Public dock protocol

[JG1222]

Joann's last post made me think of another piece of etiquette that's often overlooked - who goes first to the public ramp. You'd think people would use common sense, but there are still those out there that think that if you put your boat in line to use the ramp.

This happened to us last weekend - you'll see a boat crowding the ramp waiting for their trailer to arrive, when ours trailer is being backed down the ramp. We now have to juggle and maneuver around a guy who's trailer is still four of five in line to even get to the ramp.

Public Ramp Protocol is that you go in the order that your car and trailer arrive at the ramp - not the boat. Unless your car is backing down the ramp, you shouldn't be in the immediate area.

Likewise, if you are alone trying to get your boat out - you tie up at a dock, go get your car/trailer, wait in line, and when you back your trailer down the ramp you jog over, get your boat and drive it on the trailer. I can't tell you how many people I've seen get disgusted at this person for "cutting" when it's actually his turn.

[Misty Blue]

Right you are JG.

People don't seem to use common courtesy on the ramps any more than on the docks.

Last year I was towing a boat into the Lee's Mills ramp. This was quite obvious for various reasons.

Just as I was approaching the tini-tiny dock some happy boater pulled down the ramp and just sat there. Half in and half out. Since backing up was not an option I had to pull a quick, somewhat dangerous, maneuver to turn away from the ramp and began to do a 15 minute dosi-doe around the pond.

As I did so I noticed what the hold up was. He had six kids lined up like little duckies in front of the porta-poti and refused to launch until each and every one or them had "checked their tanks"! He wouldn't even launch and go to the public docks!? 'Just kind of waved with a goofy smile.

While I approve of his environmental zeal, a little common sence would have helped.

Misty Blue

[Bear Islander]

I have moved many boats when they were blocking or parked stupid.

Last year I politely asked a man to move because the Mailboat was coming. He said there was no sign and he was here first! I untied his ropes, dropped them in his boat, gave a push and said "have a nice day".

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I have moved many boats when they were blocking or parked stupid.

Last year I politely asked a man to move because the Mailboat was coming. He said there was no sign and he was here first! I untied his ropes, dropped them in his boat, gave a push and said "have a nice day".

I personally aplaud your action but it may have been illegal.

There was a recent post about unauthorised docking and it was pointed out there is a USCG reg against untieing a boat's lines without the operator's permission. The likely exceptions are law enforcement officers or dock masters at a governement facility. If you are the Bear Island Post Master then I think you could get away with it.

I'm sure it is legal to move a boat to open up dockage but any one that does this may be liable for any damages during movement or if the boat goes adrift later.

Good luck!

[Bear Islander]

You may be talking about this.

Section 270:26-a
270:26-a Interference with a Vessel. – No person shall, without the consent of the owner of the vessel, wilfully and maliciously cut away or let loose any vessel which is fastened to any mooring place or lying at anchor. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation.

Moving a boat to another post is not letting it loose.

And when it comes to the Mailboat incident, I am still not guilty. My actions were willful but not malicious, I was kindly helping him correct his error.

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

You may be talking about this.

Section 270:26-a
270:26-a Interference with a Vessel. ... wilfully and maliciously ...

... My actions were willful but not malicious, I was kindly helping him correct his error.

lol. Thank goodnes for a well placed "and."

"Your honor, he maliciously wished me a good day. I was so traumatised I almost dropped my beer."

[JDeere]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I untied his ropes, dropped them in his boat, gave a push and said "have a nice day".

I have always agreed with Bear Islanders common sense approach to the boating issues around the lake but this action of untying someone’s boat is absurd. The guy was jerk but you or anyone else had no right to do such a thing. Call MP and let them deal with it. The action was so absurd I struggle to believe it actually happened. Seems there would be a whole lot more to the story once the boat was secured again.

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by JDeere

I have always agreed with Bear Islanders common sense approach to the boating issues around the lake but this action of untying someone’s boat is absurd. The guy was jerk but you or anyone else had no right to do such a thing. Call MP and let them deal with it. The action was so absurd I struggle to believe it actually happened. Seems there would be a whole lot more to the story once the boat was secured again.

In most instances I would have called the marine patrol. However with the Mailboat was approaching and a line of children were waiting at the boarding stairs, each with $1.50 in hand for ice cream, it was time for direct action.

And perhaps I was not clear, the guy was in the boat sitting at the controls, I didn't set a boat adrift.

[NightWing]

Wow..........that could have gone south in an instant. The fact that he previously refused to move because there was no sign and he was there first could have been a clue that he wasn't listening to reason. I can't imagine how he would have just sat there while you untied his lines and pushed him off.

He could have been a real hothead....................worse than that, a real hothead with a weapon.

[aopel]

[QUOTE=Bear Islander]I have moved many boats when they were blocking or parked stupid.

