Nav Aids Removed

[Marine Patrol]

For those still boating in the Lakes Region that follow the forum...Marine Patrol has completed the removal of the lights and signs on our lakes. A few strategic lights will remain on Winnipesaukee until the Mount completes her final cruise.

I have had it suggested that the lights be left out longer in the season. Please understand that this is a monumental undertaking that goes beyond the 84+ lights on Winnipesaukee. Every no wake buoy, danger sign, light number and light fixture must be removed between Columbus Day and the freezing weather. Marine Patrol maintains approximately 3000 buoys statewide.

For those of you that have been around (prior to the mid-1990's), Marine Patrol Officers spent Columbus Day weekend removing every light and sign from the lake and placed an old wooden buoy on the chain hoping it would be there in April/May. Wooden bouys, their anchors and chain were completely removed from other lakes and stacked to dry. After a winter of drying, they were cleaned and painted before deployment in the spring.

With the evolution of the State's nav aids we have extended the season as long as we dare. The weather now becomes unpredictable and last week's calm water presented ideal conditions for an efficient removal effort.

Please remember that the orange cylindrical buoy that the lights are affixed to are still on station. While the flashing light isn't present, at least the orange float continues to make the hazzards along with the red and black topped buoys.

See you in the spring-

Safe Boating!!
Tim Dunleavy
Captain, Marine Patrol