Legal to pull skier, tube at dusk?

DC Pointer · 07-31-2009, 06:48 PM

So the last couple of weekends I have noticed the same boat in my cove pulling a skier, or tube or whatever at dusk or just past? He has his running lights on, but common sense tells me this isn't a good idea? Last weekend it was almost completely dark and he was doing this without his running lights on. Seems like he was doing two things wrong. At least tonight he has his lights on? What is the law here?

TomC · 07-31-2009, 07:06 PM

if the lights need to be on, there can't be a skier (tuber)

Skip · 07-31-2009, 07:13 PM

TomC is correct, without express permission from safety you cannot water ski from sunset to sunrise, the same period that coincides with nav light requirements.

270-D:3 Motorboats Towing Water Skiers and Aquaplanes. –

...IV. Except in connection with water events and exhibitions authorized by the director, no towing of water skiers, aquaplanes or similar devices shall be conducted during the period between sunset and sunrise...

DC Pointer · 07-31-2009, 07:32 PM

Thanks for the explanation. Seemingly common sense is commensurate with the law in this case. He's still out there as we speak. It just isn't safe, I feel like saying something, but none of my business really. Maybe I just stay quiet. Suggestions? He is a neighbor of mine.

Skip · 07-31-2009, 07:39 PM

I would just ask him if he was aware that skiing after dark was not allowed, in a friendly "did you know?" neighborly manner.

It is amazing how many good people honestly are not aware of the myriad of regulations that face them every day.

If he isn't aware, he should appreciate the fact you gave him a heads up.

If he is aware and is just ignoring the rule, then at least you will feel better that you tried to help.

This all presumes that you have a friendly rapport with your neighbor and you are confident your suggestion won't provoke an angry response.

jeffk · 07-31-2009, 09:04 PM

I ditto Skip's answer. The law is there because this is dangerous. If you tell them in a "by the way, did you know ..." manner You have been helpful. What they do with the information is up to them.

If they don't stop and get tagged by the MP they'll probably blame you for turning them in.

bigRazor · 07-31-2009, 09:43 PM

Technically he's towing so he should have the yellow light on his stern and nav lights on the tube. Then he'd be legal...

skprbob · 08-01-2009, 06:16 AM

Sorry, but bigRazor is incorrect. The RSA Skip quoted covers the situation and does not leave room for towing lights, etc. It prohibits towing between sunset and sunrise, period. As TomC also points out, if it's time for lights, it's time to stop towing.

Island Life · 08-01-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC Pointer

Thanks for the explanation. Seemingly common sense is commensurate with the law in this case. He's still out there as we speak. It just isn't safe, I feel like saying something, but none of my business really. Maybe I just stay quiet. Suggestions? He is a neighbor of mine.

Sometimes it's hard to tell someone they're doing something wrong/illegal/dangerous without sounding pedantic. Instead, you could praise him for his ability not to get caught doing it, i.e. "wow, you're lucky you haven't been caught pulling that tube after sunset. I saw two boats get pulled over last week for the same thing."

07-31-2009, 06:48 PM	#1
DC Pointer Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 40 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Legal to pull skier, tube at dusk? So the last couple of weekends I have noticed the same boat in my cove pulling a skier, or tube or whatever at dusk or just past? He has his running lights on, but common sense tells me this isn't a good idea? Last weekend it was almost completely dark and he was doing this without his running lights on. Seems like he was doing two things wrong. At least tonight he has his lights on? What is the law here?

07-31-2009, 07:06 PM	#2
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 659 Thanks: 21 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	not allowed if the lights need to be on, there can't be a skier (tuber)

07-31-2009, 07:13 PM	#3
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Sunset to sunrise restriction.... TomC is correct, without express permission from safety you cannot water ski from sunset to sunrise, the same period that coincides with nav light requirements. 270-D:3 Motorboats Towing Water Skiers and Aquaplanes. – ...IV. Except in connection with water events and exhibitions authorized by the director, no towing of water skiers, aquaplanes or similar devices shall be conducted during the period between sunset and sunrise...

07-31-2009, 07:39 PM	#5
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Be neighborly with some friendly advice... I would just ask him if he was aware that skiing after dark was not allowed, in a friendly "did you know?" neighborly manner. It is amazing how many good people honestly are not aware of the myriad of regulations that face them every day. If he isn't aware, he should appreciate the fact you gave him a heads up. If he is aware and is just ignoring the rule, then at least you will feel better that you tried to help. This all presumes that you have a friendly rapport with your neighbor and you are confident your suggestion won't provoke an angry response.

07-31-2009, 07:32 PM	#4
DC Pointer Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 40 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks for the explanation. Seemingly common sense is commensurate with the law in this case. He's still out there as we speak. It just isn't safe, I feel like saying something, but none of my business really. Maybe I just stay quiet. Suggestions? He is a neighbor of mine.

07-31-2009, 09:04 PM	#6
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,162 Thanks: 205 Thanked 431 Times in 248 Posts	I ditto Skip's answer. The law is there because this is dangerous. If you tell them in a "by the way, did you know ..." manner You have been helpful. What they do with the information is up to them. If they don't stop and get tagged by the MP they'll probably blame you for turning them in.

07-31-2009, 09:43 PM	#7
bigRazor Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pelham, NH Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Technically he's towing so he should have the yellow light on his stern and nav lights on the tube. Then he'd be legal...

08-01-2009, 06:16 AM	#8
skprbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 19 Mile Bay Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 90 Times in 29 Posts	Sorry, but bigRazor is incorrect. The RSA Skip quoted covers the situation and does not leave room for towing lights, etc. It prohibits towing between sunset and sunrise, period. As TomC also points out, if it's time for lights, it's time to stop towing.