What Speed Limit ????????

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by hazelnut

No worries sunset.


I just want to make one thing very very clear to you. I assumed you had some affiliation to winnfabs. It is clear to me now that you don't. You don't have to take my word for it, by your response I can see you haven't. Talk to one of their members. They are in fact, not on the record mind you, looking to target large cruisers and large horsepower vessels next. Search the forums. Bear Islander, an extremely knowledgeable person on the subject by the way, has confirmed this in prior posts. This is not fear mongering, I swear to you it is not. I understand why you would call it that as I now know you probably did not know the agendas of their membership. Can you see now why some of us with nothing to gain or lose in this battle do not want to concede this one?

I havn't thought about it long enough to know what I believe, the part about winnfabs wanting to get rid of big cruisers that is, but I find it extremely hard to believe that the level of public outrage against the cruisers would be feasable to get such a measure passed. You probably know my big issue with the GFBL's has been noise, more so possibly than speed. I think this is one area where the public has indeed been outraged, IMHO. Typically when a big cruiser cruises past where I live, people come out on the dock and say things like "I wonder how many bedrooms it has?" or "I bet it's got a nicer kitchen than the one in our home." Then the kids all jump in the water and ride the big waves with their long wavelength. Any thoughts about erosion are fleeting or non existant. Compare this to when a noisy GFBL goes by...this would be the gist of the conversation: "Those @#$%& noisy boats ruin any semblance of tranquility left on the lake. ", "What did you say, I can't hear a @#$%&* word you're saying?"
I probably will not attend the January meeting with you guys for a number of reasons (see future post...dinner guests are due here soon and my wife wants me to get off the computer and help). I received a very magnanimous and classy PM /invitation from one the SL opponents( I'm being serious, not my sometimes sarcastic self) regarding that meeting and other things. One reason why I would not attend is that I feel passionate enough about the topic before a couple of beers that I would probably not do the cause any good by discussing it after refreshments. I would more likely get together some time in the future for a couple of beers when the SL discussion is forbidden...get to know people's other passions and things we might all have in common(and to perhaps prove that SL supporters don't have horns, a spiked tail, and a spiked pitchfork...I'll take my hat off to prove the part about the horns, you'll have to take my word for it on the spiked tail). Gotta go, duty calls.

[Airwaves]

Sunset on the dock wrote:

I havn't thought about it long enough to know what I believe, the part about winnfabs wanting to get rid of big cruisers that is, but I find it extremely hard to believe that the level of public outrage against the cruisers would be feasable to get such a measure passed. You probably know my big issue with the GFBL's has been noise, more so possibly than speed. I think this is one area where the public has indeed been outraged, IMHO. Typically when a big cruiser cruises past where I live, people come out on the dock and say things like "I wonder how many bedrooms it has?" or "I bet it's got a nicer kitchen than the one in our home." Then the kids all jump in the water and ride the big waves with their long wavelength. Any thoughts about erosion are fleeting or non existant. Compare this to when a noisy GFBL goes by...this would be the gist of the conversation: "Those @#$%& noisy boats ruin any semblance of tranquility left on the lake. ", "What did you say, I can't hear a @#$%&* word you're saying?"

One of the arguments I have read from some SL supporters that I never understood was the one in which they link fast boats with big wakes and erosion. A boat on plain makes a smaller wake than one plowing through the water like a cruiser. I have also heard reports that WinnFabs has another bill ready to go that would limit the size of boats on the lake, I don't know exactly what they are targeting but as someone pointed out very well, that is one of the big reasons that those of us who don't have a boat that can violate the speed limit are fighting so hard. Once that can is opened...

As far as High Performance boats being loud I agree and I think working toward allowing what they call a switchable exhaust in NH might go a long way toward solving that problem, but as I understand it the law prohibits a High Performance boat from having an exhaust that can be quited down. Something we can work on.

Even if you can't make the meeting (neither can I) keep in touch and I'll bet we can come to a meeting of the minds.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Sunset on the dock wrote:

One of the arguments I have read from some SL supporters that I never understood was the one in which they link fast boats with big wakes and erosion. A boat on plain makes a smaller wake than one plowing through the water like a cruiser.

