new speed limit public hearing Sept 25

Pepper · 09-20-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWC...

...Sadly, the Laconia Citizen has yet to mention the issue in its online version...

Au Contraire, here's a link ...

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...191/-1/CITIZEN

Now that this issue has surfaced once again, I sincerely hope that the discussions which follow on this forum will not cause me to stop clicking on the "Boating Forum" link again!

Please, folks, keep your discussions lively, but for heaven's sake keep it civil!!!

SAMIAM · 09-20-2006, 11:38 AM

Clearly,the "greenies" do not respect the democratic process....but there is a reason for that.They are smarter than the rest of us.
If they had their way the lake would be restricted to sailboats,canoe's and kayaks.I don't own a go fast boat but they are a HUGE part of the lakes region economy.

Orion · 09-20-2006, 12:27 PM

Let's forego all the lengthy, bloated discussions on this topic and just post the links to the prior discussions so whoever is interested can just read it all there all over again. I doubt there are any new positions or arguments to be made anyway.

Airwaves · 09-20-2006, 12:54 PM

As I mentioned at the beginning of the year, I have been keeping track of the boating accidents in NH for 2006 that have gotten the attention of media.

I have the list in my computer at work but to the best of my recollection none of them were caused by speed. I will forward the list to my home computer tonight and if anyone would like a copy you can PM me.

ApS · 09-22-2006, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion

Let's forego all the lengthy, bloated discussions on this topic and just post the links to the prior discussions so whoever is interested can just read it all there all over again. I doubt there are any new positions or arguments to be made anyway.

Just this month, there was "an incident"—using my best Concord lawyer legalese—on protected lake waters that can be expected to boost supporter's ranks. Actually, the implications may prove huge.

I'd suggest a second "Final Statement" thread to close out the year—and further discussion—of this high-octane debate.

GWC... · 09-20-2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

Au Contraire, here's a link ...
http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...191/-1/CITIZEN

Au Contraire, please check the time of my post and the time of their update, which included your link.

It states:

Last updated: 12:00 pm

The upside is, the info is posted and you supplied a link.

Thanks

P.S.- Love your lobster sub...

P.P.S.- Day, Time, and Place for this debate:

Monday at 10 a.m.

at the Meredith Community Center

RI Swamp Yankee · 09-20-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

... Now that this issue has surfaced once again, I sincerely hope that the discussions which follow on this forum will not cause me to stop clicking on the "Boating Forum" link again! ....

Would it be prudent to ask Don for a new "forum" now so spirited discussion can have it's own home, much like the last one did?

John A. Birdsall · 09-20-2006, 02:06 PM

to give credit where it is due should be done. This year at least in Alton Bay area I have seen a lot of activity with the MP involved. While they ticketed people,(of which all the tickets I do not fully agree with)(hmmm)they were out doing their job.

How can they tell how fast you are going when they judge 150' to be the length of three football fields. I do not think that radar will be effective on the lake as motions of waves, movement of boats. Beans, in Fl they have trees going 150mph and not moving.

Maybe they should find a formula for HP and size of boat with hull design and limit it that way.

While I agree that parts of the lake need speed limits, I do not think the whole lake does. I think the main part of the Broads should be left alone let people have their fun their. But other areas a max speed should be fair, that will protect the property and help everyone enjoy safe boating even the MP

