[ApS]

Dave R: Any chance you can do something about the erosion? Does the law allow you to place boulders and such at the water's edge? I know in Maine (I own some land there) we have all kinds of laws preventing one from altering the shoreline but it seems like NH is a bit more reasonable about the prevention of erosion based on the breakwaters and such I see on the lake.

APS: Many years ago, my dad had a dozen boulders moved from a developer's site -- across the ice by truck -- to protect the shore above the high water line. (An old farm's stone fence).

The dozen - or so - boulders have been falling into the lake, and I can't see that they're doing any good there. Lakeshore Construction said to put in any breakwater, I'd have to remove my dock and build a smaller one.

'No way I'm losing THAT dock. Besides, I've got 200 feet of shoreline "to protect". It's funny that the state will permit "Landscaping", but no way can I protect my shoreline from boat wakes.

It's too late anyway. Even a 200-foot, Florida-style, interlocking steel panel seawall won't stop the wakes from breaking over them and eroding the soil from above. It's bad.

Silver Duck: "...I have a great deal of respect for Les, but I don't always agree with him.

APS: Les only steps in when the posters reach a conundrum at which point he will give his considered opinion.

When you've read all the other posts, Les' opinion is like finding a diamond on a beach. He's the most knowledgable skipper on just about everything I've seen in my reading of many boating forums. Plus, he expresses himself very well. (And he's right to say "The ocean is only an hour away").

To fully understand my standpoint, I recommend that you read the "Bad Boys" forums. They're not like us. Go to www.sharkeymarine.com. There's a list of the "Bad Boys" forums there. (There may be offensive photographs).

Speaking of "Bad Boys", what kind of firearm do you carry on board your boat?

Their polls indicate that they like Glocks, SIGs, and H&Ks -- for handguns -- and shotguns for their long guns. Hi-powered rifles are a very minor preference. (All good handgun choices, incidentally). I don't "carry" on Lake Winnipesaukee. What would be the point?

It's also amazing that they would admit -- in a public forum -- to drinking on board. "Tanqueray" is a favorite. 'Course, they'll threaten you if you quote the "Bad Boys" here -- so I don't.

Did I say they're not like us?

Go to www.sharkeymarine.com. "It Could Change You", to paraphrase a speedboat motto.

Silver Duck: Anyway, if I recall properly, his opinion was more along the lines of better to accept the 45 mph limit now than have a tighter one imposed later.

APS: He preceded that phrase with "When two kids get killed in their kayak...".

Retirees don't count.

Silver Duck: Actually, I'm not against a speed limit per se.

APS: Neither is Director Barrett; but later, he is, then he isn't, but then he is, but then he isn't.

I actually feel sorry for Barrett. As things stand now, a call for a "drowning in progress" might take an officer ten minutes -- or more -- to get there. He writes a report saying...what?

Next summer, a lake-resident's call for "Speeding Boat in Alton!" might be followed by still another's "Speeding Boat in Meredith!". (And be the same boat).

Silver Duck: I do think that an absolute speed limit of 45 is a bit too low during the day;

APS: Relax. The law will probably be unenforceable until the Marine Patrol's command, equipment training, and infrastructure is lifted from its present Mayberry standards. Some day we may even see boating accident reports on the Internet! Didn't I read here that MPs were encouraged to use their cellphones to avoid lake scanners?

Even on Lake George, the speedboaters say they're ignored by the MPs if they're behaving half-sane. Maybe the RSA will give some speeders pause on Winnipesaukee...and that's a good thing.

Silver Duck: ...but, I also think that there are lots of times and circumstances when 45 is ridiculously fast.

APS: I think we've all seen that. Some would say "after dark" is best for 45. I found out today that you can buy a 30-footer that goes 150-MPH. (Triple the speed limit!)

Silver Duck: And, barring a serious emergency, there's no way I'll even go above hull speed in the dark, let alone over 25!

APS: You don't have the same emergencies as the "Bad Boys". Sometimes they run out of beer: That makes them even more arrogant.

Silver Duck: If you read some of my other postings, you might have noticed that I grew up sailing a "Snipe".

APS: No kidding? I've got lots of cockpit-time in a Snipe!

A fun, responsive, and rugged little boat. Once, I had to retire from an eight-boat Snipe race -- not because the winds had gone to gale force -- but because my stainless steel shrouds were unravelling!

With my need for speed, though, I have to have a catamaran.

Let's see...Somebody asked me to post a photo of a "slow-speed" crash. I'll take that opportunity in a minute.

Silver Duck: I know exactly what it feels like to sit there wondering if Captain Bonehead noticed that you're there, with no quick way to duck if he didn't. And, one night a couple of summers ago I almost wound up needing to have a large bow rider's anchor roller surgically extracted; he came right up our stern and didn't miss by more than about 8 feet when he did sheer off. So, I'm not without sympathy for peoples's fears.

APS: In 1993, I was warned by my old neighbor-friend, "You won't like what boating's become..." (This was after I'd returned after several years away from Winnipesaukee).

THEN -- this October -- I had the nerve to relax at anchor near shore!

My concern peaked nine years later in 2002, when I wrote that "Anarchy" letter. It was a double-whammy to get 9/11 and Littlefield in eleven months.

Silver Duck: But there's no way I can support a measure (or an organization) that's aimed primarily at driving a certain type of boat off the lake!

APS: Your sailboat is safe. The limits -- particularly a night time 25 -- target boaters not having the sense to navigate within civilized parameters. While it means they will still strive to violate it (as we've seen in this thread), it's a benchmark for a sane speed regarding civil actions and in accident reconstructions.

I've noticed that they (that organization) has been careful to NOT target the type of feral boats we're both thinking of. When my turn came to speak at a hearing, I made reference to "vacuuming around the elephant in the living room", and proceeded into my insurgent-boat rant.

I'm sure "that organization" was displeased, but somebody has to speak much closer to the point. That's why I didn't become a member, much less a PC member. They send an occasional mailing -- just two so far.

Read Powerboating magazine. Lots of "speedboat" manufacturers are now producing "family" boats that go even faster than what was available since Littlefield.

Today, it's no big deal to go 60 in your "family boat".

Also, Extreme Boating magazine. There's a section in there called "Extreme Drinking". Maybe all those fellows are just misunderstood and trapped in a cycle of drink, thrills, and violence?

Did I mention that they're not like us?