Very Good point airwaves.. anyone with any boating experience knows that the faster you go the less of a wake you throw. I don't know what I was traveling at.. Probably around 45 when this was shot. Please notice the size of the MINIMAL wake.

how does speed limits restrict the size of a wake? on thats right.. it doesn't. If anything it would increase erosion.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

I havn't thought about it long enough to know what I believe, the part about winnfabs wanting to get rid of big cruisers that is, but I find it extremely hard to believe that the level of public outrage against the cruisers would be feasable to get such a measure passed. You probably know my big issue with the GFBL's has been noise, more so possibly than speed. I think this is one area where the public has indeed been outraged, IMHO. Typically when a big cruiser cruises past where I live, people come out on the dock and say things like "I wonder how many bedrooms it has?" or "I bet it's got a nicer kitchen than the one in our home." Then the kids all jump in the water and ride the big waves with their long wavelength. Any thoughts about erosion are fleeting or non existant. Compare this to when a noisy GFBL goes by...this would be the gist of the conversation: "Those @#$%& noisy boats ruin any semblance of tranquility left on the lake. ", "What did you say, I can't hear a @#$%&* word you're saying?"
I probably will not attend the January meeting with you guys for a number of reasons (see future post...dinner guests are due here soon and my wife wants me to get off the computer and help). I received a very magnanimous and classy PM /invitation from one the SL opponents( I'm being serious, not my sometimes sarcastic self) regarding that meeting and other things. One reason why I would not attend is that I feel passionate enough about the topic before a couple of beers that I would probably not do the cause any good by discussing it after refreshments. I would more likely get together some time in the future for a couple of beers when the SL discussion is forbidden...get to know people's other passions and things we might all have in common(and to perhaps prove that SL supporters don't have horns, a spiked tail, and a spiked pitchfork...I'll take my hat off to prove the part about the horns, you'll have to take my word for it on the spiked tail). Gotta go, duty calls.

Sorry to hear you won't be able to make it. Seriously would be good to finally meet you in person.

So if noise is your greatest dislike of GFB would you help have switchable exhaust be allowed in the lakes region. I would have absolutely no problem making my boat more quiet. I don't need it loud in congested areas and frankly I too would like to hold conversations etc and not wake up my son from his nap (by the way I am within legal standards). But it is a shame that there are items out there that can be installed to make it quieter and we are not allowed to use them. I realize it becomes an issue of "enforcement" but so isn't the speed limits.. why let a few ruin it for everyone else? Those who are going to break the noise standards are going to break them regardless of whether there are laws or not. Why not allow the law abiding boater to install switchable exhaust.. Then the speed limits will not be needed and you get your quieter lake.. your thoughts sunset? (notice I said "sunset" APS LOL..we know where you stand already)

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Sorry to hear you won't be able to make it. Seriously would be good to finally meet you in person.

So if noise is your greatest dislike of GFB would you help have switchable exhaust be allowed in the lakes region. I would have absolutely no problem making my boat more quiet. I don't need it loud in congested areas and frankly I too would like to hold conversations etc and not wake up my son from his nap (by the way I am within legal standards). But it is a shame that there are items out there that can be installed to make it quieter and we are not allowed to use them. I realize it becomes an issue of "enforcement" but so isn't the speed limits.. why let a few ruin it for everyone else? Those who are going to break the noise standards are going to break them regardless of whether there are laws or not. Why not allow the law abiding boater to install switchable exhaust.. Then the speed limits will not be needed and you get your quieter lake.. your thoughts sunset? (notice I said "sunset" APS LOL..we know where you stand already)

I'm all for anything that makes the lake quieter; my concern is that of course were leaving it up to the individual as to when and where it's reasonable and prudent to use said switch. I live in an area where people tear by at high speeds and so far as I can see no boat going at these very fast speeds is able to be all that quiet. We've also heard from GFBL owners that these systems negatively impact performance. I do think the noise is half the problem regarding the lake's cowboy reputation.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

I'm all for anything that makes the lake quieter; my concern is that of course were leaving it up to the individual as to when and where it's reasonable and prudent to use said switch. I live in an area where people tear by at high speeds and so far as I can see no boat going at these very fast speeds is able to be all that quiet. We've also heard from GFBL owners that these systems negatively impact performance. I do think the noise is half the problem regarding the lake's cowboy reputation.

