Quote:
Originally Posted by Breakwater
 I do support paddlers registering as well. They use the ramps that are paid for by access funds raised by powerboat registrations! Ramps that I can't launch at because they are "car top". |
So this is an issue I always find myself straddling the fence on. Sure I understand the idea that paddlers use ramps, and rescue services etc. etc. etc. and sure enough some how they should help to fund these types of service I agree.
However what is next, having to have a tag to attach to my swim trunks when I go swimming somewhere else besides a beach being attended to by a life guard.
Now with that said, I think the real issue here is how things like the Marine Patrol and Search and Rescue are funded. Once again we find ourselves back at the State budget, spending and income. People need to Vote in change, and then make sure that change follows through with promises....
Back to the paddler issue.... the question here is how to handle this.... does each canoe, and kayak need a "access" sticker? ok... so then for me that would be 3 access sticker. I am not to worried about that... even if they are say 10 bucks that is only 30$ so the fiancee and I don't go out for breakfast one Saturday Morning a year. However what if they want to call it a registration... and I have to deal with bow numbers.... well then there is an accident, and insurance gets involved.... and the landslide goes on and on....
Now the other issue here, is that this is something that NH could be a Maverick and go out and do on their own.... but see they tried that with boat registrations.... You "Had" to register your boat in NH.... the the Feds, said we will take funding away if you don't adopt the Coast Guard practice for registration and adopt reciprocity....Wow was NH quick to standardized with the rest of the country.... So NH become the only state to require Canoes and Kayaks to register.... hummmm wonder how that is going to end up.....
My point is this... it might seem simple to say ya, let make the Kayaker and Canoeist pay some... And I can't totally disagree.... but there is more to be considered then meets the eye........