Got Boats?

I've got a kayak with a tapered paddle, cup holder, deck bungees and a padded seat. Keep an eye out for me. ppppppleeeeeze

Don't worry Worried! My wife and I appreciate and respect all forms of boating. As a matter of fact we are avid kayakers also.

I wish you a lot of luck if you are near this boat. At 80 miles /hour, he is going 117 feet per second and is out of reasonable control for a crowded lake. If you are in a collision course and he sees you, he most likely can,t react quick enough to miss you.

Biggus is smart enough not to be doing 80 mph in crowded conditions , as am I with my 1250 hp in my Formula. Can your car do 80? Right , but you don't do it all the time , do you? Well neither do we
Lets not forget , this is not a "one size fits all" lake.

Hopefully no State Legislators are reading this particularly macho thread.

This is just the kind of bravado/bragging that will help lead to an eventual lakewide speed limit.

To paraphrase the obvious;

"We have met the enemy, and it is US....."

You're right Sammy, the responses of the pro-offshore (for lack of a better term) posters do nothing but reinforce my opinion of offshore operators as arrogant, selfish and testosterone driven bullies.

I've tried to keep an open mind while re-reading this thread and was hoping for a little back and forth debate on the offshore issue. Instead it mostly went like this: A family in a small boat expresses concern about their safety and the response is "you're just jealous". Huh?

No one even mentioned banning or anti-offshore legislation. Some people were just trying to voice their concerns and hopefully get some kind of reasonable response that might allay their fears. Instead they are usually shouted down, insulted and dismissed by what seems to be the same few people. This has been a consistent pattern for the year or so I've been reading this forum.

Incredibly, Lofty actually cancelled his vacation at the lake just because a few worried people on this forum had the nerve to express concern. Apparently, ANY concerns or negative comments about these huge, noisy and overpowered boats is enough to make him take his toys and go home.

So my mind is made up, you offshore owners are an arrogant bunch of bullies and my concerns are justified.

I don't own a boat bigger than 10 ft and the biggest I ever owned was 16 ft.To use the mentality and metaphors of SOME of the opponents of large boats in reverse,I think the bashing of bigger boats is the equivelent of short man syndrone.Boaters comments and conclusions bear out the twisted thinking of SOME of the group that dislike anything much bigger than theirs. SS

Wow, thanks for proving my point. Again I talk about safety concerns and again the response I get is the tired old jealousy line. Unbelievable!

Boater,
Since your concern is over safety (and justifiedly so). I wonder what type of boat is most commonly involved in unfortunate mishaps or accidents sustaining property damage , personnal injury , or death? I know what it is in my state and believe me it will blow your theory right out of the water.

SIRSUKR, are you saying that short men run them big off shore boats? Is it true? Perhaps that is why they cannot see over the steering wheel. Maybe that is why they run over the "speed bumps" and think that it is just a bad wave. That can't be true, those boats have quite a list to the drivers side, and short people would not cause that.

BOATER, If you read Lofty's post he also is an offshore power boat owner like BIGGUS. So since you are against these boats you should be happy he is not coming to the lake. Instead you seem disturbed he cancelled his visit. Why, since you have categorized him as an ARROGANT boat owner.

