Yes, I find it confusing. Does an owner have any sort of 'buffer' other than we've discussed? I was told where I was, was private property. Marine Patrol said I could anchor wherever I wanted. Local PD said otherwise.
I pulled up to the beach to offload my 2 yo old son and a 15 yo to the rest of the family who was already there. I had done this a few weeks ago with lifeguards on duty, and I was not bothered by them or anyone else.
I moved the boat out some and put the anchor down because I didn't like how it was bouncing on the sand / rocks. I then watched as someone attempted to move my anchor. This is when I asked what the problem was and was told it was private property.
I moved the boat out further to the outer edge of the swim buoys, meaning facing the lake. Upon departing with the 15 yo (I was only there for about an hour) one of their boats was loaded with kids and adults about 10' in front of me to go tubing. This is when they trimmed their 200 hp outboard up about half way turned the prop to me and gunned the motor shooting spray at me. I believe they said 'we own the water, and the land and the sky and we will show you some water now'. I believe this act far outweighs any of the anchoring questions.
Needless to say.... that did not sit well with me or the onlookers on the beach.
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