DoTheMath · 09-20-2006, 03:35 PM

It is obvious that feelings on this subject get heated, I for one can't believe some of the incidents I experienced this past summer on the lake! Let's just get to some of the highlights... A family of about 6 in a 22' bowrider, towing a kid on a tube (he was roughly 12 yrs old), in circles and "s-turns" and everyone in the boat was looking here, there, and everywhere BUT at the kid on the tube, who was watching him you ask!? The guy DRIVING the boat - I had to gas it and swerve to get out of HIS way, he finally saw me and never even thought twice about it. Heading into the channel one early Friday afternoon, just started to come off plane, and what comes right up beside me plowing along, a really sweet 24'-ish Cobalt, about 40' away, pretty boat - dope behind the wheel. A beautiful, sunny Thursday afternoon out with my wife and 17 mo old, over by Jolly Isl. (heading toward Mark Isl.) and coming straight at me from about 300 yds. away was a 40'+ Regal cruiser - you know, three bed's, two bath's and swim platform the size of a tennis court. I would guess he was pushing along at about 12-14 mph, and if you ever saw Caddyshack and the scene where Rodney grabs the wheel of his sportfish and wreaks havoc in the marina - well, you just about got it then... I kid you not, in the 37 years I have been on this lake (and I'm only 38) I have NEVER seen a larger wake than what this guy was producing!!! Not behind the Mount, the Doris or Sophie or any other boat - it was insane!! I literally came off plane and just rolled over it. I can only imagine by the time that hit the surrounding islands, people must have had water in their back yard. I could recant dozens of stories just from this past summer of what I would consider stupid, careless and at times slightly scary acts that I had witnessed and NOT ONE involved excessive speed or a performance boat of any kind.

As everyone here likes to call them, "GFBL's" and associated speeds are NOT the problem out on the water folks, it simply boils down to better boater education - and a whole lot of common sense. The former seems to be never learned or quickly forgotten and the latter, seems to be left on the dock with the boat cover... I don't get where the feeling, notion, whatever comes from that if we "slow down the lake" we will make it a much happier and safer place!? If you choose to drive a SeaRay that does 40mph because that is what fits your budget and boating needs, great! If someone else chooses to drive a 38' Cigarette (or similar) because that fits their boating style and budget, great! It's a big lake last time I checked, 'bout 44,000 acres +/- and that's a LOT of water for everyone to share, regardless of what I choose to do it in. Last I checked, the state motto was "Live Free or Die" - boater education and common sense need to be prevalent and need to prevail here. Speed limits will not solve the challenges on the lake any more than imposing any other speculative restrictions will. Having a son of my own now and a house on the lake, I have as much a vested interest in making the lake safer - for everyone - as any other boater, and speed limits are not the solution.

my .02.

GWC... · 09-20-2006, 03:49 PM

Weirs guy · 09-20-2006, 06:18 PM

Anyone else find it odd this came up after the summer?

jrc · 09-20-2006, 07:41 PM

It came up after the summer for the same reason it's being held on a Monday morning. The promoters want to make it harder for opposition to attend.

BTW fatlazyless, soliciting to sell your vote is a felony.

playinghooky · 09-20-2006, 07:52 PM

Maybe this ruling will put an end to the speed limit issue!
This is from the International Boat Industry website.

http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsd...23ibinews.html

US federal judge declares boating illegal in all US navigable waters

By IBI Magazine

In a rather bizarre ruling that has marine industry officials worried, Judge Robert G. James of the United States District Court, Western Division of Louisiana, has said that it is criminal trespass for the American boating public to boat, fish, or hunt on the Mississippi River and other navigable waters in the US.

In the case of Normal Parm v. Sheriff Mark Shumate, James ruled that federal law grants exclusive and private control over the waters of the river, outside the main shipping channel, to riparian landowners. The shallows of the navigable waters are no longer open to the public. That, in effect, makes boating illegal across most of the country.

"Even though this action seems like a horrible pre-April fools joke, it is very serious," said Phil Keeter, MRAA president, in a statement. "Because essentially all the waters and waterways of our country are considered navigable in the US law, this ruling declares recreational boating, water skiing, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and fishing tournaments to be illegal and the public subject to jail sentences for recreating with their families."

Last month, James rejected the findings of the Magistrate judge who found earlier that the American public had the right under federal law and Louisiana law to navigate, boat, fish, and hunt on the waters of the Mississippi river up to the normal high water line of the river. Judge James Kirk relied on the long established federal principles of navigation that recognized the public navigational rights "…entitles the public to the reasonable use of navigable waters for all legitimate purposes of travel or transportation, for boating, sailing for pleasure, as well as for carrying persons or property for hire, and in any kind of watercraft the use of which is consistent with others also enjoying the right possessed in common."

