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Descant · 09-03-2019, 08:33 PM

Many years ago (40?) the legislature made it illegal to ride on the bow or sit on the gunwales. For some reason, pontoon captains seem to think this doesn't apply to them or their passengers. When it occurs, in most instances, I think MP gives a warning. I'm not usually for more rules, but somehow, we're not getting the word out to 'tooners, especially those with little previous experience in other types of boats. In only a few weeks we have this one and the teen-ager who fell off the bow of a 'toon near LSP.
Would a $500-$1000 fine for the captain who allows this open some eyes? Fine, no warning! I am reluctant to do the heavy hand of the law on this, but two major accidents this summer (are there others?) mean we are not taking the right approach.

09-03-2019, 08:33 PM	#39
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,033 Thanks: 1,211 Thanked 1,511 Times in 983 Posts	How long? Many years ago (40?) the legislature made it illegal to ride on the bow or sit on the gunwales. For some reason, pontoon captains seem to think this doesn't apply to them or their passengers. When it occurs, in most instances, I think MP gives a warning. I'm not usually for more rules, but somehow, we're not getting the word out to 'tooners, especially those with little previous experience in other types of boats. In only a few weeks we have this one and the teen-ager who fell off the bow of a 'toon near LSP. Would a $500-$1000 fine for the captain who allows this open some eyes? Fine, no warning! I am reluctant to do the heavy hand of the law on this, but two major accidents this summer (are there others?) mean we are not taking the right approach.