Thanks Bear Islander for sharing your approach. I too do not hesitate to move a boat up or down a post or two if this will create a space. I have been on the lake all my life and consider this a common courtesy and would not mind if someone did the same to my boat.

That said, I did this in Wolfboro this weekend and one onlooker was appalled and tried to tell me that this was something he had never seen and was unacceptable.

I feel that if a boat is taking up two or more spaces, because it was poorly docked to begin with or because other boats have moved, then fair use says careful repositioning is well within the unwritten code of boating courtesy.

I tried to convey this to the driver of an oversized Formula but his attachment to his possession drove him to tell me I better never touch HIS boat.

I see the point about liability mentioned earlier but I am confident I can tie a boating knot. The world may be turning to lawyers to solve all problems but I still believe in basic trust and watching out for each others boats. I see no point in sitting in a cue while docking sites sit available because no one has the common sense to move a boat. Call me old school but I used to watch my father use the Irwins hoists at the Weirs to drain the water out of our old Chris Craft during off hours. The Irwins didn't mind because they trusted us.

I called MP on the moving issue and they said each town sets their own public dock use regulations. If I find laws addressing this issue, I'll post them. Until then, I'll be moving boats to make the best use of the docks!

[jrc]

I'm still on the fence regarding the whole moving the boats issue.

But how would you feel if they moved your car to make room to park? I know it can be done. I parked in one of those sprawling underground Boston garages once and when I returned my car was completely blocked in. The garage workers had four caster-like devices. They placed one under each wheel of the blocking car and moved it out of my way. After I left they pushed the car into my space. What do you think this guy felt when he returned.

[Lakegeezer]

I barely trust my wife to tie up my boat. Why would I trust a stranger. The days of assuming a boat captain knows what they are doing are long gone. Captain Boneheads are everywhere. I don't think its common protocol anymore to move someone elses boat. While it is unlikely that you would get arrested for moving a boat, you might be in trouble (legal or physical) for participating in a fight that the boat owner picks with you.

[Woodsy]

[QUOTE=aopel]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

I have moved many boats when they were blocking or parked stupid.

Thanks Bear Islander for sharing your approach. I too do not hesitate to move a boat up or down a post or two if this will create a space. I have been on the lake all my life and consider this a common courtesy and would not mind if someone did the same to my boat.

That said, I did this in Wolfboro this weekend and one onlooker was appalled and tried to tell me that this was something he had never seen and was unacceptable.

I feel that if a boat is taking up two or more spaces, because it was poorly docked to begin with or because other boats have moved, then fair use says careful repositioning is well within the unwritten code of boating courtesy.

I tried to convey this to the driver of an oversized Formula but his attachment to his possession drove him to tell me I better never touch HIS boat.

I see the point about liability mentioned earlier but I am confident I can tie a boating knot. The world may be turning to lawyers to solve all problems but I still believe in basic trust and watching out for each others boats. I see no point in sitting in a cue while docking sites sit available because no one has the common sense to move a boat. Call me old school but I used to watch my father use the Irwins hoists at the Weirs to drain the water out of our old Chris Craft during off hours. The Irwins didn't mind because they trusted us.

I called MP on the moving issue and they said each town sets their own public dock use regulations. If I find laws addressing this issue, I'll post them. Until then, I'll be moving boats to make the best use of the docks!

3 years ago I was the victim of some dumbass moving my 22' Donzi at the Weirs town docks without my permission to the tune of $1500 damage. Too bad he didnt bother to re-tie my boat properly. I had it tied a specific way to avoid the boat sliding under the dock and causing the exact type of damage that happened. I got nice big gouge that I had to pay for. I waited patiently until the suspected boat owner showed up then contacted the LPD. Of course Capt. Bonehead completely denied all knowledge of moving my boat to the LPD!

If I catch someone moving my boat without my permission there will be some irate words at the very minumum! Nobody has a right to touch anyone elses personal property without the rightful owners permission!

Woodsy

[Skip]

When you untie anothers motorized vessel to move it to another place, you have effectively excercised control over that vessel during the process. One hopes you have obtained the owner's permission to do so or perhaps you should become familiar with the following statute:


TITLE LXII
CRIMINAL CODE
CHAPTER 634
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
Section 634:3
634:3 Unauthorized Use of Propelled Vehicle or Animal. –
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if, knowing that he does not have the consent of the owner, he takes, operates, exercises control over, or otherwise uses a propelled vehicle or animal. A person who engages in any such conduct without the consent of the owner is presumed to know that he does not have such consent.
II. As used in this section, "propelled vehicle" has the same meaning as in RSA 637:9, III.
Source. 1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.

637:9, III....

III. As used in this section, "propelled vehicle" means any automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or any other motor-propelled vehicle or vessel, or any boat or vessel propelled by sail, oar or paddle.