Well you are right.. Silent choice or captains call (same thing for HP engines) can only be used under 2000 rpms. In other words ideling through channels, docks etc. But as far as going by your area on plain this wouldn't work. you would blow your engine. APS says there is a type that can be used all the time but I called a few friends who builds boats and engines. They said there isn't a switchable exhaust to do that. There are mufflers that can be switch manually but it would be the same as what I have on mine now. It would be the difference between straight hull exhaust and what is legal now. So unfortunately there isn't anything really to help your situation other then perhaps this summer I can pick you up and maybe you will suddenly learn to like them?? I know I know.. Big Stretch there.. but offer is still on the table.

here are my mufflers.. Cost me a fortune but I am legal and NO powerloss.

[BroadHopper]

Seems like everyone has an agenda or two about boat owners on the lake. Boneheads, big cruisers, noise, speed, restrictive laws, erosion of shore front, erosion of rights, etc. etc. etc.

And the speed limit law at one time was a 'catch all' or 'just a start' hench, 'feel good'? The begining of a never ending bunch of 'feel good' laws?

The one thing that we are all concerned about is safety! And the worst offender of safe boating are the boneheads! Why not tackle that and nick the problem in the bud! Education and Enforcement are the foundation of boating safety.

By now, everyone should have taken the NH boater's course. One of the reason why the lake is safe despite the increase number of boaters. The biggest 'loophole' are the renters, who can rent without taking the course. A questionaire does not take the place of a course. Most insurance companies give a discount to those who have taken the USCG or Power Squadron course. I would highly reccomend that this should be mandatory requirement for driving a boat in NH. Save money too!

Enforcement? Well I'm sure everyone will agree that the NHMP does a heck of a job with what little manpower they have. A couple of years ago, Lt. Dunleavy mention at any one day, at the most, he would have 90 full time MP working. That number protect a 1,000 bodies of water and 10,000 miles of rivers and stream. A monumental task to be had. I hate to be the guy who has to assign which body of water and river or stream will be patrolled in any given day. And find out there is a fatal on unprotected water!

With the budget contstraint and economy today, I'm sure the marine patrol is working 'overtime and with more stress' than in the past. Just because we pay our boat registration does not mean the money goes to the marine patrol. All monies collected in the state goes into a general fund and the legislature determine who gets what. Marine Patrol has a low priority in this state.

What can we do?? Other than being 'good doobies' and stay out of trouble, we should be able to reccomend safe reasonable laws that won't tax the marine patrol. Give them laws 'with teeth' that will stand up in court. Not sure if putting up a 'Neighborhood watch' on the lake is doable, but we shouldn't have to take that approach.

Any lawyer will tell you that an arbitrary speed limit like the 45/25 is debatable in court. It can be argue that the excessive speed is reasonable and prudent. That term is vague and can be interpreted in many ways. That is why I am all for adding the USCG rules to replace the 45/25 clause. To give the marine patrol teeth and make it stand up in court. This will effect all boaters, not the 2% GFBL crowd. I'm all for the rest of the bill, the heavy fine, and putting the offense on your driver's record.

How about it folks? Can't we just knock heads and come up with a great compromise and help each other out and reel in the boneheads and cowboys? That is what democracy is about. We can do it!

[DoTheMath]

ok, seriously - I can take it anymore... I've kept pretty much to myself on this 'til now but, El is totally off the reservation! Now he or she is working on "conspiracy theories"!? Really!? How incredibly narrow-minded and neurotic can one person be!? Get out and see the world El, talk to people, see what life is all about - it's a big wonderful world out there - I've seen a lot of it, I know! Talk about manipulating the system and slinging propaganda - in all honesty El, just GIVE IT UP and go away!

