (Especially Zone 2).

As we are now back in MA -- was curious if there is any buoy's out & if there is any notifications (Marina's, Town Dock's, etc) that has been done publicly ................... If it weren't for this Forum, I know I would be oblivious to the change -- How are they (MP) getting the word out?????

I went through the Bear Island zone Saturday and didn't see any special speed limit markers.

There where no markers in the Rattlesnake zone on Saturday.

Nothing new at buoy 3 - Horse Island.

Be interesting to see if folks will actaully speed up to maintain 45 through these zones... Thinking that would be substantially faster than the average, especially by Bear Island.

If their driving habits transcend from the highway to the waterway, 50 - 55 will be the norm.

This should improve sales of new boats or at least engine replacements to attain 50 - 55. :D :laugh: :laugh:

Speed by Bear Island were the typical 25 to 30 MPH when I went through on Sunday afternoon. I saw no one going even remotely close to 45 MPH.

I went through, southbound, at 29 MPH on the GPS and someone creeped by me in a 20, or so, foot bowrider at maybe 33 MPH on the port side after I passed FL3. Shortly afterwards, they came nearly to a stop when they realized the were headed right into the shoals by FL70. I had given them plenty of room (I purposely altered my course so that I did not crowd them into the shoals when I knew they were going to pass on my port side), they just looked confused. They passed me again headed directly toward the witches and I thought" "Oh no!" but they turned at last and missed the rocks by a comfortable margin. Were the roles reversed, I'd follow another boat, rather than pass it, in an area I was unfamiliar with...

Dave R -- Funny that you use that "rule of thumb" (i.e. follow another boat) !!

On the contrary, I try and teach evryone that I come in contact with to "Think for themselves" and when in doubt, slow down and check the map (again). I have personally witnessed hundreds of times boaters eithor in front of me or behind choose the wrong side of a marker. The most prevelent spot (but not the only) is the "stick field" between Eagle Isl & FL#44. Some are Rentals but all too often they're not. I've even seen a couple of GFBL choose incorrectly in that area.

Point bieng -- Don't Follow -- I tell everyone --the person in front may (or may not) have what I term "Local knowledge" (a very detailed understanding of the hazard they are maneuvering). You -- in the trailing boat -- will never be able to precisely follow as their wake drifts in one direction or the other.

There are many folks who understand exactly what and where a particular hazard may be --i.e. Local Knowledge and would seem to defy the correct side of a marker. For example, we boat regularly on the Eastern side of FL#1 (that's where our cottage is located- I'm comfortable in those waters). Others simply have God on their side !!

Point ------>> Don't Follow, unless you know who your following :D

I agree, when in my sailboat I routinely go places I wouldn't even get near with my powerboat. The sailboat which draws about 5 inches with the centerboard up isn't easily damaged. I will generally try to squeeze the most out of each tack. Many times while I've been in tight places I've seen motorboats line up for me, even though rocks and other dangers are in their path. So far they have all seen the danger before getting into trouble, but one day someone will end up on the rocks.

Also, I don't know how many times I've waved boats off of a collision with the rocks at the entrance of Center Harbor.

Good points ITD and Phantom.