"MRAA is working with the Coast Guard, state boating law administrators, and NMMA to fight this onerous ruling," said Glen Mazzella, MRAA chairman, in the statement.

(14 September 2006)

fatlazyless · 09-20-2006, 08:42 PM

Ok ok, JRC, not wanting to commit a felony and then have to hire an incredibly expensive defense attorney I hereby withdraw my offer to remove my name from the Meredith petition in exchange for $4000.

By the way, is there any chance you could post a link to the statute which makes my former sales offer a felony?

You know, between the crummy weather, and the high gas prices,I would say that the number of performance boats was down maybe 75% from summer 2005 to summer 2006. There were so few performance boats zooming by, fast &/or noisy, that they sort of became an attractive novelty, almost like some type of modern art in motion, or something.

Hey look, look at that, there goes one of them there big fast cigarette boats.......what-a-ride....wweeeeeooooooooooooo!

jrc · 09-21-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Ok ok, JRC, not wanting to commit a felony ....By the way, is there any chance you could post a link to the statute which makes my former sales offer a felony?

According ot my reading of the attached link, you already commited the felony. For a voter to merely solicit to sell your vote is a felony.

640:2 Bribery in Official and Political Matters. –
I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if:
(a) He promises, offers, or gives any pecuniary benefit to another with the purpose of influencing the other's action, decision, opinion, recommendation, vote, nomination, or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official, or voter; or
(b) Being a public servant, party official, candidate for electoral office, or voter, he solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit from another knowing or believing the other's purpose to be as described in subparagraph I(a), or fails to report to a law enforcement officer that he has been offered or promised a pecuniary benefit in violation of subparagraph I(a).

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/.../640/640-2.htm

RI Swamp Yankee · 09-21-2006, 12:54 PM

I thought Bloviate was when I drank too much water ......

... oh, thats BLOAT ...

SIKSUKR · 09-21-2006, 02:35 PM

Can't wait to see what is said in this round of the bloviate-a-thon!

Rinkerfam · 09-20-2006, 10:41 PM

DoTheMath and lake4life,
I couldn't agree with you more. Educate as opposed to legislate!
Enough said!!

Pepper · 09-20-2006, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RI Swamp Yankee

Would it be prudent to ask Don for a new "forum" now so spirited discussion can have it's own home, much like the last one did?

I think this would be wonderful, so all those wishing to opine may do so, and may bloviate as they wish!

mcdude · 09-21-2006, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

bloviate

????

Pepper · 09-21-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdude

????

From Encarta:

blo·vi·ate [ blo vee àyt ] (past and past participle blo·vi·at·ed, present participle blo·vi·at·ing, 3rd person present singular blo·vi·ates)

intransitive verb

Definition:

speak bombastically: to speak at length in a pompous self-aggrandizing way ( slang )

[Mid-19th century. Mock Latin alteration of blow]

blo·vi·a·tion [ blo vee áysh'n ] noun

A favorite term of Bill O'Reilly, and just one of those words whose sound, as it rolls off your tongue, is fun.

Mee-n-Mac · 09-21-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

From Encarta:

blo·vi·ate [ blo vee àyt ] (past and past participle blo·vi·at·ed, present participle blo·vi·at·ing, 3rd person present singular blo·vi·ates)
intransitive verb
Definition:
speak bombastically: to speak at length in a pompous self-aggrandizing way ( slang )
[Mid-19th century. Mock Latin alteration of blow]
blo·vi·a·tion [ blo vee áysh'n ] noun

A favorite term of Bill O'Reilly, and just one of those words whose sound, as it rolls off your tongue, is fun.

Well thanks maam fer providin the meanun of that fancy wurd. I wuz tryn to figur it out my self and I guessing I'm done purtty gud, all things considerin. I thought Blo, hmmm, as in to blow hard or spew out a lot of gas. V as in sumthin shaped like a V or crack, like mebbe a plumber person might show when bendin over. Ate as in sumthing you eated earlier in the day, this might be wherein the gas comes frum. So to bloviate is what a bloviater does and a bloviater is a blow hard who talks out of his a.., hmmm, "crack". Then I seen it wuz "bombastically" whichin I figured meant to drop a bomb, so I new I wuz on the right path. How'd I do ?

ps - NOTE: No apostrophes were mangled during the writtin of this here post !

