MP - Seriously?

liberator211 · 07-22-2008, 12:43 PM

First and foremost I think the MP does a great job the majority of the time. They do surprise me from time to time with the way they harass me. Just last night I took a dusk cruise from Cummings Cove area into Paugus bay and left around 7:30. I went into the Weirs channel and the MP boat was also in the channel. We exchanged waves as we passed each other. As I departed the channel heading back towards Pitchwood around 8:00 I put up my stern light and turned my lights on. The MP was just sitting outside the channel off the flashing black marker near Hoits Point (no lights on). While pulling out I see three different jet skis still running without lights and another bonehead tubing with his lights on. This is now 8:15-8:30 and I am wondering why the heck the MP is not addressing either one of these issues. I take off and sure enough the lights go on and who does the MP pull over? Me of course; not the jet skiers who are still out or the bonehead with his kids tubing at near dark. I was far away from everybody including the MP so I knew I did not break any headway rules. We go through the whole thing of safety equipment, registration, boater’s license etc. After passing with flying colors they tell me they are going to issue me a ticket for not having properly displayed my running lights when we passed in the channel. Oh by the way they did not have any running lights on either when we passed in the Weirs Channel. Of course I did not bring that up or ask them why it was me and not the other knuckle heads they pulled over. I was able to apologize profusely and also receive a verbal warning but I mean come on. One last tidbit of information; I am young and own a go fast style boat so you now know the reason it was me who was pulled over and not the family tubing at dusk or the jet skiers. Has not been the first time I have been pulled-over nor do I expect it to be the last time. Have a good day everybody.

Winnipesaukee · 07-22-2008, 03:24 PM

You should have welcomed the ticket, asked the MP why their lights were off, and why they didn't pull over the boneheads on jet skis. Then you should have taken a picture of the MP boat and the jet skis.

VtSteve · 07-23-2008, 10:17 AM

Is this fairly new behavior on the lake? From many reports this year, it "appears" that a certain group of boaters has been targeted for some harassment. Possibly some is justified to make a statement, hard to tell since we only hear one side of the story. I'm not disputing your account at all, and it would appear that in your case at least, the MP not only has a problem with harassment, but one of upholding the law as well.

I realize I'm throwing this out there with no basis in fact other than posts here and elsewhere. I do that, because if there is a problem, it needs to be addressed so credibility remains intact. I know of at least one other lake where some powerful interests have influenced the targets the MP routinely single out.

Woodsy · 07-23-2008, 11:23 AM

VT...

I dont think a certian group of boaters has been singled out... its just not the way the NHMP operate. At Braun Bay I have seen them discuss the rules with everyone, not just us Hi-Po Boaters. I think there has been a decision this summer to crackdown a bit on rafting & other relatively minor violations. I think the NHMP has a bit less to do this year with boat traffic being waaaaayyyy down, so they have the manpower to concentrate on the lesser violations.

All in all I think they do a GREAT job!

Woodsy

VtSteve · 07-23-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

VT...

I dont think a certian group of boaters has been singled out... its just not the way the NHMP operate. At Braun Bay I have seen them discuss the rules with everyone, not just us Hi-Po Boaters. I think there has been a decision this summer to crackdown a bit on rafting & other relatively minor violations. I think the NHMP has a bit less to do this year with boat traffic being waaaaayyyy down, so they have the manpower to concentrate on the lesser violations.

All in all I think they do a GREAT job!

Woodsy

That's all well and good. But I'm far more concerned about the jet skiers and the tuber at dusk than I am about someone that did put their light on. If I'm the skipper of that boat, I'll take my medicine. But I'll also instruct the MP to look over yonder for a real accident waiting to happen. Poor judgment, or selective call?

tis · 07-23-2008, 12:53 PM

I DO think the MP gets a "cause" each year. It seems one year it was the decibel law, another the 150', etc. Has anyone else noticed that over the years? I don't know if they sit down at a meeting and say: "This year we are going to concentrate on the (such and such) law" or if it just kind of happens. I think a lot of times it is when the law is new too.

Last I knew, MP will not tow anyone, but they will call someone for you.

Phantom · 07-24-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

I DO think the MP gets a "cause" each year. It seems one year it was the decibel law, another the 150', etc. Has anyone else noticed that over the years? I don't know if they sit down at a meeting and say: "This year we are going to concentrate on the (such and such) law" or if it just kind of happens. I think a lot of times it is when the law is new too.