Now let me get this straight. In your point of view, an offshore boat owner is dangerous because his or her boat is big and fast? Get real. The number one cause of death on the water is drowning. Not collision with an "offshore" boat. The number one group of boaters who drown, fisherman in sub 20 foot open boats. The number one cause, intoxication. Thats right, they fall overboard drunk while relieving themselves of all the beer they have ingested while fishing.
Safety is your stated concern? I would be willing to bet that the average "offshore" boat operater has more safety training than the average " cottager" on the water. They have better equipped boats with full compliments of safety and first aid gear. They have far fewer accidents in the first place but that is so easy for you to dismiss as arrogance isn't it. Most "offshore" boaters have one hell of alot of money tied up in their boats and aren't foolish enough to endanger it, themselves, their crews or those around them by recklessly operating their vessels in crowded lakes.
Now, lets talk about the "average" boater who has no formal training,no safety gear or knowledge to use it. Very little knowledge of the rules of the water and how to operate a vessel according to those rules. The kid out in mom and dads runabout, tin boat, canoe or PWC who really has no clue what so ever as to what they are doing or should be doing. The sail boater running under power who thinks that just because they have a sail boat they have the right of way at all times.The cabin cruiser couple who bought the biggest floating condo they could afford from the shiny salesman at the boat show but never got the training to go with it.The weekend boater who thinks a boat is just like a car because it has seats and a steering wheel but figures it ok to drive while impaired because thats what "boating" is all about. Yes, lets talk about safety on the water shall we. You asked for rational debate on the safety issue. I offer it. Please feel free to explain to me how the "offshore" boaters are so dangerous in direct comparison to the "average" boaters on your or any other body of water. Or am I just being too arrogant?
P.S. I own and operate a boat that is capable of running almost 100 mph. I have never had one single incident that could be considered an accident in 25 years of boating.Maybe I am just an "arrogant bully" and anyone who might have been killed by me stayed out of my way because I have an offshore boat? Or could it be that maybe, just maybe I as an "offshore" boater take safety, mine and everyone's around me very very seriously.

Lemme see.....
a) you've never had an "incident" that could be "considered" an accident. Considered by you, or considered by the person you had an incident with??

b) Offshore owners have the best saftey equipment and best training....would that include the guy a year or so ago that had an extra few hundred thousand dollars hangin around so he went and bought himself a new Fountain boat and then proceeded to try and turn it on a dime? Remember what happened to him and his friends?

c) or the guy that slammed his Offshore beauty into Parker Island?? are these people that you conveniently forget about?

the more of these guys I have contact with the more I now think the reason they "need" those big boats is to carry around those huge ego-swollen heads, and one Sunday afternoon of sitting at the Naswa would confirm that.

Happy Boating all

WOW, you can site 2 whole incidents involving "offshores". Thats pretty impressive. How many "average" boater incidents have there been in the same time frame?

I repeat, I have never in 25 years of boating been involved in any incident that could be considered an "accident". NO collisions, NO rolled boats or islands hit. Whats so hard to understand about that? I have had several close calls with idiots on PWC's nearly hitting me from behind or turning across my bow but somehow, I avoided making tham into speed bumps. I guess they must have had the "offshore boaters" mentality because they drive around looking to cause unsafe situations

Easy, Wary Boater. I have many years experience behind the wheel of a high-powered vessel and have no intention of tearing through the lake when it's crowded. What fun would that be, just trouble from the Marine Patrol. But it sure will be fun on the weekdays! Not all high performance boaters are lunkheads.

Yes, but just one lunkhead driving an offshore can run me over without hardly noticing. That's why there is so much concern.

A vehicle on the road that is many times as heavy and powerful as a normal car would require special licensing and more scrutiny and inspections by law enforcement. Why shouldn't this also apply to large, overpowered boats?

Flame away, but I DO consider boats like yours a threat to me and my family in our 18' bowrider.

Yes but there are way more lunkheads driving family boats than you could ever hope to see driving performance boats. In general I find most performance boaters to be more attentive then other boaters.
Of course one bad apple in a 36 Baja proved that not everyone is as attentive but there are bad apples in every crowd.
Of course we have this same topic come up every year about this time.

I agree with Belmont Resident!
It doesn't matter how big the boat is, it's how ignorant the operator is. Most offshore boat drivers are attentive and respectful [as Biggus seems to be], but for those few on the lake who haven’t been respectful to smaller boats, ruined the reputation of all offshore boats on the lake which is a shame.
Back to the original post; I have a 14 ft. boat without many toys on it
I have a lot of experience [ :-/ ] with nearly being hit by all different types of boats, but the most common are definately the families. Less often the offshores.
Personally, I worry more about the families and renters who don’t pay attention to boats AT ALL [let alone small boats], and are completely oblivious to what’s going on and what they are doing.
[and sorry to *da little red crownline* who tried to start a friendly innocent topic]

So lets move on to jet skis now , or the first time boaters in 18' bowriders , or the only time boaters in the rentals. I was on my way home from work the other night doing 50 to 52 mph in a 45 (I'm such a maniac) and somebody in an Escalade passed me ON THE SHOULDER! I guess they figured it was safer since we were on a curve. So all Cadillac drivers are terrible?

