clarification of intent
Frank,
You make some excellent points.
Unfortunately (in your case), a careful reading of RSA 270:74 does reveal that in order for enforcement, the commissionerr must designate the area as a cove, the key element being the phrase "...No person shall operate a ski craft in a cove, as designated by the commissioner..." as correctly pointed out by BIZER.
I am sure the legislative intent was as you stated, to ban jet skis (and as SIKSUKR has pointed out, only one or two seat devices fit this classification) from coves 1000' or less across.
Most likely someone in legislative services saw a problem with a blanket approach. I am only speculating here, but they probably felt that an official declaration would have to be made on each cove banned so proper public notification could be made (via maps/charts, boat launch signage, etc.)
I see two approaches to this issue. The first would be to make an appointment to sit down with Director Barrett (as Joe Kerr has recommended) for clarification and proper airing of your concerns.
If you cannot reach a satisfactory agreement, then I would suggest you have the legislator who originally sponsored this legislation re-visit the issue for clarification.
Hope this helps explain the situation a little better.
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