Last I knew, MP will not tow anyone, but they will call someone for you.

tis -- Rightly or wrongly I have to agree with you 100% .......

I am also a firm believer that (for the most part) the MP do a great job & are (usually) fair. But I had to laugh at your post tis, for each year we go up to the lake it has always been a question of "what will be MP's -itch- this season".

Island-Ho · 07-23-2008, 12:59 PM

Liberator - Your post indicates the alledged lighting infraction occurred between 8:15 and 8:30. This is very picky by MP, especially as you had turned on your lights before he stopped you. On 7/21 susnset was at 8:20pm, and lights are required between sunset and sunrise. MP probably waited until after the inquery and safety inspection before he wrote the ticket, so the time on the ticket will unfortunately be after sunset. I don't know what times are entered on a ticket, but you might want to compare those with actual sunset time. There is probably not enough accurate time noted to be of any use fighting it.

Was the tuber there after he was finished with you? Maybe that was his next target.

Airwaves · 07-23-2008, 01:35 PM

Just to follow up on Island-Ho's thoughts

Even if the time of the ticket is at the end of the stop and after sunset wouldn't the MP boat call the stop into MPHQ when the stop was first initiated? So if you wanted to dispute the ticket and timeline the MPHQ should have the time of the inital stop written in their log.

BTW I beleive liberator said he was able to talk MP out of a ticket and just received a verbal warning.

As for MP targeting groups. If I had to venture a guess I'd say they are probably more focused on boats they believe might be able to go above the new speed limit law in anticipation of it taking effect. Kind of putting folks on notice this year. That, coupled with boat traffic being lighter they have less to do.

John A. Birdsall · 07-24-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island-Ho

Liberator - Your post indicates the alledged lighting infraction occurred between 8:15 and 8:30. This is very picky by MP, especially as you had turned on your lights before he stopped you. On 7/21 susnset was at 8:20pm, and lights are required between sunset and sunrise. MP probably waited until after the inquery and safety inspection before he wrote the ticket, so the time on the ticket will unfortunately be after sunset. I don't know what times are entered on a ticket, but you might want to compare those with actual sunset time. There is probably not enough accurate time noted to be of any use fighting it.

Was the tuber there after he was finished with you? Maybe that was his next target.

If my memory serves me correctly lights are to be turned on 1/2 hr before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise. Now I have not looked at the regs about this for some time, but I believe that is the case, which says the lights need to be on at 7:50 PM

NightWing · 07-24-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

If my memory serves me correctly lights are to be turned on 1/2 hr before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise. Now I have not looked at the regs about this for some time, but I believe that is the case, which says the lights need to be on at 7:50 PM

Sorry John, that isn't correct. Read the rule in the post above yours. It is during the hours of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

Airwaves · 07-24-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nightwing
They don't have to carry VHF radios. The VHF channels commonly used for emergency broadcasts are programmed in the police radios on board and in dispatch.

Let me throw out this question then.
IIRC USCG regulations require commercial vessels to carry VHF and monitor VHF16.
Now I know that NH is a world unto itself and while USCG rules are accepted pretty much everywhere else in the US, not so in NH.
So, the question becomes are NH commercial vessels, and I would argue that the NHMP falls into this category, required under USCG rules to carry Marine VHF radios and monitor VHF 16?

BTW, I'll ask again. Did the NHMP issue a severe WX warning on VHF 16 for today's events?

NightWing · 07-24-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Let me throw out this question then.
IIRC USCG regulations require commercial vessels to carry VHF and monitor VHF16.
Now I know that NH is a world unto itself and while USCG rules are accepted pretty much everywhere else in the US, not so in NH.
So, the question becomes are NH commercial vessels, and I would argue that the NHMP falls into this category, required under USCG rules to carry Marine VHF radios and monitor VHF 16?

BTW, I'll ask again. Did the NHMP issue a severe WX warning on VHF 16 for today's events?

I doubt that CC regs, even if they applied to the MP boats would require a separate VHF radio when the on board Motorola carries the marine channels. It is the difference between a clock and a clock radio. The clock radio tells time the same as a clock.