I look at everyone else on this forum, hazelnut, OCD, BH, airwaves, sunset, sam, BI, et al... all of us have our opinions on the SL, noise ordinance, etc and yet we all have one thing in common. We all are passionate about the lake, we care about the lake and the people we share it with and we all want to keep it safe and enjoyable for generations to come! Somehow, everyone else has managed to acknowledge each-others differences and yet realized that is what makes us all individuals. Imagine how boring the world would be if we all believed in the same thing, drove the same car, ate the same foods, watched the same tv show... How mundane would life be!? (that was not a rhetorical question, btw...).

Honestly - at the end of the day, I don't care if you support a speed limit or not, I might not agree with you but I certainly don't dislike people over something as simple as an opinion. I love traveling and meeting new people, enjoying new cultures and traditions, it's what makes my life rich! I have made - and still have - some great friends, just by taking a chance on getting to know someone. If I don't like you, I'll just walk away - I'm certainly not going to "get into it" with someone over a difference of opinion - really!! Case-in-point, I have never met or directly spoken to OCD on this forum, but I offered to help him in the spring with his boat. Yeah, that means taking a day - or two, or whatever - and driving to wherever, giving up time that I might be doing something else with, to help someone I never met! Imagine that!? Is that insane of me to do that, what if he is a lunatic and kidnaps me and holds me for ransom!? I guess I'll take my chances - huhl!? Wait, he is a "cult member" too, I am just starting to put all this together now... oh my, what HAVE I gotten myself into!? (for those of you that need clarification, that was me being pretty sarcastic about the whole topic).

In any event, I'm still in for the initial meeting, and I hope everyone that is genuinely interested in meeting some GOOD, sane and rational people look to show up as well. I don't even care if we discuss the SL, just to avoid the first meeting from becoming possibly "contentious", or any other issues people might think to be a concern.

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Well you are right.. Silent choice or captains call (same thing for HP engines) can only be used under 2000 rpms. In other words ideling through channels, docks etc. But as far as going by your area on plain this wouldn't work. you would blow your engine. APS says there is a type that can be used all the time but I called a few friends who builds boats and engines. They said there isn't a switchable exhaust to do that. There are mufflers that can be switch manually but it would be the same as what I have on mine now. It would be the difference between straight hull exhaust and what is legal now. So unfortunately there isn't anything really to help your situation other then perhaps this summer I can pick you up and maybe you will suddenly learn to like them?? I know I know.. Big Stretch there.. but offer is still on the table.

here are my mufflers.. Cost me a fortune but I am legal and NO powerloss.

Yeah I'd definitely meet you for breakfast at the town docks, especially if it's OK to bring my little 10 year old guy...would like to see your new and improved boat. But no trying to convert the little guy to your GFBL persuasion . If he converted to GFBL we would be even more upset than if he married outside of his religion, race, political party or other generally accepted marriage partner (just kidding here, we're pretty open minded). We even worry that there may be GFBL teachers in his school that could be subtly trying to recruit him to be a GFBL. I guess we would also have to be careful not to get caught speeding...I can see the headlines in the Laconia Daily Sun now: "Avid Speed Limit and Winnfabs Supporter in GFBL that Gets Pulled Over For Speeding".

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

Yeah I'd definitely meet you for breakfast at the town docks, especially if it's OK to bring my little 10 year old guy...would like to see your new and improved boat. But no trying to convert the little guy to your GFBL persuasion . If he converted to GFBL we would be even more upset than if he married outside of his religion, race, political party or other generally accepted marriage partner. We even worry that there may be GFBL teachers in his school that could be subtly trying to recruit him to be a GFBL. I guess we would also have to be careful not to get caught speeding...I can see the headlines in the Laconia Daily Sun now: "Avid Speed Limit and Winnfabs Supporter in GFBL that Gets Pulled Over For Speeding".

LMAO!!! I seriously just spit coffee on the screen.. sounds like a plan.. But only if I can bring my little guy along as well!

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

LMAO!!! I seriously just spit coffee on the screen.. sounds like a plan.. But only if I can bring my little guy along as well!

Nice looking kid but that pensive look on his face seems to be saying "Daddy, will you please take me out in a canoe?"

