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Mr. Moyer · 07-09-2008, 03:39 PM

Samiam,

Thanks for bringing this topic to the forum. I realize that what you were looking for was a clarification of the law and not an editorial on whether you should indulge in the act of having a beer or two during your evening cruise. I, for one, hope that nightwings assessment of the law is accurate. I've always known it to be legal to drink a beer while operating a boat, while staying sober. That being said, I'm originally from Pennsylvania and not NH. I have avoided having a drink while being behind the wheel of the boat on winnie, because I wasn't sure I was allowed under the law and didn't want to be stopped for BUI/DUI.
I sure would like to know the actual law that covers this. (I will look it up when I get on the boat this weekend, since I leave my NH boating laws manual on the boat) If someone could clarify this a bit more, I would appreciate it.

This being said, we all know that there are people who cannot just have one, and proceed to operate impaired. I for one am very careful to moniter where I am on alcohal intake (1 beer an hr etc.). Not to mention, what is the difference if you go to a bar on the lake and have a beer then get in your boat 20 minutes after your beer or have one on the boat. Personally don't see a difference, but would be interested if MP sees a major difference. I drive for my job and my company has a zero tolerance DUI rule. 1 strike and your fired. Pretty important to clarify for me prior to having an open container on the boat. I'm sure you can all relate.

07-09-2008, 03:39 PM	#8
Mr. Moyer Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 49 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	contradicting views Samiam, Thanks for bringing this topic to the forum. I realize that what you were looking for was a clarification of the law and not an editorial on whether you should indulge in the act of having a beer or two during your evening cruise. I, for one, hope that nightwings assessment of the law is accurate. I've always known it to be legal to drink a beer while operating a boat, while staying sober. That being said, I'm originally from Pennsylvania and not NH. I have avoided having a drink while being behind the wheel of the boat on winnie, because I wasn't sure I was allowed under the law and didn't want to be stopped for BUI/DUI. I sure would like to know the actual law that covers this. (I will look it up when I get on the boat this weekend, since I leave my NH boating laws manual on the boat) If someone could clarify this a bit more, I would appreciate it. This being said, we all know that there are people who cannot just have one, and proceed to operate impaired. I for one am very careful to moniter where I am on alcohal intake (1 beer an hr etc.). Not to mention, what is the difference if you go to a bar on the lake and have a beer then get in your boat 20 minutes after your beer or have one on the boat. Personally don't see a difference, but would be interested if MP sees a major difference. I drive for my job and my company has a zero tolerance DUI rule. 1 strike and your fired. Pretty important to clarify for me prior to having an open container on the boat. I'm sure you can all relate.