Boating Safety on NH Water Bodies

[Hammond]

Originally Posted by chipj29

I think this is a good idea, however if only a few "important" laws were posted at ramps etc, then people can claim ignorance. "But officer, the sign at the ramp didn't say anything about the law I broke". It is up to the person operating the boat to know the rules and regs of the waters they are operating their boat on.

You are right Chipj29. I am new to posting here and need practice. I have been a long time lurker though. I should have added another line to the idea of a sign I suggested be posted at all boat launch ramps.

For a comprehensive list of rules and regulations see the Boater’s Guide of New Hampshire – A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities. The pamphlet is free and available at many marinas and marine supply outlets or on-line at: HTTP:// boat-ed.com/nh/handbook. which is HERE .

There is a limit to how much information you can put on a sign otherwise you could add another link to this site: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html

(this is not directed at Chipj29)
Don't hide the rules or make it hard to find them and then complain that visitors ignore those rules so let's make more laws. It's like a turtle that pulls it's head in it's shell so it doesn't see everything that is really going on and won't stick it's neck out to face reality!

I'm in favor of the ideals of the group Safe Boaters Of New Hampshire http://sbonh.org and have signed their petition.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Hammond

You are right Chipj29. I am new to posting here and need practice. I have been a long time lurker though. I should have added another line to the idea of a sign I suggested be posted at all boat launch ramps.

For a comprehensive list of rules and regulations see the Boater’s Guide of New Hampshire – A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities. The pamphlet is free and available at many marinas and marine supply outlets or on-line at: HTTP:// boat-ed.com/nh/handbook. which is HERE .

There is a limit to how much information you can put on a sign otherwise you could add another link to this site: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html

(this is not directed at Chipj29)
Don't hide the rules or make it hard to find them and then complain that visitors ignore those rules so let's make more laws. It's like a turtle that pulls it's head in it's shell so it doesn't see everything that is really going on and won't stick it's neck out to face reality!

I'm in favor of the ideals of the group Safe Boaters Of New Hampshire http://sbonh.org and have signed their petition.

Hi Hammond,

To take your idea one step further, if MP is willing to give us enough copies of the handbook, SBONH could attach some weather tight boxes (like the real estate signs have sometimes) and fill with handbooks at some of the key public ramps.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Hi Hammond,

To take your idea one step further, if MP is willing to give us enough copies of the handbook, SBONH could attach some weather tight boxes (like the real estate signs have sometimes) and fill with handbooks at some of the key public ramps.

Very good idea... I know that SBONH members will be sporting a new sticker. If they could get booklets as well perhaps make them available to anyone who asked. Just a thought.

[BroadHopper]

I have a copy of a placard of simple boating rules that was handed out at public docks one summer. It is plastic and can be kept on a boat without water damage. I will bring it to the SBONH meeting as another idea to promote safety.

I have yet to see any effort from WINFABS to promote boaters safety. Do they only have one agenda?

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I have a copy of a placard of simple boating rules that was handed out at public docks one summer. It is plastic and can be kept on a boat without water damage. I will bring it to the SBONH meeting as another idea to promote safety.

I have yet to see any effort from WINFABS to promote boaters safety. Do they only have one agenda?

Do you know who handed them out? And where we can get some?

It isn't surprising... It is the same as those people who post only on one subject here, only one agenda.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Do you know who handed them out? And where we can get some?

It isn't surprising... It is the same as those people who post only on one subject here, only one agenda.

The defunct safety group, NH Recreational Boaters Association handed them out at public docks and during a membership drive. They were instrumental in establishing the no wake zone between Eagle and Governors Island. They also funded the 150' distance bouys that are located in front of public docks. You will see no wake zone signs along the Weirs Channel.

They also collected shrinkwrap from boaters for recycling one spring.

WinnFabs once claim that they will donate a number on lazer guns to the Marine Patrol. I have heard the fell short of their promise.

You are right. Only one agenda.

[HomeWood]

I mostly stay around Moultonborough when I boat and some of the areas are tight, like between the markers. I will slow down considerably, but it's so unrealistic to come down to headway speed every 10 seconds on a busy day. I think it passing can be done safely at 75 or 100' but we have to leave that buffer for boneheads.

I'll be up with my boat next month. I have a NC boating certificate from BoatEd. I faxed a copy of it to the marine education/enforcement office and the guy called back and said it was acceptable for an out of towner..

