[ApS]

Are you trying to tell people what is safe and not safe?

• As an career analyst, I speak from a long perspective from one spot on Lake Winnipesaukee—and sometimes, through three seasons.

To my knowledge, only one other member could speak to a greater analysis from this shore; even then, that member doesn't have the identical perspective.

• The lake's boating environment has definitely changed.

• NHBUOY wrote above of these "mini" boats being "tippy". As to "unsafe", I write here as a former builder of small vessels for Lake Winnipesaukee.

• Powerboats have increased in size to the point that mooring lines need more frequent replacement—mooring whips have become inadequate—and in some formerly peaceful locations, mechanical-, hydraulic-, and electric-lifts have become mandatory.

Are you criticizing people for in your opinion improper operation of their boats?

The operation we see all the time?

They've just been described as "tippy".

While I agree that boat wakes can cause damage, I believe most dock damage happens because of poorly designed docks, my dock has 20+ years of use, and has been through high water, hurricane etc. and large boat wakes with out any issues, just some normal maintenance from time to time.

Besides the occasional ice damage, my piling dock has no damage issues from boat wakes, if you don't count being spritzed—or soaked—from underneath by oversized boat wakes.

... and most Shoreline damage occurs because said shoreline isn't properly protected because people cut down the natural protection, and didn't adequately replace it.

While mostly true, I've watched as about 60% of my natural (left-alone) shoreline is carried downhill, including entire trees, boulders, and forest duff. Sure, some can be traced to natural forces, but every summer weekend turns our shallow waters brown.

Last while there are times that smaller boats may have trouble on the lake, there are plenty of times where a small boat can be out on the water with no issues....

BUT they are out there—some are very small—and operated by tiny tykes!

Oh wait I suppose the issue here is that they might interrupt your serenity.

...Our serenity.

I would be willing to bet more shore line erosion was done to the lake during Mondays little storm than what 20 years of boating would do.

Just two years ago, I would have agreed with you; however, my interest in the subject has brought me to PDF reports from Eastern seaboard states, that report those states' canals and channels are being eroded greatly by V-bottom boats—in particular.

(Besides the "mystery-wakes" that we witness ourselves).

ApS, the size of a boat has nothing to do with the size of the wake it throws... wake size is mainly hull dependent. I have 22' Eastern that will throw a wake that will rival any 40'+ large cruiser! Why, because it has a flat bottom semi displacement hull, great for cutting through large waves but notorious for the wake they leave especially when going at slow speeds!

There are two outboard-powered 22' Eastern boats in my immediate neighborhood: both have operated at high- and low-speeds—including the occasional towing of a J-22 sailboat. It only takes one minute of watching to see that their wakes are unremarkable among similar outboards.

Loan me a sailboat and I will load it and sail it improperly and create a hazardous situation for my passengers, and potentially other boaters. I might even be able to overturn it without hitting a wake.

I believe it!