ITD · 09-21-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

Well thanks maam fer providin the meanun of that fancy wurd. I wuz tryn to figur it out my self and I guessing I'm done purtty gud, all things considerin. I thought Blo, hmmm, as in to blow hard or spew out a lot of gas. V as in sumthin shaped like a V or crack, like mebbe a plumber person might show when bendin over. Ate as in sumthing you eated earlier in the day, this might be wherein the gas comes frum. So to bloviate is what a bloviater does and a bloviater is a blow hard who talks out of his a.., hmmm, "crack". Then I seen it wuz "bombastically" whichin I figured meant to drop a bomb, so I new I wuz on the right path. How'd I do ?

ps - NOTE: No apostrophes were mangled during the writtin of this here post !

Hmmmm, in that case maybe we should change the name of the Flatulator to the "Bloviator", that way the intended target would not know what he was in for until it was too late.

fatlazyless · 09-22-2006, 09:08 PM

Hey jcr, if like you say, I've already created a felony then maybe I should be expecting the sheriff's dept to come haul me away to jail. Hopefully, I'll get sentenced to the State Prison in Laconia because it has a good view of Paugus Bay! New Hampshire is the most terrific place to live. Go to prison here and you end up incarcerated on waterfront property.....what a very nice state!

From today's Laconia Daily Sun, an interesting letter to the editor sent in by B.B. of Gilford.

"Both Flynn, Barrett should be at speed limit hearing"

"To the editor:
It seems as though the boating speed limit hearing Sept 25, 10 a.m., should be attended by both Commissioner Flynn, who will make the decision about speed limits on the big lake, and Director Barrett, who doesn't have an opinion about speed limits but is very vociferous about them, to make the majority of N.H. voters understand why speed laws can't be enforced when no other law enforcement agency, in this state or others, has a problem.
Maybe they can also tell us why, when there is no speed law in effect, they keep telling us there is no data relating to accidents related to speed in New Hampshire. They may also be able to explain why they feel a speed limit wouldn't make lake Winnipesaukee a much safer place for ourselves and our families, even the tourists and weekenders would like to hear an answer to that.
Please attend the hearing Sept. 25, 10 a.m, at the Meredith Community Center. We might all learn something, like we are going to continue this effort until a speed limit is put in place."

B.B.
Gilford

Airwaves · 09-24-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

APS
Just this month, there was "an incident"—using my best Concord lawyer legalese—on protected lake waters that can be expected to boost supporter's ranks. Actually, the implications may prove huge.

If it's the incident I think you're referring to, it didn't happen on Winni (or even in NH) and Winni is the body of water the speed limit folks are focused on so it really isn't relevant.

ApS · 09-26-2006, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

If it's the incident I think you're referring to, it didn't happen on Winni (or even in NH) and Winni is the body of water the speed limit folks are focused on so it really isn't relevant.

Equivalent-size lake with no speed limit. Was there a boating forum that didn't carry "the incident" country-wide? (Maybe world-wide?)

Now I'm reading that Commissioner Flynn (with four more years left on his appointment by the governor), needs to reach the S/L decision. That's one way to define "non-starter".

Dave R · 09-24-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

From today's Laconia Daily Sun, an interesting letter to the editor sent in by B.B. of Gilford.

"To the editor:

We might all learn something, like we are going to continue this effort until a speed limit is put in place."

B.B.
Gilford

After reading that closing statement, maybe "unecessary and foolish" is a pretty good argument after all...

jrc · 09-24-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Hey jcr, if like you say, I've already created a felony then maybe I should be expecting the sheriff's dept to come haul me away to jail...

Well, you know I'm not a lawyer or even a law enforcement officer, so my opinion isn't enough to put you in jail. Besides, I'm sure the "I was just kidding" defense would be accepted in this case. If you want to test the legality of selling your vote, I suggest you place an add in the Citizen and see what happens.