No, but all offshores are. Listen, it takes a certian type of character to take a 50' boat into a lake the size of winni. It's generally some skinny guy who's got something to make up for, but is afraid to take his boat out on the ocean. Or at least, that's what I assume when I see one.

Remember the saying about "assume"...

I do, your point?

My point???

You're the one that used the word.

Go figure...

There are a lot of sayings out there. Do you follow every saying as if it were fact? That's not very smart.

Either way, I'll continue to assume this, and I know that most people I know assume the same thing. There's a certain type of guy who needs to take a big boat out on a lake. I won't try to make a guess about what he's trying to compensate for, but there's usually something.

You sound envious and jealous.

How sad...

Why are you using this thread to vent your displeasure?

Why not start your own thread to vent your displeasure?

The original post of this thread was innocent in meaning and started by a teenager.

Starting a new thread is easy - it only requires a little courage, not a whole lot to ask...

List your boat(s) and any toy(s) and move on or be polite and start your own thread to vent...

Year before last I was coming home late from work on Friday. Followed a Winnibagofjunk up the highway (93) doing between 80-85. He got off on to 106 and proceeded to pass not 1 but 3 vehicles in the breakdown lane of 106 while going around a corner. NY plates.
When he turned off a car pulled out in front of me.
From the gas station before the track to the track they threw out no less than 6 beer can's then turned into the track. Mass. plates.

who said anything about a 50' boat? Winni is a big lake......big enough for any size boat one would want to enjoy. Sounds as if you may be a little jealous......

I agree that many go fast boats have the power and should be on the look out. I suggest to all kayak operators to defend your right to do so, and go on the offensive. How, by putting a bright color paint on your paddles, perhaps red on one side and lime green on the other so that you can wave them before you are used as a speed bump.

You may think that I am not being fair, but then sometimes some Kayaks are out and cannot be readily seen. And while I have not heard of any accidents, I don't want to either. So as the old saying goes an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

"Fast boats have the power and should be on the look out".

Huh?
You absolutely must "maintain a proper watch".
(And "I'm on the offensive" if I'm "waving a red-and-lime-green paddle" upon your over-sized approach)?

"I have not heard of any accidents."

Huh?
One kayak was run over last season, (one, that we know of) with the person air-lifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock hospital with broken bones.

"...sometimes some Kayaks are out and cannot be readily seen."

Huh?
Kayaks "are out"? Hmmm, we'll have to do something about that.

Not readily seen? Huh? Hmmm, again. Maybe some "offshore" boat owner can give you some pointers. Oh, Wait!... one posted yesterday that "people kill people". Hmmm. Hmmm.

Yes driver responsibility is priority.
But a little common sense would also prevail.
The lake is getting more and more crowded and there is nothing you or I or anyone else is going to do to change that for now. So stop trying to find fault in boaters and take a little initiative. Noticed a couple out there last year with those orange flags. Highly visible from a great distance. Great idea I thought.
I've notice that you are great at pointing fingers.
Why not help promote safe boating instead of rating all of us based on the actions of a few.
Power Squadron, Marine patrol to mention a couple are out to promoting safe boating why not join them. I for one think that this whole boater education thing falls short. It's a great start but needs to be updated regularly. Rules and regulations change from year to year. I belive we should be required to take refresher course every so often to stay on top of things.
You always seem to be quick to post a negative reply. I've been boating on this lake for a number of years. I can't begin to tell you how many boaters I've helped out, towed in to the nearest dock, etc. Yet I drive a semi fast boat. I say semi cause although it pushes 70 there are other much faster. So does this make me a bad offshore boater? Did I neglect to mention it's only 25', about the average size of a lot of you family bow riders not traveling the lake?