As far as weather warnings, since you have your VHF radio, tune in to WX1 or WX2 for up to date weather. They broadcast all the time, continuously.

Airwaves · 07-24-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nightwing
I doubt that CC regs, even if they applied to the MP boats would require a separate VHF radio when the on board Motorola carries the marine channels. It is the difference between a clock and a clock radio. The clock radio tells time the same as a clock.

As far as weather warnings, since you have your VHF radio, tune in to WX1 or WX2 for up to date weather. They broadcast all the time, continuously.

Okay so clear this up for me since based on your past posts it appears to me that you may be, or have once been, an officer of the NHMP or MP Auxilary? (Not being nosy but it would explain what appears to be some of your "inside" knowledge?)

First off yes, USCG regulations reguire a VHF radio on commercial vessels and that it be tuned to chanel 16 at all times while underway. Some vessel are also required to carry a second VHF radio tuned to channel 13 (bridge to bridge) and a third SSB radio. This is in addition to whatever company radio might be involved.

The onboard Motorola NHMP vessels carry. You say it carries the VHF marine channels. Do those Motorola radios allow the MP crews two-way communications with recreational/USCG vessels (AirOps) on those channels or are we talking about a boat with a built-in scanner (monitor only) on board?

If they are equipped, do NHMP boats monitor VHF 16 at all times while underway as required by USCG regulation?

As for WX warnings, certainly you can tune your VHF Radio to WX (xx) for the latest, but since boats are required to monitor VHF 16, and older VHF radios don't have a scan feature, it would be NICE if the MP gave boaters a heads up, ya think? USCG Group Portland certainly does, but Group Portland (audible on Winnipesaukee) is concerned about it's own operating area, that does NOT include the Lakes Region of NH.

So, we still have TWO questions pending. Why don't MP boats have VHF Marine radios, and DID the NHMPHQ issue a marine warning broadcast today?

Skip · 07-24-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

...So, we still have TWO questions pending. Why don't MP boats have VHF Marine radios, and DID the NHMPHQ issue a marine warning broadcast today?...

HERE is the contact page for the good folks over at NHMP.

I am sure they will happily and directly answer your pertinent questions...perhaps you can share the answers with us after you speak to them!

Skip

Airwaves · 07-24-2008, 10:06 PM

Since I am leaving on vacation for the coast of Maine Saturday what I will do is copy the last few posts and forward them to the NHMP contact page that you have linked to requesting they post the answer here on Winnipesaukee.com/forums.

Hopefully when I get back I'll have an answer.
AW

Airwaves · 07-24-2008, 10:16 PM

I copied and pasted posts number 30, 31, 32, 37, 38. 39. 40 to the link Skip gave us.

NightWing · 07-24-2008, 11:54 PM

Mr. Airwaves, I have followed many of your posts and have replied to a few of them.

I am of the belief that you take great pleasure in trying to make the MP look incompetent. You post questions on here that you tend to question the answers given. You seem to doubt everyone here even when RSA's are quoted directly.

This last go around about VHF radios and whether the MP broadcast a weather warning and do the MP boats meet CG regs which actually don't apply on NH inland waters.

I think the best thing is for you to direct all your questions, comments and suspicions about NHMP to their headquarters in Gilford. I am sure they would be happy to respond to you. After all, inquiring minds want to know.

Airwaves · 07-25-2008, 01:13 AM

Mr Nightwing
I question issues of safety regarding whether the MP have VHF radios onboard, utilize them and make general safety broadcasts to the boating public on Lake Winnipesaukee.

So because an RSA doesn't say a VHF Marine broadcast warning boaters of danger should be made, does that mean it shouldn't be made? Safety applies then only to ocean boaters?

Mr. Nightwing, please quote the RSA that says NHMP should leave the warning broadcasts on VHF 16 to the USCG aimed only at vessels on costal waters, after all you say I challenge RSAs even with they are directly quoted.

If you had bothered to read the post directly above your response you would have seen that I have submitted these questions to the NHMP.

As for questioning opinions on this forum....golly gee, I didn't realize that everything you say must be true because you say so....I'm so sorry

NightWing · 07-25-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Mr Nightwing
I question issues of safety regarding whether the MP have VHF radios onboard, utilize them and make general safety broadcasts to the boating public on Lake Winnipesaukee.

