Stopped by the Marine Patrol - Advice Needed

[The Real BigGuy]

Originally Posted by Descant

MP likes to o point to their admirable record of "educational stops" as opposed to giving out a lot of fines/tickets. I like that approach. Woodsy is probably right that Jet skis get a little more attention than larger boats due to operating characteristics. There is even a section of the law that describes running around (often wake jumping) with no discernable course is reckless operation. Jet skis do this, larger boats, not so much.

Woodsy is also right about "dead slow". There is also a rule about going so slow as to impede the safe operation of another vessel. I have a boat (not launched in Winni this year) that idles at 600 rpm. At 600 rpm it goes 6.25 mph but does not create a wake. So that's my No wake speed. However, a boat that is going 2 mph in the Weirs Channel or the Graveyard puts me in a position where wind or wakes could force me out of the channel. Yes, you will get the horn, or my anchor on your flagpole. Keeping a "proper lookout" means 360 degrees, not just your starboard quarter.

Looking back and seeing no wake does not put you in compliance with NH regs. “No Wake” is now defined as headway speed or, the slowest your boat can go and still maintain control. In Descant’s case if he can maintain headway speed by going slower than 6.5 mph, even if it means shifting in & out of gear, that is what regs require.

Also, the boat in front should be looking 360 as good practice but, the boat in front is the “stand on” boat and the boat in back is the “give way” boat. If you “put the anchor on the flagpole” of the leading boat, you are legally liable.


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