Boaters certificate question

loneskier · 05-24-2008, 06:19 PM

Does anyone know what the fine is for not having a license? My stepfather is the world's biggest procrastinator and he finally turned the age that the license is required and the first class he can get into is in mid June.
Of course he want's to go out tommorrow...
Thanks

jonfinn · 05-24-2008, 08:32 PM

I took the test, and got the safe boating cert. here in MA a couple of years ago (offered by the Environmental Poilce). They did an excellent job and I recommend the course highly to anyone who boats here in MA. Having said that, I've found it very useful to use the NH practice test as a way of refreshing my memory. I was surprised at how much info fell off my short-term memory. Also, the nav. markers work a little bit differently too.

After I got over my initial irritation over being "inconvenienced" by having to take a course, I was somewhat surprised that the cert. requirement is a recent trend. If you run in to trouble on a boat, you can't just pull over.

NightWing · 05-25-2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loneskier

Does anyone know what the fine is for not having a license? My stepfather is the world's biggest procrastinator and he finally turned the age that the license is required and the first class he can get into is in mid June.
Of course he want's to go out tommorrow...
Thanks

Now everyone needs one.

Date of Birth Certificate Required
January 1, 1983 January 1, 2002
January 1, 1977 January 1, 2003
January 1, 1973 January 1, 2004
January 1, 1967 January 1, 2005
January 1, 1963 January 1, 2006
January 1, 1957 January 1, 2007
All January 1, 2008

SBC · 05-25-2008, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loneskier

Does anyone know what the fine is for not having a license? My stepfather is the world's biggest procrastinator and he finally turned the age that the license is required and the first class he can get into is in mid June.
Of course he want's to go out tommorrow...
Thanks

The first offense is $60.00. Each subsequent offense is $300.00.

All you people, I've mentioned it before in this forum: $20.00 and 7 1/2 hours out of your life for a CERTIFICATE that is GOOD FOR LIFE and reciprocal with at least 40 other states is still one of the best deals in boating today.

Don't hesitate, don't procrastinate-- go to a class. BTW, the internet may be an attractive solution to the " I waited until the last minute" problem YOU CREATED but you are not going to benefit from some other state's course when it comes to NH LAWS. Know the laws of the state in which you operate.

It seems so sleazy to short cut the whole idea of SAFETY by rushing through some other state's internet course. Are they going to give you pointers on the NH aids to Navigation?? I don't think so. When you go red-right-return on those you will be on the rocks and still be a Capt. Bonehead.

Whew, thanx for the loan of the soapbox Skip.

Skip · 05-25-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBC

...Whew, thanx for the loan of the soapbox Skip...

By the way, several marinas have caught on to another loophole in the regulations to make renting to tourists easier.

I have just saw the first ads from a Lakes Region dealer exploiting the over 25horsepower requirement for the certificate.

This particular dealer is advertising specially configured pontoon boats with 25HP motor packages, exempt from the current boating certificate regulations.

Interesting marketing idea....

270-D:10 Certificate Required. –
I. No person born on or after the dates provided in this section shall operate a motorized vessel with any type of power motor in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters of this state without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education in accordance with this subdivision:

TomC · 05-25-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

This particular dealer is advertising specially configured pontoon boats with 25HP motor packages, exempt from the current boating certificate regulations.

years ago rumor had it that Mercury put 9.9HP labels on 15HP motors to allow more power on lakes with 10HP restrictions (same power head in those days)...

Whats to stop this dealer (or anyone) from taking the same approach and ordering a 25 HP decal set from the parts dept and applying to a larger motor?

Are the MP savvy to this kind of thing?

Skip · 05-25-2008, 08:33 AM

Good points Tom....

I talked to a friend of mine yesterday that owns a seacoast marina.
He said that these 25HP/Pontoon packages are actually a very nice rig, and for many folks is all that they need to get out on the water with the family for a day...plus the fact that the new motors sip fuel!

He also said, from a renter's perspective, that this type package is geared toward the novice and much more forgiving than the standard higher HP pontoon or fiberglass bowrider options of the past...with a significant break on insurance due to the lower HP.

There's always a market for those willing to do their homework!

05-24-2008, 06:19 PM	#1
loneskier Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Attleboro Ma Posts: 25 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Fine for not having license Does anyone know what the fine is for not having a license? My stepfather is the world's biggest procrastinator and he finally turned the age that the license is required and the first class he can get into is in mid June. Of course he want's to go out tommorrow... Thanks

05-25-2008, 08:33 AM	#7
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	What's under the hood? Good points Tom.... I talked to a friend of mine yesterday that owns a seacoast marina. He said that these 25HP/Pontoon packages are actually a very nice rig, and for many folks is all that they need to get out on the water with the family for a day...plus the fact that the new motors sip fuel! He also said, from a renter's perspective, that this type package is geared toward the novice and much more forgiving than the standard higher HP pontoon or fiberglass bowrider options of the past...with a significant break on insurance due to the lower HP. There's always a market for those willing to do their homework!

05-24-2008, 08:32 PM	#2
jonfinn Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Weymouth, MA Posts: 37 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I took the test, and got the safe boating cert. here in MA a couple of years ago (offered by the Environmental Poilce). They did an excellent job and I recommend the course highly to anyone who boats here in MA. Having said that, I've found it very useful to use the NH practice test as a way of refreshing my memory. I was surprised at how much info fell off my short-term memory. Also, the nav. markers work a little bit differently too. After I got over my initial irritation over being "inconvenienced" by having to take a course, I was somewhat surprised that the cert. requirement is a recent trend. If you run in to trouble on a boat, you can't just pull over.