Quote:
Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal
One common complaint that keeps coming up regarding Lake Winnipesaukee and boating safety is the 150’ safe passage rule. This seems to be one of the most heavily committed offenses on the lake. I do believe that things have gotten better since the requirement of boating certificates, but there is certainly room for improvement.
How is an out of state boater or even a New Hampshire resident supposed to know about this and the other safety laws? Does a NH resident get information while registering their vessel?
When we drove by the ramp in Alton Bay, we looked at the sign next to the ramp and there didn’t seem to be any information regarding the 150’ safe passage rule or the requirement for boaters to have a certificate. Wouldn’t the public ramps be an excellent place to post the 150’ safe passage rule as well as the requirement of a boating certificate? This could make the lake a safer place to be. |
RG,
I do believe you bring up a valid point. How does one know when visiting an out of state body of water for the first time. And now lets add a further thing into the mix, the speed limit which is only applicable to Winnipesaukee.
I think the problem with posting at the ramps is that not all ramps have good posting facilities. And even then you have to hope people read the information posted. I not saying this doesn't work because I believe it does, I just don't know to what degree. And then there is the issue that not all ramps have a posting area.
Now personally I like some aspects of what Maine has done. They make you get a "use decal" if you come in from out of state. I have no idea how much these cost but I can't believe it is a huge charge. When you get the decal they have the opportunity to inform you of the Maine specific laws(whether they do or not I don't know). Now as far as getting the word out about needing the decal, I know there is a sign on 95 and I believe also on other major routes bringing people into the state and especially to the major inland water areas.
But when it comes right down to it, this all comes back to how much people prepare for there vacations. Not that long ago, you didn't think to much about hauling your boat to another state and dropping it the lake. However now with safe boating certificates etc. More people are starting to realize how different the boating laws are state to state. So you are left with your capt. Boneheads, that are just going to do what they want and not look into the laws for where they are headed. And the "Good Skippers" that will take a few minutes and look online to see what a different state has for special laws when they take their boat to visit.