Skipper of the Sea Que · 09-21-2006, 08:50 AM

It made sense to me to think of vomit, as in
Regurgitation: in this case from drinking too much V8.

In reality, Webster says:
Main Entry: blo·vi·ate
Pronunciation: 'blO-vE-"At
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: perhaps irregular form...
: to speak or write verbosely and windily

Nice vocabulary Pepper.

And I agree with you. A seperate speed forum would be fine with me.

Pepper · 09-21-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skipper of the Sea Que

...
: to speak or write verbosely and windily

Kinda like me when I'm writing about teeny-weeny-blinky lights in the night ...

mcdude · 09-21-2006, 09:43 AM

thanks Pepper....it wasn't listed in my American Heritage Desk Dictionary!

gtxrider · 09-21-2006, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

I think this would be wonderful, so all those wishing to opine may do so, and may bloviate as they wish!

It seems you watch Fox News...

09-20-2006, 12:27 PM	#3
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cow Island Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	shortcut Let's forego all the lengthy, bloated discussions on this topic and just post the links to the prior discussions so whoever is interested can just read it all there all over again. I doubt there are any new positions or arguments to be made anyway.

09-20-2006, 02:06 PM	#8
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	speed limits/laws to give credit where it is due should be done. This year at least in Alton Bay area I have seen a lot of activity with the MP involved. While they ticketed people,(of which all the tickets I do not fully agree with)(hmmm)they were out doing their job. How can they tell how fast you are going when they judge 150' to be the length of three football fields. I do not think that radar will be effective on the lake as motions of waves, movement of boats. Beans, in Fl they have trees going 150mph and not moving. Maybe they should find a formula for HP and size of boat with hull design and limit it that way. While I agree that parts of the lake need speed limits, I do not think the whole lake does. I think the main part of the Broads should be left alone let people have their fun their. But other areas a max speed should be fair, that will protect the property and help everyone enjoy safe boating even the MP

09-20-2006, 03:35 PM	#9
DoTheMath Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: MA / Moultonborough Posts: 146 Thanks: 46 Thanked 43 Times in 18 Posts	easy targets... It is obvious that feelings on this subject get heated, I for one can't believe some of the incidents I experienced this past summer on the lake! Let's just get to some of the highlights... A family of about 6 in a 22' bowrider, towing a kid on a tube (he was roughly 12 yrs old), in circles and "s-turns" and everyone in the boat was looking here, there, and everywhere BUT at the kid on the tube, who was watching him you ask!? The guy DRIVING the boat - I had to gas it and swerve to get out of HIS way, he finally saw me and never even thought twice about it. Heading into the channel one early Friday afternoon, just started to come off plane, and what comes right up beside me plowing along, a really sweet 24'-ish Cobalt, about 40' away, pretty boat - dope behind the wheel. A beautiful, sunny Thursday afternoon out with my wife and 17 mo old, over by Jolly Isl. (heading toward Mark Isl.) and coming straight at me from about 300 yds. away was a 40'+ Regal cruiser - you know, three bed's, two bath's and swim platform the size of a tennis court. I would guess he was pushing along at about 12-14 mph, and if you ever saw Caddyshack and the scene where Rodney grabs the wheel of his sportfish and wreaks havoc in the marina - well, you just about got it then... I kid you not, in the 37 years I have been on this lake (and I'm only 38) I have NEVER seen a larger wake than what this guy was producing!!! Not behind the Mount, the Doris or Sophie or any other boat - it was insane!! I literally came off plane and just rolled over it. I can only imagine by the time that hit the surrounding islands, people must have had water in their back yard. I could recant dozens of stories just from this past summer of what I would consider stupid, careless and at times slightly scary acts that I had witnessed and NOT ONE involved excessive speed or a performance boat of any kind. As everyone here likes to call them, "GFBL's" and associated speeds are NOT the problem out on the water folks, it simply boils down to better boater education - and a whole lot of common sense. The former seems to be never learned or quickly forgotten and the latter, seems to be left on the dock with the boat cover... I don't get where the feeling, notion, whatever comes from that if we "slow down the lake" we will make it a much happier and safer place!? If you choose to drive a SeaRay that does 40mph because that is what fits your budget and boating needs, great! If someone else chooses to drive a 38' Cigarette (or similar) because that fits their boating style and budget, great! It's a big lake last time I checked, 'bout 44,000 acres +/- and that's a LOT of water for everyone to share, regardless of what I choose to do it in. Last I checked, the state motto was "Live Free or Die" - boater education and common sense need to be prevalent and need to prevail here. Speed limits will not solve the challenges on the lake any more than imposing any other speculative restrictions will. Having a son of my own now and a house on the lake, I have as much a vested interest in making the lake safer - for everyone - as any other boater, and speed limits are not the solution. my .02.