So because an RSA doesn't say a VHF Marine broadcast warning boaters of danger should be made, does that mean it shouldn't be made? Safety applies then only to ocean boaters?

Mr. Nightwing, please quote the RSA that says NHMP should leave the warning broadcasts on VHF 16 to the USCG aimed only at vessels on costal waters, after all you say I challenge RSAs even with they are directly quoted.

If you had bothered to read the post directly above your response you would have seen that I have submitted these questions to the NHMP.

As for questioning opinions on this forum....golly gee, I didn't realize that everything you say must be true because you say so....I'm so sorry

Keep it up.

Lakegeezer · 07-25-2008, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

I question issues of safety regarding whether the MP have VHF radios onboard, utilize them and make general safety broadcasts to the boating public on Lake Winnipesaukee.

So because an RSA doesn't say a VHF Marine broadcast warning boaters of danger should be made, does that mean it shouldn't be made? Safety applies then only to ocean boaters?

If the MP started making weather broadcasts, wouldn't that set expectations that with no warning it is safe? I am pretty sure issuing warnings like this is not part of their charter. The MP is not set up to constantly monitor for unsafe conditions and might be too busy to issue a warning if there was an impending problem. Instead of the MP, it might be more practical for VHF users on the lake to warn each other. Would using channel 16 for this qualify as appropriate use?

Mee-n-Mac · 07-25-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

{snip}
So, we still have TWO questions pending. Why don't MP boats have VHF Marine radios, and DID the NHMPHQ issue a marine warning broadcast today?

Well I'm not with the NHMP (nor do I play one on TV) but I can guess as well as the next guy. They don't have VHF radios because they aren't needed and cost $$. Last I knew the NHMP are not commercial vessels, they'd fall into the category of Gov't use. I can't see the USCG regs as being applicable even on those boats operating off the coast.

As for #2 ... Probably not and because it's not in their charter. Same deal as towing. Frankly they are ample ways to get weather info these days from sources whose job it is to provide weather info. I'm not sure I'd want the NHMP to get into that "business" short of extreme emergency.

Winnipesaukee · 07-26-2008, 04:42 PM

VHF radios cost maybe $200 per boat to install. I personally believe every wind or machine-powered vessel should be required to carry one. Handhelds are as low as $40. There really is no excuse not to have one.

Let's look at it from another angle. I'm in my old small sailboat in a remote area of the lake (some cove in Moultonboro Bay let's say) and my gooseneck breaks. A tow into my house 1/2 mile away would be nice. The only boat I see is a MP boat a mile away. So I figure, "Wow, this is my lucky day," and try to hail them on 16. They don't answer and drive off.

How about this: there is a boat full of reckless drunks, getting too close to other boats on plane, throwing garbage overboard, etc. I go to call MP to report the incident but remember that they don't have VHF radios. So I get the bow numbers and call MP on shore, but not before the boat waked a kayak enough to swamp it.

These, of course, are hypothetical.

Nobody has justified the lack of radios yet. Besides a life jacket, VHF radios are the number one safety device on a boat.

Kamper · 07-26-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

VHF radios cost maybe $200 per boat to install. I personally believe every wind or machine-powered vessel should be required to carry one. Handhelds are as low as $40. ... Besides a life jacket, VHF radios are the number one safety device on a boat.

I was going to make a cheap joke about #2 but the mood passed.

Before anyone buys a cheaper handheld, try to view the manual on-line. Some of them are only water 'resistant' not 'waterproof.' I got a Midland version for $60 a few years back and they included a plastic bag to make it completly water-proof.

The bargain versions are better than nothing bit are really more of the toy category than tool category. They make ok scanners if you enjoy monitorring the traffic from ashore. I already had an installed VHF and have since changed to a DSC model so I wasn't trying to get off cheap on my main gear. If it is all a person can afford right now, then get that piece of gear and hope for the best.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...land#post28280

This link is to a thread where I reviewed the item I mentionned. Since then better bargain products have come on the market and I'm sure a good hand-held can be bought for under $100.

Good luck!

Airwaves · 08-04-2008, 09:57 PM

I'm just back from a lovely vacation on the coast of Maine. While on the coast I was listening to the USCG.

I found it interesting that the USCG Sector Northern New England issued a severe thunderstorm warning for INTERIOR NH a week ago Sunday. The same area that was devistated by wx leaving one woman dead recently.

