This would make sense to me too.
Public docks are different than overnight anchoring (with the proper on board toilets, etc.).
But again, this is a bit of a dead horse, unless we can get some state rep to take up a modification to the old RSAs now that we have DES inspection of boats with toilets and sinks, etc.
Here are the rules:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/.../270-A-mrg.htm
More specificially:
Here's where is says you can't overnight:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...-A/270-A-3.htm
Here's where they define a houseboat as basically a boat with sleeping and toilet facilities, either permanent or temporary:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...-A/270-A-1.htm
So as stupid as this sounds, if you have a boat, and no toilet, temporary or otherwise, which could mean: no buckets, bottles, or other containers on board that could be used as a 'temporary toilet', could you get away with anchoring over night?
Here's another very old thread on this topic, if you read it, you may find one post that has a 'reason for not allowing overnight anchoring' which may, or may not be still a problem now that we have DES inspecting boats to be sure no grey or black water can be discharged overboard:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=6404