[zantheman]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Yes driver responsibility is priority.
But a little common sense would also prevail.
The lake is getting more and more crowded and there is nothing you or I or anyone else is going to do to change that for now. So stop trying to find fault in boaters and take a little initiative. Noticed a couple out there last year with those orange flags. Highly visible from a great distance. Great idea I thought.
I've notice that you are great at pointing fingers.
Why not help promote safe boating instead of rating all of us based on the actions of a few.
Power Squadron, Marine patrol to mention a couple are out to promoting safe boating why not join them. I for one think that this whole boater education thing falls short. It's a great start but needs to be updated regularly. Rules and regulations change from year to year. I belive we should be required to take refresher course every so often to stay on top of things.
You always seem to be quick to post a negative reply. I've been boating on this lake for a number of years. I can't begin to tell you how many boaters I've helped out, towed in to the nearest dock, etc. Yet I drive a semi fast boat. I say semi cause although it pushes 70 there are other much faster. So does this make me a bad offshore boater? Did I neglect to mention it's only 25', about the average size of a lot of you family bow riders not traveling the lake?

Belmont:

I wonder if that couple you saw with the orange flag was myself and my wife. Here in New Jersey it is required by law to put up an orange flag when water skiing or tubing. When we were at Winnipesaukee last summer we noticed that no other boats were flying one for this but decided we would put ours up anyway. We had several boats pass by but no one come close or caused concern. After reading your post I will always put it up law or no law.

Alex
Lake Hopatcong, NJ

[Steve]

I agree, back to the topic...

I have a 99 Chaparral 1830. We replaced our 2003 Chaparral 265 SSi with this boat, and put it right at our dock on Lovell Lake...We loved being on Winnie, but we rack stored. Having the boat right at our dock, behind the summer home is great.

I want to know where in Wisconsin he's going to find liquid water in mid April at least liquid enough to go 80mph.

PS: Grady White 223 Tournamanet here with 250 Yamaha Salt Water, full covers, auto trim tabs and GPS.

How 'bout lake michigan

We will be testing in the Mississippi. I've got so say how surprised I am over the attitudes here. I thought this was a thread about who had what for boats and it turned into an insult fest. I'm rather dissapointed with your lack of knowlege and narrowminded thinking. I am certain that my 38 Cigarette is quite a bit safer than you think!

An "insult fest"? Where?

So anyone who disagrees with you has lack of knowlege [sic] and is narrowminded? There are two sides to almost every issue, including this one.

What I see whenever the issue of offshores on Winni comes up here is several people expressing concerns about the "need for speed" that offshore owners like you seem to have, and the same few others constantly shouting them down for daring to express those concerns. It is very hard for many of us to understand why you want to replace motors that will go 70mph with motors that will take you over 80 on a lake that you SHARE with thousands of small family boats. Maybe you should explain that to us in a way we can understand.

I think you should step back a bit and try to be sensitive to the concerns of small boat operators who wouldn't have a chance in a collision with a large offshore. To dismiss their reasonable concerns just reinforces the image of offshore owners as arrogant and selfish.

IMHO

Boater,

All though not a fest go down a few and you will find

"Alas......still another person with more money than sense!! "

Not a big insult but one none the less.

This is why I (and I'm sure others) don't post on this sight unless the thread hits a nerve as the one about skimming and rescue did for me.

ToW

Close your eyes and imagine this; A proclamation from our highly respected Governor, Craig Benson, proclaiming that all across New Hampshire, every Wednesday throughout the year, will be set aside as a no-noise day on each & every lake.

