[MeredithMan]

First, there seems to be a prevailing attitude on this forum that if someone owns a nice waterfront property, that person is a self-absorbed, arrogant A.H. Sorry, folks, not always the case. And let's remember that each of us is fighting a battle that the other person doesn't know about....family break-up; serious illness; addiction; etc....cut people some slack.

Second, regarding GBG's question of people tying up to her raft: you can absolutely tell them to get off. We had a similar issue with people on swim floats tying up to our mooring. I called the Mooring People in Belmont and was told that even though the lake is public waters, people's moorings and docks are private property and if people are not given permission to be on them, (unless it's an emergency or matter of safety), the waterfront property owner can ask, (tell), them to leave.

I view this issue as both a boater and waterfront property owner. As boaters, one of our favorite things to do is pack a lunch and anchor in a calm spot and hang out for a while. We always try to go somewhere secluded, but if we have to be in front of a person's home, we stay quite a ways out in respect of their privacy and their right to enjoy the water in front of their home to swim, play catch with their kids, etc. After all, it is their HOME. As a waterfront property owner, this is something that is very important to me. It is why I bought waterfront...to be able to enjoy the lake right at my doorstep.

It really comes down to what is legal vs. what is obnoxious. While it is legal to shout profanities at the players at a Red Sox game, it is also obnoxious. While it is legal to be a few inches from a person's face and be in their personal space, it is also obnoxious. Likewise, while it is legal to anchor your boat as close as you want to a complete stranger's waterfront HOME and hang out, it is also obnoxious.