Drunk (speeding) boater crahes, Lake George

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by Sandy Beach

Is Bear Islander repeating what the anti-speed limit bill side has often claimed or is he being sarcastic? If boaters on either lake operate at a prudent and safe speed then there is no need for additional quantified speed limits. That sounds very reasonable.


Skip is not a troll and I don't think he ever initiated a thread designed to start arguments. I do agree with you we do not need another thread to argue about proposed new speed limits.

Violation of the headway or 6 mph law on Winnipesaukee is already a tool available to the authorities.

Boat safely and prudently

No sarcasm intended. There is no safe and prudent speed standard on the lake yet (no matter what others may say). HB847 will provide one at last. It also provides actual numbers, 45/25 that set a standard of behavior to the boating community.

Setting that standard is what will make a difference. How many speed traps the MP set up, or how many tickets handed out, will make little difference.

I think the number of tickets handed out each year to boaters that were operating at "safe and prudent speeds" that are over the limit, will be counted on one hand. Perhaps one finger.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

No sarcasm intended. There is no safe and prudent speed standard on the lake yet (no matter what others may say).

Since the arguement has been expressed in many ways, what about what the NASBLA safety course says?

Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways:

Maintain a safe speed.
Safe speed is the speed that ensures you will have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an appropriate distance. Safe speed will vary depending on conditions such as wind, water conditions, navigational hazards, visibility, surrounding vessel traffic density, and the maneuverability of your boat or PWC. Always reduce speed and navigate with extreme caution at night and when visibility is restricted.

Sounds pretty 'standard' to me?????

[Bear Islander]

I should have said "official standard". The NASBLA definition is not law.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I should have said "official standard". The NASBLA definition is not law.

So, by law, (or "official standard", as you refer to it) I am required to hold a valid certification that signifies completion of an approved boating course.

In said course, I was required to learn and adhere to the following "Traffic Laws of the Waterways" and it's contents.....

I fail to see any ambiguity with that logic - if A = B then C?

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I should have said "official standard". The NASBLA definition is not law.

It's a good standard, perhaps a great one.

I'll bet nobody fought to get it adopted in NH as Law. Even mandating a plaque on every boat sold nationwide would be great. They probably won't enforce the laws anyway, but it will be nice to feel better about the growing list of laws.