[BroadHopper]

Welcome to the lake!

I am familiar with Lake Norman in NC. The lake gets pretty crazy on weekends. I witness the Memorial Day spectacular near the Interstate bridge. I'm surprised motorists on the bridge don't fall off!

I rented a Formula at the Formula dealer for a weekend. The dealer never mentioned a boater's safety course was mandatory. He only ask for a valid driver's license and a credit card.

[VtSteve]

I'm pretty impressed you can rent a Formula

[BroadHopper]

Got to talking about how much I love my Formula and that I am trying to convince my sister who lives in Mooresville to buy one. More of a sales tool to them.

The political fall out on Winnipesaukee is a hot topic at the Lake Norman bars, BTW.

As for boating safety. Try navigating the Merrimack River above and below the Hooksett Dam. It gets pretty crazy on weekends. No one is adhering to the 150' rule. If everyone did, the river would be pretty much a no wake zone. Only once in the last few years I have seen MP presence. He was under the I-93 bridge next to Home Depot. He was having a great day handing out tickets. There should be an MP boat above and below the dam every weekend. Unfortunately, MP no longer have the manpower.

[Turtle Boy]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

The political fall out on Winnipesaukee is a hot topic at the Lake Norman bars, BTW.

Oh great. That gives me solace knowing this hot topic is being discussed in such high intellectual venues as Lake Norman bars...NOT! I can just imagine them discussing their proposed Republican sweep in the fall elections somehow overturning recent Lake Winni legislation (but ignoring the fact that said legislation enjoyed bipartisan support in both houses).
And speaking of legislation, for those who may have missed it, I strongly urge you to read a letter to the editor in Tuesday's Laconia Daily Sun http://www.laconiadailysun.com for a well written and to the point interpretation of the issues at hand.

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

(but ignoring the fact that said legislation enjoyed bipartisan support in both houses).

Wow.....bipartisan support......in an election year......THERE'S a big surprise!!

Speaking of ignoring facts, reading Mr. Ed's letter, he seems to have ignored the fact that Erica Blizzard's crash did NOT involve high speed. I wonder why he keeps forgetting that little tidbit?? Just wondering......

[sunset on the dock]

Originally Posted by Wolfeboro_Baja

Speaking of ignoring facts, reading Mr. Ed's letter, he seems to have ignored the fact that Erica Blizzard's crash did NOT involve high speed. I wonder why he keeps forgetting that little tidbit?? Just wondering......

Interpretations of her speed that fateful night varied as widely as the interpretations of of her blood alcohol level (remember the "expert witness' " wild theory of alcohol concentration related to blood loss!). She's unsafe at any speed. Suffice it to say her interpretation of appropriate laws for the lake was not much more sound than her judgement that night. Geez, and that report at sentencing that she had a previous shoplifting conviction...what goes on in that head of hers? Events that father's day morning make it clear she of all people was not qualified to have the governor's "ear" on that or any other matter.

[DEJ]

I also do not find anything that would suggest that letter was well written.

I cast my vote for "well written".

[sunset on the dock]

This from yesterday's facebook...could the governor have signed yesterday? There's nothing on his website under media releases.

Dale Gillibrand Congratulations to all true lake-lovers! The speed limit is now permanent law, protecting this beautiful lake for generations!
Yesterday at 3:33pm · Comment · Like · Flag

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

could the governor have signed yesterday?

I can't imagine he'd sign until he gets a chance to meet with the president of "Safe Boaters" to make sure the law is really needed. Surely he's going to give a lot of thought and weight to what our lakes "safe boaters" think

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by sunset on the dock

This from yesterday's facebook...could the governor have signed yesterday? There's nothing on his website under media releases.

Dale Gillibrand Congratulations to all true lake-lovers! The speed limit is now permanent law, protecting this beautiful lake for generations!
Yesterday at 3:33pm · Comment · Like · Flag

This thread is about boating safety.

Please save the talk about the SL for when/if the threads are unlocked, as it has no relevance here.


Thanks.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

And speaking of legislation, for those who may have missed it, I strongly urge you to read a letter to the editor in Tuesday's Laconia Daily Sun http://www.laconiadailysun.com for a well written and to the point interpretation of the issues at hand.