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

Nice looking kid but that pensive look on his face seems to be saying "Daddy, will you please take me out in a canoe?"

He actually was just getting over a fever... Loves going in "daddy's boat" was one of the only places I could put him to keep him happy... No problem there.. he got to play in his "fort" (the V berth) and I got to clean the vinyl.. I think its a fact that all kids love the cabin of boats more then anything else.

[tis]

Actually, sunset, I think he is saying: "Daddy go faster." which according to my Mother I always used to say. And my brother wanted to go slower.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by tis

Actually, sunset, I think he is saying: "Daddy go faster." which according to my Mother I always used to say. And my brother wanted to go slower.

Normally I'd agree..... however I took the picture.. so he would have been saying... "Daddy who is the lucky guy driving the boat??"

[Seeker]

Keep it up and i may have to attend as well. Sounds like a good time. I'll leave my p/u home and bring my GFBL car.

[ApS]

That appears to be a new life jacket.

Did you read the warning label inside? (Or better, the "disclaimer"?)

Opponents of a 45-DAY limit won't be happy to see the exact threshold speed at which many of these NEW kids' life jackets are NOT recommended!

"Child PFD" image below:

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

That appears to be a new life jacket.

Did you read the warning label inside? (Or better, the "disclaimer"?)

Opponents of a 45-DAY limit won't be happy to see the exact threshold speed at which many of these NEW kids' life jackets are NOT recommended!

I do agree with you APS. You have to be very careful that the disclaimer is read. Many of these child and adult life jackets for that matter are not made for anytype of speed, only to keep you bouyant in case of emergencies. As you would not wear a standard orange vest to go wake boarding (or at least I would not consider that safe) I wouldn't rely on a ski vest in a poker run. There are specific designs to fit the activity.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Sunset,
You might as well go to the meeting as you will be photo shopped into the summit group photo anyway. If you go in person, they won't have to get creative with who's picture they paste into the photo.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Sunset,
You might as well go to the meeting as you will be photo shopped into the summit group photo anyway. If you go in person, they won't have to get creative with who's picture they paste into the photo.

LOL.. You know this can easily go down a VERY FUNNY path from here.....

[hazelnut]

Not gonna lie to you I'm pretty good with Photoshop and final cut pro. I could easily make it look like sunset is our spokesman!

[OCDACTIVE]

well it looks like we have a good group so far:

Ocd
Gtagrip
DotheMath
Broadhopper
Hazelnut
Nobozo
Pineedles
Sunset (might have to be photoshopped in )

Am I missing anyone?

Just trying to get a solid estimate so I can start looking at venues.. Still leaning towards meredith... Frankly Church Landing Bar isn't bad.. I was there and it can handle a big group or small.. Plus it doesn't have loud music playing etc.

[sunset on the dock]

TOP TEN REASONS WHY IT MAY BE BETTER FOR SUNSET NOT TO ATTEND THE JANUARY MEETING AND WHY YOU MAY WELL BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT ME:

10) I'm passionate enough about the speed limit without 3 beers in my system.

9)Yes I could show up and not drink but run risk of making myself and all SL supporters look like dorks.

8) I tend to think of 45/25 as being the compromise...that won't go over very well or make me many friends at the meeting.

7) I find El's posts to be entertaining, especially when he picks up one of the grenades tossed in his direction and throws it back even before it has exploded.

6) I feel more of us should have come to EL's defense regarding issues like the illegal fishing thread and the rude comment about his religion and wayward priests.

5) You remember Sarah Palin's comment about Obama "pallin' around with terrorists". What if my picture were taken and I'm the only SL supporter in the group and the picture got published in the Union Leader...how could I face my friends and family?

4) When everybody is talking horsepower stats and such I may feel a little inadequate talking about my 15 HP 4 cycle Honda outboard.

3)While my wife never forbids anything, she did insist that I update the will before attending.

2)What if some of you guys make fun of my Volvo wagon sitting next to all the pick-up trucks?

1) We named our Labrador Retriever "WINNFABS"...Winny for short(OK I just made that one up because I couldn't come up with another reason).

