Quote:
Originally Posted by elchase
I have an idea; rather than take the risk that this forum does not represent the real Winnipesaukee boating public or that people here are just lying about their planing speeds (or don't know how to drive their own boats), how about if we consult a reputable performance boating reference and use the planing speeds they have found when they tested each model boat? Then, with the help of an elected State official who has access to the State's registration database, we use those real planing speeds and set a nighttime speed limit accordingly? And of course, we will throw out the extremes (say the fastest and slowest 1%), because we should not let our laws be tailored to suit one costumed cowboy in a 55-foot 3000HP 92dB cigarette boat (you know who I mean) or one old codger in a 12' jon boat with a 1919 one-cylinder 1/2 HP outboard.
So if 99% of the boats registered for use principally on Winnipesaukee were found by this reference to have a planing speed below say 40MPH, then 40MPH would be the new "compromise" nighttime limit. If 99% of the boats registered for use principally on Winnipesaukee were found to have a planing speed below 18.6MPH, then 18.6MPH would be the new "compromise" nighttime limit. But of course, this only works if we ALL agree to abide by it and support the compromise...and to then respect the newly established limit. Can we all agree to this? I will. And it sounds right in line with the intent of this "compromise".
Hint: Be careful what you wish for.  |
In case the last line did not give it away. When someone comes 180 degrees on their stand, they have found something that will work to their benefit in our stand. This poll and the quoted post proves that they are going to try to use these numbers to establish a much slower speed on the lake as this is as slow as we can go. This is a double edged sword because you could raise the night limit while opening the door for lowering the day. Think long and hard about wanting to have a discussion about how slow you can go. Just my thoughts, but someone that was hard pressed to move toward a compromise Tuesday, suddenly wants to now.
A disco dancer that just walked into a biker bar would seem as out of place too.