Funny the USCG will warn boaters and of severe weather for an area outside of their AOR but the NH Marine Patrol doesn't take a similar responsibility for their own AOR! Go ahead and justify why the Marine Patrol won't do it for the boating public while they do make the announcements to their own crews all you want.

I was also surprised by the different approach of public safety people regarding interaction with tourists. The local PD did a sweep of the beach several times while I was there and listening. How many arrests? Zero. How many warnings? 94 during the first sweep. Warnings vs tickets.

It seems that some resort areas are much better at dealing with their "Golden goose" than others.

Looking back at the post that started this thread I'd say NH needs to get its act together or folks (like me) will continue generating money in NH but spend it in Maine.

Go ahead bash away

Skip · 08-04-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

...Looking back at the post that started this thread I'd say NH needs to get its act together or folks (like me) will continue generating money in NH but spend it in Maine...

Ah, the good ol' days....

1992

Airwaves · 08-04-2008, 10:28 PM

Hey Skip,

1992 heh? I'm better than I thought, posting I was leaving the forum 14 years before I ever heard about the forum or joined!

Quote:

Join Date
02-13-2006
Total Posts
782
Blog Entries
0

Nope, I'm not going away, just my disposable income

Skip · 08-04-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Hey Skip,

1992 heh? I'm better than I thought, posting I was leaving the forum 14 years before I ever heard about the forum or joined!

Nope, I'm not going away, just my disposable income

1992 is the attachment number...the post date is in 2006, after another one of your long and tireless rants against the State in general and the Marine Patrol in particular, and is clearly embedded in the attachment.

Airwaves · 08-04-2008, 11:10 PM

Nope, still not seeing 1992, as a matter of fact if the information contained is correct I have only posted twice since the post date of 2006!

Something that I did learn during my trip to the coast of Maine that I will pass along. While out on Winnipesaukee in the past I have heard the Coast Guard Portland on my VHF radio issue a "Securite" for severe weather information and been instructed to switch to channel 22 Alpha. I never bothered to switch to 22 Alpha assuming that the severe weather information pertained only to the coast of Maine and not interior NH.

After these past couple of weeks, learning the NHMP doesn't issue these weather warnings to NH boaters, but the Coast Guard in Maine does issue a broadcast when severe weather is in the Winnipesaukee area, I'll be switching to channel 22 Alpha to make certain.

It's funny though, after a number of my "rants" about the way NH does business or about the NHMP I have read several others make the very same suggestions I was bashed for several months later...so when I suggest something that might make something easier or clear up an ambiguity it's just me trying to make NH more like Mass because I'm from "away"?

That's mighty neighborly of ya'll, so I'll take the money I generate in NH and spend it in a place that is actually friendly to folks from "away"

Yep, careful what you wish for...you might get it.

No, not me leaving, just my disposable income leaving and more importantly others with disposable income finding other resort communities that are happy to see us

topwater · 08-05-2008, 08:44 AM

Airwaves, OUTSTANDING POST! 1 Down -- 200,000 out staters to go. Please check in with us every once in awhile, and lets us know where the good lobster places are. Have a WONDERFUL TIME, and don't forget to tell all your buddies about how great Maine is. There is a MOOSEHEAD LAKE FORUM, so, go get-em tiger~!!

Airwaves · 08-05-2008, 12:48 PM

Too many black flies at Moosehead!

Nope, the coast is lovely!

A final note to bring it back to my original thoughts before Skip jumped in to wave goodbye.

Why doesn't the NHMP warn NH boaters, like they do with their own crews, when severe weather is approaching? Someone pointed out that it might take too much time to monitor the weather at NHMP HQ but since they already warn their own crews it appears they do monitor the weather and are aware of dangerous conditions.

And to bring up my observation on the differing ways public safety officials treat tourists...94 warnings, no tickets and no arrests...just letting tourists know about a town by-law vs the situation outlined in the first post of this thread. I seem to remember other posts involving the NHMP picking off boaters as they left the Weirs...maybe it was on the 4th of July or there about?

Those kinds of stories, coupled with the fear mongering that's been going on for the past 4 years or so, are going to cost Winnipesaukee merchants and ultimately property taxpayers in the long run.

