Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

Woodsy · 04-26-2005, 09:16 AM

Fat Jack....

My message was meant to be somewhat tongue & cheek, when I was describing the different types of boatowners. Sorry it is impossible for you to see some of the humour. You obviously feel pretty passionate about the speed limit, too bad your so sorely closed minded.

"Isn't that the very point of HB162? Isn't it about letting the less dominant masses pursue their happiness on the lake too, in safety?"

The owners of go-fast boats are in the minority. Go-Fast boats are an extremely small percentage of the boats that use Winni every summer. Just because a boat has thru hull exhaust doesn't make it a go-fast boat. They may sound fast but the reality is there are very, very few boats on Winni who can top 70mph. Less and less as the speeds increase. There are far more accidents and incidents concerning family runabouts and operator ineptitude. To the best of my knowledge there have been NO accidents where speed was the major factor. NONE - ZIP - ZERO.

"Why can't this also be the same on the lake? Especially when one considers the fact that the lake has no lane markers and no safety signs, and boats have no brakes, no blinkers, and no headlights. "

Boats are NOT cars, and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. I am sure no one would like to see lane markers, safety signs, on the lake and blinkers and headlights are illegal on boats!

"Exactly the point of HB162. I agree fully that the operative word here is "properly". Now let's just define "properly". How can it be "proper" driving to go 100MPH on a crowded freshwater lake?"

Define crowded? Why does freshwater have anything to do with it? When have you ever seen a boat run 100mph except maybe a race boat?

"You don't think a speed limit will effect the guys who would like to be out there in canoes, sailboats, runabouts, and trolling boats too? Then why are they fighting for one?"

A speed limit doesn't put any sort of restriction on how they choose to enjoy the lake. It does however put a restriction on how a small minority of people choose to enjoy the lake. If the go-fast boaters were a majority, and wanted to place restrictions on sailboats or kayakers, you can bet they would be up in arms fighting for there right to use the lake in a manner they see fit. Your arguments border on ridiculous!

"This is even more untrue. Again, why would you feel the need to make a misstatement like this? Have you ever been to Lake George?"

I go to Lake George on average twice a year and get this... I actually BOAT on Lake George. Have you? Or do you you just quote snippets and alleged facts you swipe off the internet?

It is nothing like Winni at all, with the exception of its beauty. You have to buy a pass to put your boat on Lake George, be it a seasonal one or a weekend one. Almost all of the islands on Lake George are owned by the state and can be rented from the state for camping or gatherings. There are alot of private residences, but no where near the number of private residences along the shoreline as we have here on Winni, where the state owns essentially no land. I have personally witnessed a 160mph run by a race boat testing on Lake George. Guess what? No ticket, no speed enforcement, no anything. I have witnessed Poker Runs on Lake George that easily exceeded the 45mph limit... by 35-40 boats, guess what? No tickets were issued, nobody was stopped. Get this.... They don't have a 150' rule.... I could blow by you 6' from your gunwale at 45mph and do nothing illegal! I talked with several of thier enforcement officers (Not sure if they are MP like it is here or regular police, they were on a patrol craft) and they were the ones that told me they very rarely issue a speed only citation, Most citations are for some type of stupid behavior other than excessive speed, most often alcohol.

"In other words, you are saying that everything is just fine, and we need nothing. When was the last time you tried to use a sailfish, go waterskiing, or troll for trout on this lake?"

I will be trolling for trout & salmon during the Spring Derby, and some early mornings during the summer. I waterskiied last year over towards Braun Bay, although I fell a few times and realized I am getting a little old, it was fun! I don't sail, mainly because in my previous attempts I have capsized the boat alot due to lack of skill!

There is more than enough Lake for everyone to enjoy..... be they sailors, kayakers, waterskiiers, or powerboaters!

Minds are like a parachute.... they only work when opened!

