Minimum Planing Speed

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by elchase

I have an idea; rather than take the risk that this forum does not represent the real Winnipesaukee boating public or that people here are just lying about their planing speeds (or don't know how to drive their own boats), how about if we consult a reputable performance boating reference and use the planing speeds they have found when they tested each model boat? Then, with the help of an elected State official who has access to the State's registration database, we use those real planing speeds and set a nighttime speed limit accordingly? And of course, we will throw out the extremes (say the fastest and slowest 1%), because we should not let our laws be tailored to suit one costumed cowboy in a 55-foot 3000HP 92dB cigarette boat (you know who I mean) or one old codger in a 12' jon boat with a 1919 one-cylinder 1/2 HP outboard.
So if 99% of the boats registered for use principally on Winnipesaukee were found by this reference to have a planing speed below say 40MPH, then 40MPH would be the new "compromise" nighttime limit. If 99% of the boats registered for use principally on Winnipesaukee were found to have a planing speed below 18.6MPH, then 18.6MPH would be the new "compromise" nighttime limit. But of course, this only works if we ALL agree to abide by it and support the compromise...and to then respect the newly established limit. Can we all agree to this? I will. And it sounds right in line with the intent of this "compromise".
Hint: Be careful what you wish for.

Wow EL, an actual post (barring the sarcasm) that makes sense. I don't know if it is possible because registered boats do not list speeds of the craft but all the same not a bad idea and I thank you for the actual valid post.

Just a heads up for future referance. A Cigarette boat is a manufactorer not a type. The one you refer to is an Outerlimits, a completely different boat then a Cigarette. Totally different handling and hull design.

If you are trying to give a name to the community, we refer to it as Go-Fast-Boat or GFB for short, because the is the primarially what it is designed for.

Cheers!