My gosh folks, lighten up! The world doesn't come to an end if someone has hogged a dock space somewhere. The civil liability you immediately assume when handling someone else’s property without their permission, coupled with the possible criminal liabilities should things go awry, just aren't worth it! If the violation is so grievous it needs immediate attention, notify the local officials in control of the applicable docks to take action. Otherwise just shake your head in disbelief and chalk another story up to Capt'n Bonehead.

I take solace in knowing that after having perused this sight for many years, there are one or two posters here that love to embellish a tale to get a rise out of some of us. But must of us are aware of the incidents where someone has moved ours (or someone else’s) boat. Just be aware of the potential civil and criminal liabilities before you mistakenly believe that it is accepted practice to do so!

Sorry for the editorializing, just don't want an innocent person here making a mistake that could have grave circumstances.....

Skip

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by Skip

When you untie anothers motorized vessel to move it to another place, you have effectively excercised control over that vessel during the process. One hopes you have obtained the owner's permission to do so or perhaps you should become familiar with the following statute:


TITLE LXII
CRIMINAL CODE
CHAPTER 634
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
Section 634:3
634:3 Unauthorized Use of Propelled Vehicle or Animal. –
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if, knowing that he does not have the consent of the owner, he takes, operates, exercises control over, or otherwise uses a propelled vehicle or animal. A person who engages in any such conduct without the consent of the owner is presumed to know that he does not have such consent.
II. As used in this section, "propelled vehicle" has the same meaning as in RSA 637:9, III.
Source. 1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.

637:9, III....

III. As used in this section, "propelled vehicle" means any automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or any other motor-propelled vehicle or vessel, or any boat or vessel propelled by sail, oar or paddle.


My gosh folks, lighten up! The world doesn't come to an end if someone has hogged a dock space somewhere. The civil liability you immediately assume when handling someone else’s property without their permission, coupled with the possible criminal liabilities should things go awry, just aren't worth it! If the violation is so grievous it needs immediate attention, notify the local officials in control of the applicable docks to take action. Otherwise just shake your head in disbelief and chalk another story up to Capt'n Bonehead.

I take solace in knowing that after having perused this sight for many years, there are one or two posters here that love to embellish a tale to get a rise out of some of us. But must of us are aware of the incidents where someone has moved ours (or someone else’s) boat. Just be aware of the potential civil and criminal liabilities before you mistakenly believe that it is accepted practice to do so!

Sorry for the editorializing, just don't want an innocent person here making a mistake that could have grave circumstances.....

Skip

Skip

You are really stretching one here! Untying and retying a boat is not "exercising control over" in the context of a "DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY" statute.

Next thing you will be saying we can't roll over a car that's in 2 parking spaces.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

Skip

You are really stretching one here! Untying and retying a boat is not "exercising control over" in the context of a "DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY" statute.

Next thing you will be saying we can't roll over a car that's in 2 parking spaces.

Nope, never said that "tying and untying a boat" violates the statute in question.

I clearly warned that once you do, you immediately assume civil liability for the vessel and "should things go awry" (such as in Woody's case) criminal liabilites were (and are) possible. By the way, your analogy about moving a car clearly falls under this same statute.

The statue is pretty clear. You may not like or agree with it, but it is the law in this State. I am sure most of the readers here can comprehend its fairly obvious meaning and intent and understand that the moving of another person's vessel, without the owner's consent, is an unwise thing to do in less than emergency circumstances.

Skip

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

Skip
{snip}
Next thing you will be saying we can't roll over a car that's in 2 parking spaces.

Only if you've got a monster truck ! But in the context of this discussion I think we all know that getting into someone's else's car, even if to move it into a proper parking spot, is a no no. We're I to damage that car or someone else's in the process, I would be held liable. Same logic applies to boats even if old tradition allows such movement ... which I think is Skip's point.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

You are really stretching one here! Untying and retying a boat is not "exercising control over" in the context of a "DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY" statute.

Isn't the short answer, "Reposition that boat at your own financial risk"? (Because homeowner's insurance should cover the unlikely consequences.)

But that shiny Corvette parked diagonally across two parking spaces, though...

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

But that shiny Corvette parked diagonally across two parking spaces, though...

Not a Corvette, but isn't there a rumor a certain cantankerous marina owner who moved an improperly parked car with a forklift? I wonder if there were financial or legal ramifications or if the story is even true.

[Airwaves]

I was just surfing this thread since I don't have a lot of interest in it. I don't move boats that aren't mine and if I caught someone on my boat, well, I wouldn't post about it.

I did see something that Skip posted that caught my eye and I have no idea what it means:

TITLE LXII
CRIMINAL CODE
CHAPTER 634
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
Section 634:3
634:3 Unauthorized Use of Propelled Vehicle or Animal.