Woodsy

04-26-2005, 09:16 AM	#111
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,974 Thanks: 80 Thanked 984 Times in 443 Posts	Fat Jack.... My message was meant to be somewhat tongue & cheek, when I was describing the different types of boatowners. Sorry it is impossible for you to see some of the humour. You obviously feel pretty passionate about the speed limit, too bad your so sorely closed minded. "Isn't that the very point of HB162? Isn't it about letting the less dominant masses pursue their happiness on the lake too, in safety?" The owners of go-fast boats are in the minority. Go-Fast boats are an extremely small percentage of the boats that use Winni every summer. Just because a boat has thru hull exhaust doesn't make it a go-fast boat. They may sound fast but the reality is there are very, very few boats on Winni who can top 70mph. Less and less as the speeds increase. There are far more accidents and incidents concerning family runabouts and operator ineptitude. To the best of my knowledge there have been NO accidents where speed was the major factor. NONE - ZIP - ZERO. "Why can't this also be the same on the lake? Especially when one considers the fact that the lake has no lane markers and no safety signs, and boats have no brakes, no blinkers, and no headlights. " Boats are NOT cars, and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. I am sure no one would like to see lane markers, safety signs, on the lake and blinkers and headlights are illegal on boats! "Exactly the point of HB162. I agree fully that the operative word here is "properly". Now let's just define "properly". How can it be "proper" driving to go 100MPH on a crowded freshwater lake?" Define crowded? Why does freshwater have anything to do with it? When have you ever seen a boat run 100mph except maybe a race boat? "You don't think a speed limit will effect the guys who would like to be out there in canoes, sailboats, runabouts, and trolling boats too? Then why are they fighting for one?" A speed limit doesn't put any sort of restriction on how they choose to enjoy the lake. It does however put a restriction on how a small minority of people choose to enjoy the lake. If the go-fast boaters were a majority, and wanted to place restrictions on sailboats or kayakers, you can bet they would be up in arms fighting for there right to use the lake in a manner they see fit. Your arguments border on ridiculous! "This is even more untrue. Again, why would you feel the need to make a misstatement like this? Have you ever been to Lake George?" I go to Lake George on average twice a year and get this... I actually BOAT on Lake George. Have you? Or do you you just quote snippets and alleged facts you swipe off the internet? It is nothing like Winni at all, with the exception of its beauty. You have to buy a pass to put your boat on Lake George, be it a seasonal one or a weekend one. Almost all of the islands on Lake George are owned by the state and can be rented from the state for camping or gatherings. There are alot of private residences, but no where near the number of private residences along the shoreline as we have here on Winni, where the state owns essentially no land. I have personally witnessed a 160mph run by a race boat testing on Lake George. Guess what? No ticket, no speed enforcement, no anything. I have witnessed Poker Runs on Lake George that easily exceeded the 45mph limit... by 35-40 boats, guess what? No tickets were issued, nobody was stopped. Get this.... They don't have a 150' rule.... I could blow by you 6' from your gunwale at 45mph and do nothing illegal! I talked with several of thier enforcement officers (Not sure if they are MP like it is here or regular police, they were on a patrol craft) and they were the ones that told me they very rarely issue a speed only citation, Most citations are for some type of stupid behavior other than excessive speed, most often alcohol. "In other words, you are saying that everything is just fine, and we need nothing. When was the last time you tried to use a sailfish, go waterskiing, or troll for trout on this lake?" I will be trolling for trout & salmon during the Spring Derby, and some early mornings during the summer. I waterskiied last year over towards Braun Bay, although I fell a few times and realized I am getting a little old, it was fun! I don't sail, mainly because in my previous attempts I have capsized the boat alot due to lack of skill! There is more than enough Lake for everyone to enjoy..... be they sailors, kayakers, waterskiiers, or powerboaters! Minds are like a parachute.... they only work when opened! Woodsy Last edited by Woodsy; 04-26-2005 at 09:19 AM.