New Boaters Organization

[winnilaker]

I'm perfectly happy going 35-45 mph everywhere I go. And that's incorrect that about not wanting folks who want a speed limit to join. Honestly I think there are circumstances that speed limits make sense. For example, Weirs bay can get a little scary on a Saturday, you have folks going from Meredith to Governor island bridge and Weirs to past Governor's. But putting a lake wide speed limit doesn't seem fair for those who go out to the boards and want to enjoy a boat that's designed to go above 45mph.

But what I don't like is the negative image that is protrayed about boaters that have boats that go fast and that they are the cause of safety concerns. My vision is have group of boaters from all facets, I think through education and communication, a bridge between facts and safety can be crossed with negative image and personal preference. Having a legit organization where the democracy governs its direction should be a good thing.

[winnilaker]

Who I am representing:
Some of my views
I think we need more public access to lakes. What organization currently fights for that?
I think the current limit for exhaust level is too high. I wouldn't mind boats being quieter. That should make the GFBL group happy.
I want to make it stricker to get a boating license without proper education. That should make the rental companies happy.
I think its wrong that the state won't allow a local marina to help with the rebate program for its customers. Who's going to fight for that?

I'm not about GFBL and certianly hope the NHRBA is not as well or I will get out.

[Shorline]

I welcome the opportunity for responsible boaters to have proper representation in the legislature. My observation over the past several years has been that there is a vociferous minority of individuals who have latched on to certain legislatures in order to stake their claim to boating on Lake Winnipesauke. A key concern on mine is that the majority of the boating related bills are without any statistical or factual merit backing them up. Presenting a bill based on personal opinion with no safety or environmental hard data behind it is irresponsible, and a waste of our representative’s time. We are all here to share the recreational resource that Lake Winnipesauke has to offer. I am eager to be involved in this organization, to put an end to “boat class” segregation, and discrimination when it comes to legislating who has greater rights to our lake’s use.

[Gonzo]

I just joined NHRBA and recommend those who share views on equal rights for all boaters to join. I'm excited about being able to make a difference with a new young organization like this.

I did check out the organization before joining and was impressed that they had all their paperwork done and are registered with the state.

I personally have been going to the legislative meetings in Concord on the speed limit and rafting bills and voted against them.

I do not have a go fast boat and still I support the efforts of an organization like NHRBA.

I would stongly suggest joining this organization. www.nhrba.com

[WeirsBeachBoater]

After some research, I am going to sign on with the NHRBA. I believe that their intentions are good, and I am all for some representation for all boaters in the state. I spend probably more time than most out on Winni and I have seen infractions caused by every style boat imaginable. The state needs better education and criteria for boaters, this online test is a joke, one family member who is knowledgeable ends up doing the test for the whole family.... Hows that working? Good luck to the NHRBA!!!

[overlook]

Originally Posted by winnilaker

I'm perfectly happy going 35-45 mph everywhere I go. And that's incorrect that about not wanting folks who want a speed limit to join. Honestly I think there are circumstances that speed limits make sense. For example, Weirs bay can get a little scary on a Saturday, you have folks going from Meredith to Governor island bridge and Weirs to past Governor's. But putting a lake wide speed limit doesn't seem fair for those who go out to the boards and want to enjoy a boat that's designed to go above 45mph.

A possible solution is to have a no wake or headway speed only between Governors and Eagle. I have noticed that the markers have been moved closer. MP has been seen patrolling that area more often than not, most busy days one would have to go headway speed there anyways.
This would be a possible solution that would not discriminate.

[frank m.]

Originally Posted by winnilaker

that's incorrect that about not wanting folks who want a speed limit to join...My vision is have group of boaters from all facets...Having a legit organization where the democracy governs its direction should be a good thing.

Custie,
I have joined NHRBA. I hope what you say above is true and that you will indeed give equal billing to voices from all sides. I will, of course be advocating passionately FOR a speed limit and recruiting to NHRBA people who support the same. I expect that many members from Winnfabs will join me. I hope that we will be able to take part in the democratic process you describe and can be involved in the board elections. In fact, if the associate is truly set up for the purpose you describe, we actually share the same goals. We look forward to the May 6 strategy session with Director Barrett, and I have already contacted a reporter about joining us. I will hopefully bring a radar gun that was designed specifically for marine use and that has been used effectively by hundreds of marine patrol agencies across the country. I have even been speaking with another agency about coming here to teach our MP how to accurately measure boat speeds. I agree that the key here is education. We need to educate as many NH citizens as possible about how they can participate in this issue and make their opinions known. And we need to educate our MP on the success of speed limit laws and high conviction rates on other lakes. All I ask is that we limit participation in this process to actual NH citizens and keep the Floridians, Californians, and Missourans out of our affairs. I'm sure you will agree that this is the business of the citizens of NH.
Also, as a prerequisite to registering for your site, I had to provide my personal information. I trust that will not be released to anyone.
I look forward to working with you.
Frank

[Tyler]

I think you will find a bunch of good folks over at NHRBA, I am also a member and will gladly listen to your thoughts on a speed limit as I am sure all will. For the meeting on May 6th along with the hardware and other items you indicated you will bring might I suggest you bring any data you have that shows a speed limit is needed on Winnipesaukee, not some other body of water elsewhere, Lake Winnipesaukee. To be quite frank I do not think you or anyone else will get very far with Mr. Barrett or our legislature if you do not provide facts, not emotion on this LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE issue. Look forward to it.

[frank m.]

Tyler,
In fact, all that information and data is already there, right in MP's files. It's just a matter of getting him to look for it. Mr. Barrett is a very intelligent fellow, I have dealt with him before. I'm sure that once he sees we are all working together he will be more than agreeable to cooperate with us. For instance, we can point out the two accidents last year involving boats travelling alone at high speed and losing control on Winnipesaukee. The information is all right in MP's files, but they have had these accidents mis-filed as "operator error" because there was no speeding violation to cite at that time. That's why the Director mistakenly said there have not been any recent speed-related accidents. All we have to do is show him where to find them. Every year has had at least a few accidents like this. I will print out articles from the Citizen's on-line archives and when we get there we can dig out the relevant MP files to show him how many speed-related incidents have been mis-categorized. I appreciate your cooperation with this and look forward to working with you.
Frank

[pm203]

Instead of focusing on the speed issue,why dont you focus on PWC and other dangerous uneducated boaters on the lake.National and local statistics do not back up speed as an issue.Plus,with the majority of marina and business owners opposing a speed limit,your chance of getting a speed limit law passed is futile to none.Lets wake up and put the focus where it should be.

[Cal]

Frank,
I believe one of those accidents involved an operator who was seen doing figure eights at high speed...that is operator error or more so operator ignorance or foolishness. The same could have happened at a lower speed of say 45 mph.

[GWC...]

The big problem on the Lake is the lack of common courtesy.

A thread has been started for the discussion of a speed limit on the Lake.

So, are any of you who are discussing the speed limit on this thread capable of common courtesy?

Will winnilaker finally be allowed opinions regarding his new boating organization, on this thread?

Time will tell…

[Fat Jack]

Originally Posted by frank m.

We look forward to the May 6 strategy session with Director Barrett

What is this "May 6 strategy session"? What time? Where? Is anyone invited?