Can someone explain to me what Unauthorized Use of propelled ANIMAL is?

Lots of visions are floating around in my little mind, none of them good.

[rander7823]

Can someone explain to me what Unauthorized Use of propelled ANIMAL is?

Lots of visions are floating around in my little mind, none of them good.[/QUOTE]

C'mon this is New Hapsha the law proabaly dates back 1642 or something like that when someone's horse got stolen.

[NightWing]

Originally Posted by jrc

Not a Corvette, but isn't there a rumor a certain cantankerous marina owner who moved an improperly parked car with a forklift? I wonder if there were financial or legal ramifications or if the story is even true.

Yes, I heard that story when I was a slip renter in that noted establishment. Legend has it that it was a high end car......a Mercedes perhaps, and the owner had been told several times not to park there because it created a blockage.

Well, the story went that the car was picked up with the fork truck and placed in one of the racks. It was also said that the owner of the car never blocked anyone again.

As far as credibility goes, I know the man and I believe he has the temperment to do it. I have also watched him pilot a fork truck and I would bet he could build a house of cards with that truck and never knock anything down.

That is one of the stories that makes Winni great.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by jrc

Not a Corvette, but isn't there a rumor a certain cantankerous marina owner who moved an improperly parked car with a forklift? I wonder if there were financial or legal ramifications or if the story is even true.

Yes that forklift story is true, and if in that case it was a Mercedes, it has happened more than once. A friends Chevy SUV was taken for a ride there as well, with some damage occurring. The truck was not parked illegally nor improperly. It was parked exactly where the marina owner told him to park.

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by jrc

Not a Corvette, but isn't there a rumor a certain cantankerous marina owner who moved an improperly parked car with a forklift?

Dealing with Capt Boneheads on a regular basis can cause a person to be cantankerous.

He is also a very generous and giving person, especially regarding youths of the area.

There are two sides to every coin - try spending a little time observing the other side.

[ApS]

Moving a car or truck with a forklift requires some skill, but there was this excerpted post from last year:

Originally Posted by chipj29

"...At some point during the day, someone moved their truck and trailer. With a forklift..."

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

Moving a car or truck with a forklift requires some skill, but there was this excerpted post from last year:

And what does this have to do with anything? Perhaps the trailer, which was a small PWC trailer, was unhitched and moved by hand.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by chipj29

And what does this have to do with anything? Perhaps the trailer, which was a small PWC trailer, was unhitched and moved by hand.

The story is getting more interesting, but all I did was search "forklift"...the story from last year appeared...and I was intrigued by a vision of both truck and trailer being moved as a unit. Nowadays, trailers are normally padlocked on the hitch.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by GWC...

Not a Corvette, but isn't there a rumor a certain cantankerous marina owner who moved an improperly parked car with a forklift?

Originally Posted by jrc

Dealing with Capt Boneheads on a regular basis can cause a person to be cantankerous.

He is also a very generous and giving person, especially regarding youths of the area.

There are two sides to every coin - try spending a little time observing the other side.

I never said who was cantankerous, you're just guessing, but you're probably right. Maybe the shoe fits? He has every right to be whatever he wants, it's his life and his business. I stand by my description of his demeanor. I make no judgements on his value as person.

This thread evolved from moving boats to moving cars, I relayed a humorous anecdote. It was not meant to bash a person, that's why I didn't mention his name.

[kjbathe]

After reading a great deal about the car moving incidents, and being a very happy customer of said establishment, I inquired with the staff one day about what exactly "the deal" was.

In a very matter-of-fact way I was told that, yes, they've moved cars with forklifts and that forklifts are likely to cause damage when used to move automobiles. If you park your Aston Martin and block the active/working loading areas, they have no problem picking it up and moving it so that the facility continues to function for everyone.

That simple and no-nonsense explanation made perfect sense to me... Maybe that's why I enjoy doing business with them.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by kjbathe

After reading a great deal about the car moving incidents, and being a very happy customer of said establishment, I inquired with the staff one day about what exactly "the deal" was.

In a very matter-of-fact way I was told that, yes, they've moved cars with forklifts and that forklifts are likely to cause damage when used to move automobiles. If you park your Aston Martin and block the active/working loading areas, they have no problem picking it up and moving it so that the facility continues to function for everyone.

That simple and no-nonsense explanation made perfect sense to me... Maybe that's why I enjoy doing business with them.

That explanation does make perfect sense. However, when ones vehicle is parked right where said marina owner wanted it, there should no reason for moving it. Especially with a forklift.

[WakeUp]

There is NO formal "protocol!!" We're all at the risk of people engaging in 'common sense!' However...common sense is the least common attribute of humans!! (think hard...you'll understand!!)