[BroadHopper]

First off, I want to give a huge thanks to Don for allowing forum members to express their opinion on the speed limit law. Like any laws that effect all citizen, there are no right way or wrong way to provide safety and integrity for all citizens. The Constitution, although perfect in 1776, have had a number of amendments through the years. Laws are never perfect. Our nation was built upon independent spirit.

The SL law is not perfect. There are extremists on both side. Those that want the 45/25 and those that do not want SL. Many are willing to compromise. To compromise to ensure safety and integrity for all citizens and not just a chosen few.

Everyone agree that safety is number one priority. Now that everyone by law is required to have their safe boater's certificate, that is a huge step in keeping our lakes safe as the number of boats using our waters increase as the years go by. Good bet this is the reason we are the safest state.

We need to remind our representatives that the marine patrol is a very important aspect of the boater's life and that it should be well funded to insure enforcement of present laws. We have good laws in place, like 150' rule that no other states have. Enforcement goes a long way in reminding everyone to adhere to the laws and to corral those that feels the need to break them. We are lucky they have done a heck of a job with current manpower. Good job! MP!

As for the SL law, I strongly feel we need to keep the reasonable and prudent clause. There should be a reasonable and prudent clause on our 150' rule. 150' may not be reasonable and prudent in a lot of circumstances. 45 mph may not be reasonable and prudent. Same as for 25 mph. Arbitrary limits causes confusion as some folks thinks that the limits may be the way to go even if it is not reasonable and prudent.

We should leave the addition to our driver's record and allow heavy fines. Hitting a person on his wallet will make him think about it. Driver's records effect insurance rates as well. Heavy fines will help insure our marine patrol gets the fundings they deserve.

I don't think the arbitrary limit is needed. Replace it with Rule 6 from the USCG. Reasonable and prudent is vague interpretation and will cause a lot of problems in court rulings. Rule 6 will provide guidelines for both LEO and judges.

We need a law that will effect all water vessels and not just the 2%