Aug 1 Capt. Bonehead's

BroadHopper · 08-07-2009, 12:25 PM

In the Lake Winnipesaukee group, there are lots of comments on Boneheads on the lake. So this forum is not the only web site that have problems with boneheads.

Dave R · 08-07-2009, 02:17 PM

I have been taking mental note of incidents of good behavior on the lake and they FAR outnumber incidents of boneheadedness. I have also been teaching two 14 year olds and a 12 year old how to operate a boat properly all Summer and it's been fun pointing out all the situations that come up and giving direction (or quizzing) on how to handle them. I hope the kids I'm training operate with skill someday.

So far, the biggest issue I've had to deal with is trying to get the kids to maintain a heading. They are all over the place on the compass...

Wolfeboro_Baja · 08-07-2009, 03:46 PM

We went through the graveyard on Aug. 1 and had our own incident. Heading north just as we were exiting the channel, another boater was just entering the channel heading south. He wasn't doing 40-45mph but he certainly wasn't at no wake speed given the fact we were both in the channel (so in close proximity).

Judging from the descriptions of other boaters causing problems in the graveyard that day (as described in this thread), I don't think any complaints were about me so that's a relief! Lots of times I find I'm second guessing myself, wondering if I did the right thing, was I wrong or right in this, that or another situation. With so many boneheads out there, it's hard to know if I'm doing the right thing.

I also had an incident in the NWZ between Eagle and Governor's islands. As we were exiting that NWZ heading back to Wolfeboro, another boater was entering the zone, seemingly headed towards the Weirs. He waved but didn't slow down much, probably doing 25-30mph (enough to stay on plane). I'm sad to say the other boater was driving a Baja; I didn't wave back. I'm sure he thought I was being snooty but I can't witness this kind of driving and pretend not to see it and wave back, especially in an area as obvious as a posted NWZ.

MJM · 08-10-2009, 07:19 AM

I had one yesterday (8/9) that was so incredible, it's still hard to believe it happened.

Cruising across the broads, going from entrance to Winter Harbor towards Rattlesnake. 6 kids in the bow, enjoying the beautiful morning, going probably 15mph on a straight course.

I notice a bass boat behind me off the port side, coming somewhat at an angle towards us, but 100 yards or more away so no issue. A few minutes later I look again, and he's now maybe 200ft off my stern, still on my port side, with a slight (maybe 15 degrees) angle towards us. I found that odd, so I keep my eyes on him. (There are NO other boats anywhere in the area.)

The boat comes alongside me, MAYBE 20ft off!!!! Two guys, both of whom looked like responsible types (wearing PFDs, all gear was stored well, boat was in great shape, they were both sitting, didn't look like 20-something partiers).

I was stunned. So shocked I wasn't even angry. It seemed like a joke. I turn and raise my hands/shrug my shoulders and say (they were so close they could hear me) "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!" They look at me, kinda shrug back as if to say "Hey, how are you, what're you trying to say?".

They went by, crossed in front of us (I had throttled down) at maybe 50ft, having stayed on their original course, and went on their way.

It was one I will never forget. It was so strange/stupid, it almost doesn't seem real!

08-07-2009, 12:25 PM	#1
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,207 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Facebook In the Lake Winnipesaukee group, there are lots of comments on Boneheads on the lake. So this forum is not the only web site that have problems with boneheads. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-10-2009, 07:19 AM	#4
MJM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts	Surreal I had one yesterday (8/9) that was so incredible, it's still hard to believe it happened. Cruising across the broads, going from entrance to Winter Harbor towards Rattlesnake. 6 kids in the bow, enjoying the beautiful morning, going probably 15mph on a straight course. I notice a bass boat behind me off the port side, coming somewhat at an angle towards us, but 100 yards or more away so no issue. A few minutes later I look again, and he's now maybe 200ft off my stern, still on my port side, with a slight (maybe 15 degrees) angle towards us. I found that odd, so I keep my eyes on him. (There are NO other boats anywhere in the area.) The boat comes alongside me, MAYBE 20ft off!!!! Two guys, both of whom looked like responsible types (wearing PFDs, all gear was stored well, boat was in great shape, they were both sitting, didn't look like 20-something partiers). I was stunned. So shocked I wasn't even angry. It seemed like a joke. I turn and raise my hands/shrug my shoulders and say (they were so close they could hear me) "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!" They look at me, kinda shrug back as if to say "Hey, how are you, what're you trying to say?". They went by, crossed in front of us (I had throttled down) at maybe 50ft, having stayed on their original course, and went on their way. It was one I will never forget. It was so strange/stupid, it almost doesn't seem real!

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08-07-2009, 02:17 PM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,984 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	I have been taking mental note of incidents of good behavior on the lake and they FAR outnumber incidents of boneheadedness. I have also been teaching two 14 year olds and a 12 year old how to operate a boat properly all Summer and it's been fun pointing out all the situations that come up and giving direction (or quizzing) on how to handle them. I hope the kids I'm training operate with skill someday. So far, the biggest issue I've had to deal with is trying to get the kids to maintain a heading. They are all over the place on the compass...

08-07-2009, 03:46 PM	#3
Wolfeboro_Baja Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hopkinton NH Posts: 395 Thanks: 88 Thanked 80 Times in 46 Posts	We went through the graveyard on Aug. 1 and had our own incident. Heading north just as we were exiting the channel, another boater was just entering the channel heading south. He wasn't doing 40-45mph but he certainly wasn't at no wake speed given the fact we were both in the channel (so in close proximity). Judging from the descriptions of other boaters causing problems in the graveyard that day (as described in this thread), I don't think any complaints were about me so that's a relief! Lots of times I find I'm second guessing myself, wondering if I did the right thing, was I wrong or right in this, that or another situation. With so many boneheads out there, it's hard to know if I'm doing the right thing. I also had an incident in the NWZ between Eagle and Governor's islands. As we were exiting that NWZ heading back to Wolfeboro, another boater was entering the zone, seemingly headed towards the Weirs. He waved but didn't slow down much, probably doing 25-30mph (enough to stay on plane). I'm sad to say the other boater was driving a Baja; I didn't wave back. I'm sure he thought I was being snooty but I can't witness this kind of driving and pretend not to see it and wave back, especially in an area as obvious as a *posted* NWZ.