Boat capsizes on Lake Winnisquam following crash

[VitaBene]

Keep in mind that even if your 16 YO is driving your boat with a valid certificate, but you are giving orders (while perhaps imbibing ) from the back, you are still technically in control of your vessel and can be held responsible for an issue (or get an OUI)!

[dave603]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Keep in mind that even if your 16 YO is driving your boat with a valid certificate, but you are giving orders (while perhaps imbibing ) from the back, you are still technically in control of your vessel and can be held responsible for an issue (or get an OUI)!

Interesting question there?
Your saying somewhat that the boat owner is responsible for what ever happens.
So if you are "impaired" and have some one else take control that has a cert. you still responsible?
I think that would get dropped in court pretty fast.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by dave603

Interesting question there?
Your saying somewhat that the boat owner is responsible for what ever happens.
So if you are "impaired" and have some one else take control that has a cert. you still responsible?
I think that would get dropped in court pretty fast.

As the owner of the boat you are the Captain... while other can drive your boat, when you are on board you are in charge. And in some cases even when you are not on board you have liability.... Its really no different then being in your own car....

I don't know the rules have changed, but Back in the 80s I know someone who got fined as the owner of a boat, because, his young adult kids, where tubing with two people on the tube and only one observer in the boat.... In total, there where 5 fines handed out.... One to each of the participants, and one to dear old Dad back on shore......

[Outdoorsman]

Originally Posted by dave603
Interesting question there?
Your saying somewhat that the boat owner is responsible for what ever happens.
So if you are "impaired" and have some one else take control that has a cert. you still responsible?
I think that would get dropped in court pretty fast.

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

As the owner of the boat you are the Captain... while other can drive your boat, when you are on board you are in charge. And in some cases even when you are not on board you have liability.... Its really no different then being in your own car...

This is interesting to me as I sometimes assume the "designated driver" responsibilities while driving a friends boat on a different lake. I would have thought that the same laws would apply as with a vehicle. Since I also drive his truck with boat in tow from the lake, HE would not be arrested for DUI because he was the passenger in the vehicle.

A passage from "The Official Boating Handbook of the New Hampshire Marine Patrol - Web Version"

New Hampshire law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that is, operating any vessel (including vessels propelled by a motor or sail, canoes, and kayaks) while under the influence of alcohol, controlled drugs, or any combination of alcohol and controlled drugs.

https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire...hol-and-Drugs/

Another from "NH Tour Guide.com"

Having alcohol in a boat in New Hampshire is legal and also a privilege (not many of those left these days), so help keep it legal by protecting those in your boat. Every injury, accident, arrest and death will contribute to the laws changing. Let your passengers drink and if you would like to drink, be sure you have a licensed boater become the designated driver!

http://www.nhtourguide.com/nh_boatin...ol_on_boat.htm

[8gv]

So, for the purpose of clarity...

If my friend does not have a safe boating certificate and is an adult, he may not legally operate my boat, even if I am standing next to him supervising, we are both sober and I hold a SBC?

[dave603]

Originally Posted by 8gv

So, for the purpose of clarity...

If my friend does not have a safe boating certificate and is an adult, he may not legally operate my boat, even if I am standing next to him supervising, we are both sober and I hold a SBC?

That's correct.

Seems strange that you don't even need one in Mass., if your an adult, but up here you do.

[CrownRay]

Originally Posted by dave603

That's correct.

Seems strange that you don't even need one in Mass., if your an adult, but up here you do.

"YET"...Give Maura some time