Not one MP seen on the lake all day

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

My wife and I are up on the lake this week on vacation and we were out Tuesday, Wednesday and today and haven't seen any MP's out on the water yet. I'm not complaining and I'm not breaking any laws, just saying we haven't seen any yet.

[BroadHopper]

And this weekend. I have yet to see the MP. Where are they?

The CB's were having a field day!

[Lakewinn1]

Saw them over near the Long Island Bridge earlier today....

[meredith weekender]

On Saturday afternoon we saw one near the GI Bridge and two rafting together near the AKWA Yacht Club. On Sunday we only saw one in Meredith Bay. Maybe they spent all of their budget on the new signage in Braun Bay.

[Ropetow]

Saw one in Alton Bay off Echo Point around 3 in the afternoon.

[VtSteve]

I was out on the Naswa boat Saturday. Not very busy at all, and the weather was quite nice. The only bonehead was a Rinker cruiser coming out of the Weirs channel as we were heading in. He passed throttle down on our port side at about 30 - 40'.

Oh, and the PWC's bombing around wave jumping the big boat's wake pretty close, but not too too bad.

We went out on the Mount today. Saw several MP's. One between the Weirs docks and the beach, another out between Bear and Governors, and another out in Alton Bay. Very light boat traffic, I never expected so few boats on a weekend.

[ApS]

After a VERY long absense, MP-7 came by here—at about 12-knots—late on Sunday afternoon. (Made a big circle tour, leaving a very large wake).

Very shortly afterwards, a second MP (RIB) came by—making the same tour.

[VtSteve]

While you're out watching and counting boats for three hours or so APS, why don't you make mention of what you see out there? Ratios of sailboats to powerboats doesn't seem very useful, but whatever floats your boat I saw virtually all manner of craft yesterday on the lake, from the Weirs down to Alton and back. I saw several that violated the letter of the laws, but they were in good shape for safety. I saw boats slow down when needed (at least they were aware), A few go fasts traveling at fair speeds out to the broads, one was a little obnoxious as he headed towards Eagle I. All in all, I'd say boating traffic was about half of what I had expected to see.

The MP boats I saw were definitely not as interested in stopping anyone (unless they had to), as they were monitoring and observing. Sometimes, like about a year ago, you just have to put everything up on a shelf and do some real research. Most anybody could tell you what the hot spots are in terms of boat congestion. It would appear the MP's are interested in seeing what's happening, and possibly jotting down their thoughts.

Without even being on the water there last year, it was pretty apparent where the MP's needed to step up their visibility. Weirs outside channel. Done. Eagle Island/Governors. I might add, while being on the Mount, I witnessed confusion by many boaters around the Eagle/Gov NWZ. The Mount is roaring up to the spot, and boaters up ahead clearly look like they're confused as to getting out of the way quickly, or be run over. It happened both on the way out and the way in. I could just hear the skippers of the boats in front of the Mount.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by VtSteve

While you're out watching and counting boats for three hours or so APS, why don't you make mention of what you see out there? Ratios of sailboats to powerboats doesn't seem very useful, but whatever floats your boat I saw virtually all manner of craft yesterday on the lake, from the Weirs down to Alton and back. I saw several that violated the letter of the laws, but they were in good shape for safety. I saw boats slow down when needed (at least they were aware), A few go fasts traveling at fair speeds out to the broads, one was a little obnoxious as he headed towards Eagle I. All in all, I'd say boating traffic was about half of what I had expected to see.

The MP boats I saw were definitely not as interested in stopping anyone (unless they had to), as they were monitoring and observing. Sometimes, like about a year ago, you just have to put everything up on a shelf and do some real research. Most anybody could tell you what the hot spots are in terms of boat congestion. It would appear the MP's are interested in seeing what's happening, and possibly jotting down their thoughts.

Without even being on the water there last year, it was pretty apparent where the MP's needed to step up their visibility. Weirs outside channel. Done. Eagle Island/Governors. I might add, while being on the Mount, I witnessed confusion by many boaters around the Eagle/Gov NWZ. The Mount is roaring up to the spot, and boaters up ahead clearly look like they're confused as to getting out of the way quickly, or be run over. It happened both on the way out and the way in. I could just hear the skippers of the boats in front of the Mount.