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

I havn't thought about it long enough to know what I believe, the part about winnfabs wanting to get rid of big cruisers that is, but I find it extremely hard to believe that the level of public outrage against the cruisers would be feasable to get such a measure passed. You probably know my big issue with the GFBL's has been noise, more so possibly than speed. I think this is one area where the public has indeed been outraged, IMHO. Typically when a big cruiser cruises past where I live, people come out on the dock and say things like "I wonder how many bedrooms it has?" or "I bet it's got a nicer kitchen than the one in our home." Then the kids all jump in the water and ride the big waves with their long wavelength. Any thoughts about erosion are fleeting or non existant. Compare this to when a noisy GFBL goes by...this would be the gist of the conversation: "Those @#$%& noisy boats ruin any semblance of tranquility left on the lake. ", "What did you say, I can't hear a @#$%&* word you're saying?"
I probably will not attend the January meeting with you guys for a number of reasons (see future post...dinner guests are due here soon and my wife wants me to get off the computer and help). I received a very magnanimous and classy PM /invitation from one the SL opponents( I'm being serious, not my sometimes sarcastic self) regarding that meeting and other things. One reason why I would not attend is that I feel passionate enough about the topic before a couple of beers that I would probably not do the cause any good by discussing it after refreshments. I would more likely get together some time in the future for a couple of beers when the SL discussion is forbidden...get to know people's other passions and things we might all have in common(and to perhaps prove that SL supporters don't have horns, a spiked tail, and a spiked pitchfork...I'll take my hat off to prove the part about the horns, you'll have to take my word for it on the spiked tail). Gotta go, duty calls.

You know I thought the same thing as you, about the whole all of us getting together and having a few beers and the conversation getting all heated. Then I thought differently about it. I really think we are like minded people, most of us, and I wish you'd reconsider. Most of the guys I know on here are family guys with young children, like myself. We are the last people in the world you'd ever have to worry about getting into any altercation with, no matter what the subject matter. I look at this discussion like I would politics and religion. I have been in many heated debates with friends and I can tell you that I am passionate but not to the point that I would make it personal. I think we could have some laughs. I respect your position on not wanting to come but I really wish you would reconsider.

As for your point about Cruisers and the wakes and GFBL noisy boats I was laughing out loud when I read it, and not in the mocking sense at all. I was laughing because it struck me as so funny how differently we see things. It's all good though because it's what makes the world go around. It would be a pretty boring world if we all liked the same things. I was also laughing because the scenario you described is the exact (180 degrees in fact) opposite of what happens at my house, to a point. While I agree with you that I do not like super loud boats I do actually enjoy the ones that have through hull that aren't "straight pipes." Anyway, when the cruisers come by I stand on my dock and throw my arms up in disgust because 10 seconds later my boats are thrashing around at the dock slamming all around and the water splashes up on to the patio and knocks stuff over causing havoc. My (6 year old) twin boys will stand there with me and say "Daddy that boat is ridiclious" (spelling error intentional) they made up their own word.
So you can see why I was laughing. We have such different perspectives on these things. I have absolutely ZERO patience for the big cruisers. Their wakes destroy everything in their paths. I am just waiting for the day a dock post snaps at my house because of the 7 foot swells left behind.


This next part is not directed at you Sunset:

The cruiser issue is one of those things that I just don't get. But going back to an earlier post I made, to each their own. Just because I don't understand why people have these things on a lake and just because these boats sometimes offend me (the whole huge waves wrecking my boats and dock) doesn't mean I am going to go on a crusade against them, as some have done here. I actually tolerate them because I know someone else is getting some enjoyment from it. Even though they cause me problems, I can actually put aside my feelings for someone other than me. It is not easy trust me. Sometimes I want to get in my boat and chase them down and scream bloody murder at them.

As I said about the GFBL boats earlier the Cruisers are part of the personality of the lake. People who visit love to look at them and are in awe of them just like the GFBL's. Some people have forgotten why they came to this lake.

