Boating "before" ice-out?

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Originally Posted by NoBozo

I wonder if the 150' Rule applies when approaching and/or transitioning from Water to ICE on a hovercraft...

Is a hovercraft considered a boat when operating on the ice..or on the beach...

I'm also wondering HOW a hovercraft would be registered with the state. As a snowmobile, boat, or ATV?. Are ATVs registered at all, since they may be considered "Off Road" vehicles. I'm so confused.

With all this confusion, the MP probably doesn't Even want to be involved at all with any kind of winter OPPs.

While Googling Personal Hovercraft I found a picture of one that appeared to have boat registration numbers on the bow. NH may be different. NB

One step further toward insanity: If a hovercraft doesn't actually TOUCH the Water, Land, or Ice it is operating Over..it can't be any of the above...and since it doesn't get out of "ground effect", it can't be an airplane either. Is it permissable for a properly registered hovercraft to be operated on the Highway..?

Cocktails At Four.

Actually I doubt you are confused at all.

But for those that could be, both airboats and/or hovecraft are classified by statute as boats and must be registered as same per RSA 270:2 (VIII).

And there is actually a 150 foot rule exclusive to same as defined in RSA 270:25-a (I).

ATVs & Snowmobiles must be registered with the State if operated off of your own property. A hovercraft by design cannot meet the legal definition of either a snowmobile or ATV, therefore they cannot be registered as same or legally operated on trails designated for those types of vehicles.

Finally a hovercraft cannot be operated on a roadway due to the fact that is does not meet the legal definition of a motor vehicle and hence cannot be registered for operation. And while theoretically it is "2 feet" above the road it is still operated within the legally accepted definition of the right of way and operation would be illegal.

But hey....it was fun taking a poke at some possibly perceived loopholes!

Yep, it is now 4:00 o'clock somewhere, mainly here!