09-20-2006, 03:49 PM	#10
GWC... Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,325 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	In the interest of saving a lot of bandwidth, some interesting opining from the past: http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=1709 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...6340#post16340 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...6292#post16292 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...6216#post16216 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5948#post15948 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5894#post15894 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5338#post15338 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5125#post15125 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...4915#post14915 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5396#post15396 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5846#post15846 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...5157#post15157 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...4971#post14971 __________________ [Assume funny, clever sig is here. Laugh and reflect... ]

09-20-2006, 06:18 PM	#11
Weirs guy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Weirs Beach, NH Posts: 1,067 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Anyone else find it odd this came up after the summer? __________________ Is it bikeweek yet? Now?

09-20-2006, 11:38 AM	#2
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,909 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,686 Times in 592 Posts	Clearly,the "greenies" do not respect the democratic process....but there is a reason for that.They are smarter than the rest of us. If they had their way the lake would be restricted to sailboats,canoe's and kayaks.I don't own a go fast boat but they are a HUGE part of the lakes region economy.

09-20-2006, 12:54 PM	#4
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	As I mentioned at the beginning of the year, I have been keeping track of the boating accidents in NH for 2006 that have gotten the attention of media. I have the list in my computer at work but to the best of my recollection none of them were caused by speed. I will forward the list to my home computer tonight and if anyone would like a copy you can PM me.

09-20-2006, 07:41 PM	#12
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	It came up after the summer for the same reason it's being held on a Monday morning. The promoters want to make it harder for opposition to attend. BTW fatlazyless, soliciting to sell your vote is a felony.

09-20-2006, 07:52 PM	#13
playinghooky Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 61 Thanks: 7 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Judge declares boating illegal in all US navigable waters Maybe this ruling will put an end to the speed limit issue! This is from the International Boat Industry website. http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsd...23ibinews.html US federal judge declares boating illegal in all US navigable waters By IBI Magazine In a rather bizarre ruling that has marine industry officials worried, Judge Robert G. James of the United States District Court, Western Division of Louisiana, has said that it is criminal trespass for the American boating public to boat, fish, or hunt on the Mississippi River and other navigable waters in the US. In the case of Normal Parm v. Sheriff Mark Shumate, James ruled that federal law grants exclusive and private control over the waters of the river, outside the main shipping channel, to riparian landowners. The shallows of the navigable waters are no longer open to the public. That, in effect, makes boating illegal across most of the country. "Even though this action seems like a horrible pre-April fools joke, it is very serious," said Phil Keeter, MRAA president, in a statement. "Because essentially all the waters and waterways of our country are considered navigable in the US law, this ruling declares recreational boating, water skiing, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and fishing tournaments to be illegal and the public subject to jail sentences for recreating with their families." Last month, James rejected the findings of the Magistrate judge who found earlier that the American public had the right under federal law and Louisiana law to navigate, boat, fish, and hunt on the waters of the Mississippi river up to the normal high water line of the river. Judge James Kirk relied on the long established federal principles of navigation that recognized the public navigational rights "…entitles the public to the reasonable use of navigable waters for all legitimate purposes of travel or transportation, for boating, sailing for pleasure, as well as for carrying persons or property for hire, and in any kind of watercraft the use of which is consistent with others also enjoying the right possessed in common." "MRAA is working with the Coast Guard, state boating law administrators, and NMMA to fight this onerous ruling," said Glen Mazzella, MRAA chairman, in the statement. (14 September 2006)