[NoBozo]

I'm ready to come up to the Convention in January. A couple of my associates are interested in going as well. They don't have any interest in boats or speed limits but their enthusiasm can't be denied. What can I say to them? How can I tell them not to come? .......... NB ("The Inocent")

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by hazelnut

You know I thought the same thing as you, about the whole all of us getting together and having a few beers and the conversation getting all heated. Then I thought differently about it. I really think we are like minded people, most of us, and I wish you'd reconsider. Most of the guys I know on here are family guys with young children, like myself. We are the last people in the world you'd ever have to worry about getting into any altercation with, no matter what the subject matter. I look at this discussion like I would politics and religion. I have been in many heated debates with friends and I can tell you that I am passionate but not to the point that I would make it personal. I think we could have some laughs. I respect your position on not wanting to come but I really wish you would reconsider.

As for your point about Cruisers and the wakes and GFBL noisy boats I was laughing out loud when I read it, and not in the mocking sense at all. I was laughing because it struck me as so funny how differently we see things. It's all good though because it's what makes the world go around. It would be a pretty boring world if we all liked the same things. I was also laughing because the scenario you described is the exact (180 degrees in fact) opposite of what happens at my house, to a point. While I agree with you that I do not like super loud boats I do actually enjoy the ones that have through hull that aren't "straight pipes." Anyway, when the cruisers come by I stand on my dock and throw my arms up in disgust because 10 seconds later my boats are thrashing around at the dock slamming all around and the water splashes up on to the patio and knocks stuff over causing havoc. My (6 year old) twin boys will stand there with me and say "Daddy that boat is ridiclious" (spelling error intentional) they made up their own word.
So you can see why I was laughing. We have such different perspectives on these things. I have absolutely ZERO patience for the big cruisers. Their wakes destroy everything in their paths. I am just waiting for the day a dock post snaps at my house because of the 7 foot swells left behind.


This next part is not directed at you Sunset:

The cruiser issue is one of those things that I just don't get. But going back to an earlier post I made, to each their own. Just because I don't understand why people have these things on a lake and just because these boats sometimes offend me (the whole huge waves wrecking my boats and dock) doesn't mean I am going to go on a crusade against them, as some have done here. I actually tolerate them because I know someone else is getting some enjoyment from it. Even though they cause me problems, I can actually put aside my feelings for someone other than me. It is not easy trust me. Sometimes I want to get in my boat and chase them down and scream bloody murder at them.

As I said about the GFBL boats earlier the Cruisers are part of the personality of the lake. People who visit love to look at them and are in awe of them just like the GFBL's. Some people have forgotten why they came to this lake.

Now this could turn into a scary scenario such that next year at this time Hazelnut is the head of a new organization called Cruiserfabs and I'm taunting him saying he's just trying to rid the lake of boats he doesn't like.

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

Now this could turn into a scary scenario such that next year at this time Hazelnut is the head of a new organization called Cruiserfabs and I'm taunting him saying he's just trying to rid the lake of boats he doesn't like.

I have an idea for a catchier name for my organization:

Ridicliousfabs, borrowed from my kids made up word. I will tell you it's the cutest thing when my twins will get my attention and say "Daddy, daddy look it's one of those Ridiclious boats." I used to try and correct them but it never really worked. They know the word Ridiculous but they still call those boats "ridiclious boats," the word just kind of stuck.

I'd love to see Silent Choice be made legal on the lake. I think it would go a LONG way to making the lake quieter, contrary to what some people think.

[ApS]

Because of the noise made by a politically-well-connected boat salesman, tailpipe-exhaust noise measurement on the lake was changed two years ago.

If Captain's Choice were to be allowed, the previous decibel level would have to be restored and the tailpipe-exhaust noise measurement returned to "drive-bys" measurement.

(Measuring noise at the dock has spawned a cottage industry to cheat on compliance with the tailpipe-exhaust noise standard).

The trouble with "drive-bys" is that boat speeds have gotten so fast, that "drive-by" measure for tailpipe-exhaust noise itself has been gradually disallowed by many law enforcement agencies—as a danger to themselves!

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...and those LEOs are in the Flatlands, where they won't ever hear The Loon—which, among other sounds, can echo and reecho softly among New Hampshire's lakes and mountains.
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