Anchoring Near Shore

[WinnisquamZ]

But, it is illegal to raft within 150’. Not knowing the boating safety rules is no excuse


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[DBreskin]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

But, it is illegal to raft within 150’.

The NH Marine Patrol seems to think otherwise. Their FAQ page includes:
It is legal for someone to anchor in front of a house, as water bodies over 10 acres in size are public bodies of water.

What the law says and what is considerate may be different. I'd never anchor with 200' of someone's home.

As far as I can discern, the 150' rule applies only to vessels in motion. Can anyone cite a law stating it is illegal to anchor or raft within 150' of shoreline or a private mooring? As an example, in Braun Bay the law stipulates boats may not anchor closer than 75' to shore.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by DBreskin

The NH Marine Patrol seems to think otherwise. Their FAQ page includes:
It is legal for someone to anchor in front of a house, as water bodies over 10 acres in size are public bodies of water.

What the law says and what is considerate may be different. I'd never anchor with 200' of someone's home.

As far as I can discern, the 150' rule applies only to vessels in motion. Can anyone cite a law stating it is illegal to anchor or raft within 150' of shoreline or a private mooring? As an example, in Braun Bay the law stipulates boats may not anchor closer than 75' to shore.

It is definitely not illegal to anchor less than 150’ from shore unless noted otherwise for a specific area. You were supposed to be asking if it was legal to anchor within the confines of a mooring field private or public..

Dan

[DBreskin]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

It is definitely not illegal to anchor less than 150’ from shore unless noted otherwise for a specific area. You were supposed to be asking if it was legal to anchor within the confines of a mooring field private or public..

Dan

Dan, that is what I called about. I’ll try again next week.
The statutes list three types of mooring: private, congregate, and public. I don’t believe the law recognizes private and field as two terms that can be used together but perhaps I’ll find out when I’m able to speak with an official.

[tis]

I hate to say it but I think it is legal to anchor less than 150' from shore unless it is a no rafting zone. I don't think it's considerate but I think it's legal.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by tis

I hate to say it but I think it is legal to anchor less than 150' from shore unless it is a no rafting zone. I don't think it's considerate but I think it's legal.

I know for a fact it is legal. You can even put your anchor on shore up to the high water mark unless noted otherwise for a specific location...

Dan

[tis]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I know for a fact it is legal. You can even put your anchor on shore up to the high water mark unless noted otherwise for a specific location...

Dan

Yes, I never want to be that affirmative. I always try to qualify my replies a little even if I am positive.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by tis

Yes, I never want to be that affirmative. I always try to qualify my replies a little even if I am positive.

I hear you...Marine Patrol (Dave Barrett) confirmed This for me a while ago....

Dan

[DBreskin]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

It is definitely not illegal to anchor less than 150’ from shore unless noted otherwise for a specific area. You were supposed to be asking if it was legal to anchor within the confines of a mooring field private or public..

Dan

I spoke with the Marine Patrol today. I was told there is no minimum distance required for anchoring close to a private mooring, other than common sense to ensure the swing of the anchored boat will not allow it to contact anything else, such as a mooring or other anchored boat. Further, a line of individual, private moorings such as a row of private homes each with it's own mooring is not considered a mooring field.
I was already aware it is prohibited to anchor within a public mooring field or congregate mooring field (such as for a homeowners association that has four or more moorings under a single permit).

[Woodsy]

There is a fairly easy solution to this...

1. Turn little buddy's boat around so its nose out. Solves the swamping issue.

2. Place a couple of clorox bottles (or whatever) approx 125' from shore. They will think they are rocks and stay away.

Woodsy