View Single Post
Old 02-27-2006, 03:52 PM   #8
Woodsy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Weirs Beach
Posts: 1,966
Thanks: 80
Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts
Default

I think most of us agree that we would like to see an improvement in boating quality on Lake Winnipesaukee. We just loudly disagree on how to go about it. In my opinion, you cannot legislate common sense or courtesy, and no written law will eliminate "fear" either percieved or warranted. If we based our laws on fear, after 9/11 there would be no more young men of Arab descent allowed in America. I also think there is a large percentage of WinnFabs that just doesn't like hi-performance boats and they are playing the "fear" card in order to get thier way and rid the Lake of Hi-Performance boats.... so now we have thier hidden "agenda".

On the other side of the fence are the "libertarians", (and I use that term in the loosest sense) such as myself, who also have an agenda, the less government interference the better off we are. I really don't see any problems on Lake Winnipesaukee that cannot be creatively solved in other ways. There is no need to restrict an individual's personal freedom when there is not any factual data to support the restriction.

So how do you compromise? I think its already started. Here is my list (in no particular order) for improvements that will not require a restriction to anyone's personal freedoms... and they won't break the bank either!

1. Better funding for the Marine Patrol... Adding more patrols to some of the busier areas of the lake will work wonders in calming down bad behavior. I think there is a bill in committee to address this, and more than likely there will be an increase in boat registration fees. I would like to see canoes & kayaks registered as well... but thats just me.

2. I would pass HB-162 with the "reasonable & prudent" standard... It might be difficult, although not impossible, to issue a citation with respect to the courts. However it does provide certain tools to the MP officer. It gives the officers a "probable cause" to stop a vessel and conduct a quick inquiry and registration check. He can then have a conversation with the operator, explain the situation and let them go on thier way. It also gives the MP officer a chance to determine if the boat operator has been drinking and possibly conduct a field sobriety test. There is the added benefit of not affecting the bottom line. Radar training will be expensive... 8 hours of classroom + 32 hours of pulling the trigger on the radar gun x 15 FT MP officers = VERY EXPENSIVE.

3. An easier to enforce noise law... its already been proposed, HB-1624, and probably will sail through the legislature. Its easy to enforce and doesn't add cost to the bottom line.

4. NWZ's... I think a NWZ on the SW side of Bear Island between Meridith Neck will work well in calming that stretch of water. There are probably a few other places a strategically placed NWZ will help alleviate congestion and calm the waters. This is also an inexpensive solution.

5. Boater Education... I think tightening up of the Boater Education laws is in order. Eliminate the Internet option and require a proctored exam. I also think anyone who is renting a boat should be required to have thier SBC. We don't rent cars to people without licenses, we shouldn't rent boats to people without an SBC either! I think there is a bill being studied now, but it will be interesting to see how marina's like Fay's & Thurstons like this bill.

5. Allow the off-duty MP officers to work "details" similar to other LEO's. I am not sure if its allowed or not, but it should be allowed! I feel bad that certain camp traditions are being no longer allowed. Let the Camp Director hire an MP officer for these type events. An MP boat with thier flashing blue lights will go along way to insuring the safety of the kids, with no impact on use to the general public. Given the generous nature of Hi-performance boaters, you might even be able to get them to cover some of the costs.

I am sure there are few other ideas....

Woodsy
__________________
The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.
Woodsy is offline