Boat capsizes on Lake Winnisquam following crash

[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