09-20-2006, 08:42 PM	#14
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,774 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,020 Times in 742 Posts	....32' of crafted fiberglass in motion! Ok ok, JRC, not wanting to commit a felony and then have to hire an incredibly expensive defense attorney I hereby withdraw my offer to remove my name from the Meredith petition in exchange for $4000. By the way, is there any chance you could post a link to the statute which makes my former sales offer a felony? You know, between the crummy weather, and the high gas prices,I would say that the number of performance boats was down maybe 75% from summer 2005 to summer 2006. There were so few performance boats zooming by, fast &/or noisy, that they sort of became an attractive novelty, almost like some type of modern art in motion, or something. Hey look, look at that, there goes one of them there big fast cigarette boats.......what-a-ride....wweeeeeooooooooooooo!

09-21-2006, 12:54 PM	#16
RI Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Kingstown RI Posts: 688 Thanks: 143 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	Bloviate I thought Bloviate was when I drank too much water ...... ... oh, thats BLOAT ... __________________ Gene ~ aka "another RI Swamp Yankee"

09-21-2006, 02:35 PM	#17
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Can't wait to see what is said in this round of the bloviate-a-thon! __________________ SIKSUKR

09-20-2006, 10:41 PM	#18
Rinkerfam Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 268 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	DoTheMath and lake4life, I couldn't agree with you more. Educate as opposed to legislate! Enough said!! __________________ Education is hanging around 'til you've caught on - Frost

09-22-2006, 09:08 PM	#24
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,774 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,020 Times in 742 Posts	...to the editor! Hey jcr, if like you say, I've already created a felony then maybe I should be expecting the sheriff's dept to come haul me away to jail. Hopefully, I'll get sentenced to the State Prison in Laconia because it has a good view of Paugus Bay! New Hampshire is the most terrific place to live. Go to prison here and you end up incarcerated on waterfront property.....what a very nice state! From today's Laconia Daily Sun, an interesting letter to the editor sent in by B.B. of Gilford. "Both Flynn, Barrett should be at speed limit hearing" "To the editor: It seems as though the boating speed limit hearing Sept 25, 10 a.m., should be attended by both Commissioner Flynn, who will make the decision about speed limits on the big lake, and Director Barrett, who doesn't have an opinion about speed limits but is very vociferous about them, to make the majority of N.H. voters understand why speed laws can't be enforced when no other law enforcement agency, in this state or others, has a problem. Maybe they can also tell us why, when there is no speed law in effect, they keep telling us there is no data relating to accidents related to speed in New Hampshire. They may also be able to explain why they feel a speed limit wouldn't make lake Winnipesaukee a much safer place for ourselves and our families, even the tourists and weekenders would like to hear an answer to that. Please attend the hearing Sept. 25, 10 a.m, at the Meredith Community Center. We might all learn something, like we are going to continue this effort until a speed limit is put in place." B.B. Gilford

09-21-2006, 08:50 AM	#29
Skipper of the Sea Que Deceased Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 1/2 way between Boston & Providence Posts: 573 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 32 Thanked 55 Times in 22 Posts	Bloviate It made sense to me to think of vomit, as in Regurgitation: in this case from drinking too much V8. In reality, Webster says: Main Entry: blo·vi·ate Pronunciation: 'blO-vE-"At Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: perhaps irregular form... : to speak or write verbosely and windily Nice vocabulary Pepper. And I agree with you. A seperate speed forum would be fine with me. __________________ Amateur HAM Radio What is it? You'll be surprised. When all else fails Ham Radio still works. Shriners Hospitals *providing specialized care for children regardless of ability to pay*. Find out more or refer a patient.

09-21-2006, 09:43 AM	#31
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	thanks Pepper....it wasn't listed in my American Heritage Desk Dictionary!