"By no-noise boating, I mean boating that makes no noise; like sailboats, row boats, kayaks, peddle boats, canoes, surfboards & inflatable rubber ducky rafts. Whereas, these bodies of water belong to the people of the State of NH, as a whole, and many will benefit by the return to the peace & quiet of all the lakes as they once were, without the ever present rackety-rack-rack noise of the infernal internal combustion engine, it shall be so proclaimed, or something like that!"

Thankyou very much Gov Benson! Hey, if he can turn US Rt 95 into a one-way only toll road because he got stuck in traffic for one hour on a saturday, last summer, then he should be invited to go boating some saturday next July and it will be a done deal, fo' sure.

How about "No-noise June"?

How about selling all the water to the Kalahari Desert and building the empty lake into a 9000 hole minature golf course?

Which day do we have no kayaks and sailboat day to be equitable?

When did anyone ever get threatened by a kayak or sailboat? And what noise do they make to annoy anyone else trying to enjoy the serenity of the Lake.

worried, you got to be kidding, Haven't you ever heard the noise of the slapping of the water against the hull, the flapping of them sails, or the splashing of them paddles, Its deafening.

Yah, you're right. What was I thinking?

That would be Saturday, since we don't dare venture out anyway!

Then good luck with your Wednsdays then.

If you are going to keep the noise down, do it for a full 24 hour day. And not just limited to boats. Cars Cycles and Meadowbrook Farm concerts.

Packy

I'd say 'more money than brains' is kind of insulting! Sorry to have stirred up such a sour topic. I'd also like to mention that although I have enjoyed the lake in the past, our Cigarette has NEVER been on Winni. so relax and take a beather. I did not know Winnipesaukee was such an unfriendly place for sport boats.

A few negative comments doesn't make it an "insult fest". There is room for differing opinions on a forum like this, that's why many of us like it.

I don't think the lake is "an unfriendly place for sport boats" at all. Some people just think a forum like this is the right place to express concerns when the issue comes up. What's wrong with that?

Why not just respond to those with concerns in a thoughtful, reasonable way instead of just complaining about a few jabs. Can't your position withstand a little debate?

There are some who are envious and jealous of other's possessions.

Unfortunately, they are also rude and crude in venting there displeasure.

And there are some who just laugh at what other people will spend money on.

The claim that anyone who worries about excessively large and powerful boats on the Lake is just jealous is really ridiculous.

What I'm really jealous of is a nice Grady White Walkaround. Now that's boating!

Unfortunetly there seems to be a very small minority group of people that seem to think they have more of a right to the lake than others.

Same group of people that want to legislate others as well due to their higher sense of whats right and whats not... Something that the rest of us do not have

That sentiment is not shared by the vast number of people.

I for one would love to see the cig on the lake...

"That sentiment is not shared by the vast number of people."

How do you know that? Did you take a poll?

I wonder..if you did take a poll and asked ALL boaters on the lake (not just your friends) if there should be SOME limitation on size, speed or horsepower how would the vote go...it could be very interesting.

Relax? Unfriendly? Take a breather? Sour topic?

Relaxing and taking a breather is no longer an option on a "closed system": an increasingly crowded lake.

I felt pretty secure in my 20-foot sailboat until I read of a "sport boat" that cut through the middle of a sailing 24-foot Colgate boat. That Colgate sailboat is five times heavier than mine. On a clear, calm, day its sails were raised on a mast that reaches over 30 feet above the water!

Note also the family who, twenty months ago, felt secure in their 24-foot powerboat until struck by a boat exactly like yours off Meredith. An airline captain, freshly enjoying his pension after decades of professional responsibility, was crushed to death .

That "sport boat" was traveling at ¼ the speed you seek.

Unfriendly? We live by what you do.

"That "sport boat" was traveling at ¼ the speed you seek."

That would equate to 20 mph...a 38' cruiser could have done the same thing , so "sport boat" doesn't come into play! That was a case of operator error (more or less)
It's like that old saying " Guns don't kill people , people kill people"

Yes, sayings again. What's with you people thinking that just because someone says something catchy, it's true? According to that logic, no weapon kills people.