I'll note that I saw the gray RIB down in Alton on Sat night during the concert. Other than that I didn't see much of the NHMP but I think that's about right given the lack of boat traffic this (past) weekend. I raced from Alton to the Weirs to make FFVI, worried that I'd be floating about waiting for a slip. Turned out the Weirs was empty, just 2 other boats and the Mee'n'Mac at 11:45 on a Sat afternoon ! When we got back there may have been 3 or 4 other boats. On the way back I saw perhaps only 6 other boats that came within a mile of me. Obviously the threat of T-storms kept most people off the lake (though Wolfeboro was busy). With few people out and about I'd expect the MP to "park it".

[Kracken]

Their presence is nice but it might be a little safer if they did something.

Just before dusk on Thursday we watched a swimmer in the middle of Alton Bay inside of Sandy Point cause havoc for about an hour. Several times he missed becoming chum by less than 50 feet as several boats veered away just in time. A neighbor called Glendale and about 15 minutes later we saw 2 McRibs come into the bay. The swimmer was gone before they got there however the MPs sat there for about an hour tied together. We then saw 2 PWCs come flying around the Sandy Point marker heading towards the gazebo with attached running lights. They passed the MPs at 200ft +/- and they did not stop them. Maybe the law has changed since I took the test.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Kracken

Their presence is nice but it might be a little safer if they did something.

We then saw 2 PWCs come flying around the Sandy Point marker heading towards the gazebo with attached running lights. They passed the MPs at 200ft +/- and they did not stop them. Maybe the law has changed since I took the test.

What law?You don't describe any violation.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

What law?You don't describe any violation.

He said it was just before dusk, and he also stated that the PWCs had attached running lights. "Dusk" can be debated, so it depends on if it was later than 1/2 hour after sunset. Also, I believe that PWC are not allowed to operate after 1/2 hour after sunset, even with lights attached.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by chipj29

He said it was just before dusk, and he also stated that the PWCs had attached running lights. "Dusk" can be debated, so it depends on if it was later than 1/2 hour after sunset. Also, I believe that PWC are not allowed to operate after 1/2 hour after sunset, even with lights attached.

Actually if the PWC is a three person PWC then it's a boat not a "skicraft" and so would be allowed, with proper lighting, to operate after sunset. Funny thing is just last week "Mee" pointed out 2 such PWCs headed up Alton Bay just after dark, with sidelights and an all around light on each. First time I'd seen such beasts. I'm guessing they're the same ones Kracken saw.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

Actually if the PWC is a three person PWC then it's a boat not a "skicraft" and so would be allowed, with proper lighting, to operate after sunset. Funny thing is just last week "Mee" pointed out 2 such PWCs headed up Alton Bay just after dark, with sidelights and an all around light on each. First time I'd seen such beasts. I'm guessing they're the same ones Kracken saw.

You know, that is a great point that I hadn't thought of. I have always known that 3-seaters are classified as boats, but for whatever reason, just didn't think I could put lights on mine and be legal after dark. I have a feeling my wife is not going to be too happy with my next purchase....lights!

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by chipj29

He said it was just before dusk, and he also stated that the PWCs had attached running lights. "Dusk" can be debated, so it depends on if it was later than 1/2 hour after sunset. Also, I believe that PWC are not allowed to operate after 1/2 hour after sunset, even with lights attached.

There was no mention of it being dark chip.
This was something forum members debated a few years back.Are PWC's with lights allowed to operate at night?We recieved mixed thoughts on that one.I'm not sure I would use mine even if it was clarified to be perfectly ok.As M&M mentioned,mine is registered as a boat.

[Kracken]

I am sure the McRibs saw them, so they are either legal or they are not enforcing the law. If they are designated as a boat, they should be allowed on the lake with proper lighting.

The ones I saw in Alton were not 3 seaters.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

There was no mention of it being dark chip.
This was something forum members debated a few years back.Are PWC's with lights allowed to operate at night?We recieved mixed thoughts on that one.I'm not sure I would use mine even if it was clarified to be perfectly ok.As M&M mentioned,mine is registered as a boat.

Initially, he said it was just before dusk. MP showed up 15 mins later and hung out for an hour. During that time, the 2 PWCs passed them. That is how I surmised that it was dark.
Then he posted this....

Originally Posted by Kracken

My Bad, should have explained it better.

The PWCs drove by both McRibs in the dark. I thought it was illegal to drive them at night. They later passed around 10:00pm

I am not saying it would be the safest thing to do, but there have been times when it is getting close to being "dark" when I have pulled my PWC out of the water. Therefore, IF it is legal, and if I can find some kind of light kit, I might keep it on board just in case I find myself in that situation again.

