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Skip · 08-03-2004, 01:41 PM

Frank,

I have carefully re-read both the RSA and the boater's guide and they seem to be in agreement to me.

What they both are saying is, if you need to depart (or return) to shore in a cove that has been designated "no jet ski" by the Commissioner, and that cove is adjacent to waters that are legal to operate in, you can leave shore anyhwhere within that cove and travel in a straight line at headway speed to the legal area. You cannot "ride around" within that restricted cove. The same would pertain to returning from open waters.

And while cove is defined by the statute, only a formal designation by the Commissioner can enact the legislation.

And remember, there are also separate specific stautes that restrict jet ski operation on a number of other bodies of water.

As a sidebar, this straight line rule does not state that you have to be a property owner, only a person departing or arriving to shore.

Again, I'll surmise that the straight line rule was to prevent property owners (and their guests) from being land (or Lake) locked.

However, it does bring up an interesting scenario. It specifically allows for jet skis to transistion to and from shore. It does not allow (or specifically address) those towing a jet ski into a cove, or jet skis coming into a restricted cove to "visit" a raft (or individual anchored vessel).

Therefore, I believe in these cases enforcement action could be taken.

Again, a sit down with those in the know beats my or anyone elses opinion on this site...so I would still recommend you have a talk with Director Barrett.

Did this help explain it any better?

Again, please feel free to e-mail me off line anytime....

Skip

08-03-2004, 01:41 PM	#9
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Frank, I have carefully re-read both the RSA and the boater's guide and they seem to be in agreement to me. What they both are saying is, if you need to depart (or return) to shore in a cove that has been designated "no jet ski" by the Commissioner, and that cove is adjacent to waters that are legal to operate in, you can leave shore anyhwhere within that cove and travel in a straight line at headway speed to the legal area. You cannot "ride around" within that restricted cove. The same would pertain to returning from open waters. And while cove is defined by the statute, only a formal designation by the Commissioner can enact the legislation. And remember, there are also separate specific stautes that restrict jet ski operation on a number of other bodies of water. As a sidebar, this straight line rule does not state that you have to be a property owner, only a person departing or arriving to shore. Again, I'll surmise that the straight line rule was to prevent property owners (and their guests) from being land (or Lake) locked. However, it does bring up an interesting scenario. It specifically allows for jet skis to transistion to and from shore. It does not allow (or specifically address) those towing a jet ski into a cove, or jet skis coming into a restricted cove to "visit" a raft (or individual anchored vessel). Therefore, I believe in these cases enforcement action could be taken. Again, a sit down with those in the know beats my or anyone elses opinion on this site...so I would still recommend you have a talk with Director Barrett. Did this help explain it any better? Again, please feel free to e-mail me off line anytime.... Skip Last edited by Skip; 08-03-2004 at 04:42 PM.