JvB,

Like you I don't believe in sayings as being true. However......

Just a question.

Can you point to one time a "weapon" killed someone? I mean like without a human using it. Kind of like just did it by itself.

Weapons don't kill people, People using weapons kill people. This might be closer to a true statement.

Oh and I know, A bomb cooks off in a fire, explodes and kills some people. This is not what the saying is talking about.

ToW

I understand the fact that humans generally control the weapons, that that doesn't take away from the danger of the weapon. Nuclear missiles are also dangerous only if they're used, but do you want them distributed around among the population?

JvB,

This is not the original subject of this thread so I'll post a quick response and move on. Let’s not hijack this persons thread.

From your reply,

"I understand the fact that humans generally control the weapons,"
Good, we somewhat agree, except for the generally part. They DO control the weapons.

"Nuclear missiles are also dangerous only if they're used, but do you want them distributed around among the population?"

Whole different subject. The missiles are dangerous to the population without being used. They are TARGETS. So no I don't want a target next to a populated area.

ToW

I disagree with your logic on the weapons issue, but you're correct, this is way off topic for this board, so let's agree to disagree.

Why do they call them off shore boats if you put them in the lake?? Just Wondering....Shouldn't they be put off shore?? or is it that you couldn't navagate it off shore so you choose the lake??

New deffinition of off shore boats is those that do not get pulled up onto the beach, thus it has to be off shore.

Offshores were designed to handle most offshore water conditions and thus are the best solution to the question of the most safe boat to purchase for an enjoyable time on the Lake.

Venture into the Broads with the wind blowing NW at 35 plus and you'll appreciate their capabilities.

It's not about speed; it's about a safe, comfortable ride and an enjoyable day at the Lake.

You can have an enjoyable day at the Lake in a canoe; but venturing into the Broads with the wind blowing NW at 35 plus is not recommended - unless you have a death wish or like to tread water awaiting rescue...

You never see "offshores" off-shore -- according to my Long Island Sound buddy.

But putting offshores (and other too-big, too-fast craft) on a lake accustomed to slower/smaller/traditional lake craft is a recent -- and apparently growing -- phenomenon.

I think it has to do with the "need" (or entitlement/demand) to go boating on Winnipesaukee during weekends -- regardless of conditions.

Restricted to weekend-boating, one tends to be dismissive about the weather, so an over-sized boat becomes The Solution to "An Enjoyable Weekend".

But on clear, fair, weekends, over-sized boats come out anyway (because it's a weekend), and artificially create 35-knot+ conditions for the rest of us: Those who have canoed/kayaked/rowed/sailed/small-motor-boated on Winnipesaukee for years -- if not several decades.

"The Solution" for you is "The Problem" (less "enjoyable" boating) for others. Sure, the weather kills boaters, but offshores are not exactly celebrating their own spotless safety record on Winnipesaukee.

Seeking "Noise and Action" on Winnipesaukee's natural treasure worsens offshores' arrogant/too-rich image.

Recent?

A sistership to the 1963 winner of the Cowes Classic arrived at the Lake in the 70’s. Perhaps you have seen it and just didn't realize its pedigree.

Link showing all winners below picture of the 1992 winner – the weather.

P.S.- Also enjoy time spent with a Sunfish, although the "racing " sailboaters didn't appreciate my presence one time on their race course - the Broads. Isn't a Sunfish a sailboat, too and the Broads big enough for all? Go figure...




http://www.cowesclassic.com/previous-winners.htm

first of all, the lake is big enough for anyone to have a boat they can enjoy (big or small) and second of all, the same result would come about if a collision were to happen in your case with another bowrider, or a 38 cigarette. I don't think we need to discuss what that result would be..

Same result whether I get hit by a 18' bowrider or a 38' Top Gun? You have to be kidding. Wow!

I am sorry to say, but yes I am right. If your boat is in a collision at full speed (which is what we are all assuming talking about these go fast boats)with either another bowrider or a 38 cig offshore, you as well as other passengers will die.