[NoBozo]

I suspect that the reason PWCs (Pronounced: "Pwicks") don't have running lights has more to do with physical size of the vessel and convenience of installing lights on it, than anything else. Part of the LAW says the "All Around" white light has to be at least 3.3 feet (0ne meter) above the combination red/green lights. There is probably a horizontal minimum distance between the two as well. Where would you put that mast where it would not be a safety hazard to the rider..who might "slide" off the seat inadvertently, or otherwise "dismount". Woo Woo...

Maybe a look at the actual Law as opposed to the Boating Handbook, would reveal more about powered vessels UNDER a certain length...as a category, rather than "PWC". Just wondering. NB

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I suspect that the reason PWCs (Pronounced: "Pwicks") don't have running lights has more to do with physical size of the vessel and convenience of installing lights on it, than anything else. Part of the LAW says the "All Around" white light has to be at least 3.3 feet (0ne meter) above the combination red/green lights. There is probably a horizontal minimum distance between the two as well. Where would you put that mast where it would not be a safety hazard to the rider..who might "slide" off the seat inadvertently, or otherwise "dismount". Woo Woo...

Maybe a look at the actual Law as opposed to the Boating Handbook, would reveal more about powered vessels UNDER a certain length...as a category, rather than "PWC". Just wondering. NB

I don't think there is any reg re: horizontal spacing between the sidelights and an all-around light. The reg I recall is that boats must have sidelights (red/green) a masthead light that shines forward and 22.5 deg past abeam and is at least 1M above the sidelights and a stern light shining aft and somewhat abeam (to the above 112.5 deg). For boats under ~40' the masthead and stern lights may be replaced with a single all-around light, 1M above the sidelights. So I think a 3 person PWC with an all-around light high enough would meet the regs. Frankly I see a lot of boats, including the McRibs, that don't appear to meet the 1M vertical rule. So long as the all-around light is visible 360 deg at all times I'm sure you wouldn't be written up. As to where and how to mount said light ... the ones I saw had them mounted on a pole just aft of the seat, just where a tow pole would go.

[WINNOCTURN]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

Maybe a look at the actual Law as opposed to the Boating Handbook, would reveal more about powered vessels UNDER a certain length...as a category, rather than "PWC". Just wondering. NB

Page 48 NH Boater Guide Boating Laws and Responsibilities

Ski-craft may be operated on any Lake, Pond or River during DAYLIGHT HOURS (Sunrise-Sunset) ONLY.

This is why manufacturers do not equip them with Nav lights at the factory.

[fatlazyless]

Saw one of the military style, twin 150hp outboard boats puttering past Mark Isl at about 4pm.

Whille they look like a r.i.b., a rigid inflatable boat, believe it is a welded aluminum hull with a black flotation collar so it only looks like a rib. Remove the inflated collar, and the aluminum hull works fine without it, except the boat would have no floatation and would sink IF flooded.

Does that make it a 'spare rib' because the flotation collar looks like a large black tire inner tube?

Constructed in a boatyard in Missalugaville, Mississippi, or someplace....no doubt that style military-police-commercial boat probably has some type of a trade name???

[sasquatch]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Saw one of the military style, twin 150hp outboard boats puttering past Mark Isl at about 4pm.

Whille they look like a r.i.b., a rigid inflatable boat, believe it is a welded aluminum hull with a black flotation collar so it only looks like a rib. Remove the inflated collar, and the aluminum hull works fine without it, except the boat would have no floatation and would sink IF flooded.

Does that make it a 'spare rib' because the flotation collar looks like a large black tire inner tube?

Constructed in a boatyard in Missalugaville, Mississippi, or someplace....no doubt that style military-police-commercial boat probably has some type of a trade name???

The newer boats they are switching to are Ambar AM800's, built by Silver Ships in Mobile, Alabama. Their website is http://www.silverships.com/
Lots of great info on this site and info and information about the collar.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

And this weekend. I have yet to see the MP. Where are they?

The CB's were having a field day!

We had three MP boats at the Timberman for Saturday and Sunday morning.

[Kracken]

My Bad, should have explained it better.

The PWCs drove by both McRibs in the dark. I thought it was illegal to drive them at night. They later passed around 10:00pm