I can only guess how Mr Chase relates high speed boating and/or the speed limit to Ms Blizzard's crash. Had she been the head of the Anti Temperance League I might see the point.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

And speaking of legislation, for those who may have missed it, I strongly urge you to read a letter to the editor in Tuesday's Laconia Daily Sun http://www.laconiadailysun.com for a well written and to the point interpretation of the issues at hand.

Sorry, I fail to find anything well written about it. It's also a poor interpretation of the issues at hand.

So, we'll go back on topic talking about addressing real problems affecting boating safety on the lake, while you can continue spending time writing mediocre articles about all the typical lies and spin.

Better yet, instead of writing articles, why don't you ask warren to take $100 and donate it to the MP - who needs the money - in the name of safety???

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Turtle Boy

Oh great. That gives me solace knowing this hot topic is being discussed in such high intellectual venues as Lake Norman bars...NOT! I can just imagine them discussing their proposed Republican sweep in the fall elections somehow overturning recent Lake Winni legislation (but ignoring the fact that said legislation enjoyed bipartisan support in both houses).
And speaking of legislation, for those who may have missed it, I strongly urge you to read a letter to the editor in Tuesday's Laconia Daily Sun http://www.laconiadailysun.com for a well written and to the point interpretation of the issues at hand.

With all due respect, you know what he is talking about as he is responding to you!

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Hammond

You are right Chipj29. I am new to posting here and need practice. I have been a long time lurker though. I should have added another line to the idea of a sign I suggested be posted at all boat launch ramps.

For a comprehensive list of rules and regulations see the Boater’s Guide of New Hampshire – A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities. The pamphlet is free and available at many marinas and marine supply outlets or on-line at: HTTP:// boat-ed.com/nh/handbook. which is HERE .

There is a limit to how much information you can put on a sign otherwise you could add another link to this site: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html

(this is not directed at Chipj29)
Don't hide the rules or make it hard to find them and then complain that visitors ignore those rules so let's make more laws. It's like a turtle that pulls it's head in it's shell so it doesn't see everything that is really going on and won't stick it's neck out to face reality!

I'm in favor of the ideals of the group Safe Boaters Of New Hampshire http://sbonh.org and have signed their petition.

Great ideas!

[ossipeeboater]

I'll bet half the time when people complain about 150' violations the offending vessel is outside 150 feet. 150' isn't that far if you think about it but people get scared when other boats are at speed. i grew up boating in the ocean and people come alot closer at speed there than I see most of the time on the lakes.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by ossipeeboater

I'll bet half the time when people complain about 150' violations the offending vessel is outside 150 feet. 150' isn't that far if you think about it but people get scared when other boats are at speed. i grew up boating in the ocean and people come alot closer at speed there than I see most of the time on the lakes.

I agree, just try to find a weekend day when you can get out the mouth of the Merrimack River and keep 150' from everyone and everything,,,

Nothing like trying to dodge the guys anchored, the ones trolling, the ones running at full speed, and all while the tide is coming in or going out! Now thats a test of your boating skills!!!

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by XCR-700

I agree, just try to find a weekend day when you can get out the mouth of the Merrimack River and keep 150' from everyone and everything,,,

Nothing like trying to dodge the guys anchored, the ones trolling, the ones running at full speed, and all while the tide is coming in or going out! Now thats a test of your boating skills!!!

While you are correct in that the mouth of the Merrimack is complete chaos on weekends, I am not sure there is a 150' rule there, as that area is in Massachusetts.

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by chipj29

While you are correct in that the mouth of the Merrimack is complete chaos on weekends, I am not sure there is a 150' rule there, as that area is in Massachusetts.

not only that but I believe this area will not fall under massachusetts state law but USCG regulations. While MA has a speed limit on its lakes and ponds (although many are not big enough to really need one) I am pretty sure they do not have the 150' regulation. I have actually not run into this regulation in all the states I have boated in on the east coast. Just NH... Which is suprising because I feel this is the one law that really does improve safety the most.

[Lakepilot]

Originally Posted by ossipeeboater

I'll bet half the time when people complain about 150' violations the offending vessel is outside 150 feet. 150' isn't that far if you think about it but people get scared when other boats are at speed. i grew up boating in the ocean and people come alot closer at speed there than I see most of the time on the lakes.

I agree. 150' is not a very long distance. That's the width of a ty;ical runway. Pease used to be 300' wide! There's a marker off the Wolfeboro docks that's 150' out. It's very close to the docks. When someone is cranking and on a plane, 150' looks very close indeed.