Its not the boat that is the problem its the operator. When the operators of the big boats think that canoes and kayaks are nothing more than speed bumps. boats don't really think for themselves, but the operator thinks it seems that they own the lake cause they are bigger.

going to test it on the Mighty Mississippi sounds like a great adventure at that. And perhaps that is a good place for the big boats. does anyone recall that in the early 60's the majority of the boats were 16' and less. Cates was a cop in Alton Bay and he had a 14' starcraft. He might not be able to catch you, but it seems that he knew where every boat was moored.

The Mississippi is a good place for your boat to be - Winnipesaukee is not the place for over powered boats & drivers. We observe these boats passing at high rates of speed with no regard for the 150 foot rule.

But some people don't want to think. They also see ONLY what they want to see too

Unfortunately this site although it can be very informative at times is probably more noted for it's bashing qualities. More than once the subject of toning down the content has come up. There is a point when the responses become down right nasty and should not be allowed. But then I suppose it would have to become a full time job just weeding out the trash responses. It would be a much better site if the subject matter stayed with the subject instead of venturing off to bash a particular boat type or owner.
You are probably a very responsible driver when your on the lake like the majority are. But there are others who drive high profile boats like your's who are not so in tune with what's around them.
Remember this, the family boat owner/drivers out number the performance boats on Winni. by at least 20 to 1. As do the infractions written up by the Marine Patrol. The next biggest violation group would be the jet ski owners.

"Remember this, the family boat owner/drivers out number the performance boats on Winni. by at least 20 to 1. As do the infractions written up by the Marine Patrol. The next biggest violation group would be the jet ski owners."

Re your last two lines (the above quote), please advise or post the statistics that you quote, we would all be very interested to see the info.
Ever look at who cops pull over on the highway? So often it is a kid, whom I bet is singled out just because he is a kid (we'll teach him a lesson), no matter if he was speeding along with the pack, the kid gets singled out, (hey wait isn't this profiling??)
Same I would guess for big boats, loudboats, offshore boats, boats filled with young guys etc. vs the family laden bow rider. Who gets the scrutiny and who gets the pass....be honest with yourself when you think about this one...

BTW, my boats is a "speedy" 14' with a 7.5 HP, I have no bias here

50% is observation, the other 50% is based on conversations I have with various MP officers when I stop and chat with them during the course of the summer. Usually during the week when it is less busy.
I personally don't see as many young kids out in boats as I do driving. Jetski's yes, but a lot of the ones I do see I'd like to ring their neck cause they are driving like fools.
Granted this doesn't constitute all jet ski drivers but a good majority of them are giving the rest a really bad name.
This is the case with offshore boat owners as well.

You're absolutely right BR. It is terrible that several people who thought this forum was a place to give their opinions and concerns get continuously bashed and put down. The "bigger, noisier and faster the better" crowd don't want to tone it down or discuss it, they just hammer away, always having to get the last word. Go ahead.

Thank you for your reassuring words - not that other opinions and trash responses bother me. They don't know who I am. I know that I am a responsible driver, with lots of common sense. Everything I do on Winnipesaukee is legal.

Family boats have nothing to fear from me and my go-fast "offshore" buddies. When we hit the lake, we are a pretty tight bunch.

As for the Marine Patrol -- I've never seen them or heard their sirens.

I support your views. You can certainly count on future support from we boaters, Biggus and Grossus.

Is your Grady one of the new ones with the enclosed head? How does it ride in big wakes? I'm going to test drive one. It is smaller than my current boat and I'm concerned about it riding in the Gulf.

FL: It is not one of the new models, its a 2001. But the hull design is identical - SeaV2. It was built for a lot more rough water than we get. They had the head as an option, but I did not opt for it. I am on an island in the Lake and have no need for a head. I love the baot, it can handle just about anything the big Lake can dish out. Handles the waves and wakes great. A very smooth riding boat for the size (22'). Buy one, you'll never regret it. I don't know a Grady owner who does not love their boat.