Yankee (out-of-staters) go home, just leave your money!

07-22-2008, 12:43 PM	#1
liberator211 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Westbrook, CT Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Another story 7/21 First and foremost I think the MP does a great job the majority of the time. They do surprise me from time to time with the way they harass me. Just last night I took a dusk cruise from Cummings Cove area into Paugus bay and left around 7:30. I went into the Weirs channel and the MP boat was also in the channel. We exchanged waves as we passed each other. As I departed the channel heading back towards Pitchwood around 8:00 I put up my stern light and turned my lights on. The MP was just sitting outside the channel off the flashing black marker near Hoits Point (no lights on). While pulling out I see three different jet skis still running without lights and another bonehead tubing with his lights on. This is now 8:15-8:30 and I am wondering why the heck the MP is not addressing either one of these issues. I take off and sure enough the lights go on and who does the MP pull over? Me of course; not the jet skiers who are still out or the bonehead with his kids tubing at near dark. I was far away from everybody including the MP so I knew I did not break any headway rules. We go through the whole thing of safety equipment, registration, boater’s license etc. After passing with flying colors they tell me they are going to issue me a ticket for not having properly displayed my running lights when we passed in the channel. Oh by the way they did not have any running lights on either when we passed in the Weirs Channel. Of course I did not bring that up or ask them why it was me and not the other knuckle heads they pulled over. I was able to apologize profusely and also receive a verbal warning but I mean come on. One last tidbit of information; I am young and own a go fast style boat so you now know the reason it was me who was pulled over and not the family tubing at dusk or the jet skiers. Has not been the first time I have been pulled-over nor do I expect it to be the last time. Have a good day everybody.

07-23-2008, 11:23 AM	#4
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	VT... I dont think a certian group of boaters has been singled out... its just not the way the NHMP operate. At Braun Bay I have seen them discuss the rules with everyone, not just us Hi-Po Boaters. I think there has been a decision this summer to crackdown a bit on rafting & other relatively minor violations. I think the NHMP has a bit less to do this year with boat traffic being waaaaayyyy down, so they have the manpower to concentrate on the lesser violations. All in all I think they do a GREAT job! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

07-23-2008, 12:59 PM	#8
Island-Ho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 178 Thanks: 21 Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts	It's all in the Timing Liberator - Your post indicates the alledged lighting infraction occurred between 8:15 and 8:30. This is very picky by MP, especially as you had turned on your lights before he stopped you. On 7/21 susnset was at 8:20pm, and lights are required between sunset and sunrise. MP probably waited until after the inquery and safety inspection before he wrote the ticket, so the time on the ticket will unfortunately be after sunset. I don't know what times are entered on a ticket, but you might want to compare those with actual sunset time. There is probably not enough accurate time noted to be of any use fighting it. Was the tuber there after he was finished with you? Maybe that was his next target.

07-24-2008, 10:16 PM	#17
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Sent! I copied and pasted posts number 30, 31, 32, 37, 38. 39. 40 to the link Skip gave us.

07-26-2008, 04:42 PM	#23
Winnipesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 233 Thanks: 14 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	*bash!* VHF radios cost maybe $200 per boat to install. I personally believe every wind or machine-powered vessel should be required to carry one. Handhelds are as low as $40. There really is no excuse not to have one. Let's look at it from another angle. I'm in my old small sailboat in a remote area of the lake (some cove in Moultonboro Bay let's say) and my gooseneck breaks. A tow into my house 1/2 mile away would be nice. The only boat I see is a MP boat a mile away. So I figure, "Wow, this is my lucky day," and try to hail them on 16. They don't answer and drive off. How about this: there is a boat full of reckless drunks, getting too close to other boats on plane, throwing garbage overboard, etc. I go to call MP to report the incident but remember that they don't have VHF radios. So I get the bow numbers and call MP on shore, but not before the boat waked a kayak enough to swamp it. These, of course, are hypothetical. Nobody has justified the lack of radios yet. Besides a life jacket, VHF radios are the number one safety device on a boat. __________________ Sail fast, live slow!

07-22-2008, 03:24 PM	#2
Winnipesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 233 Thanks: 14 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	You should have welcomed the ticket, asked the MP why their lights were off, and why they didn't pull over the boneheads on jet skis. Then you should have taken a picture of the MP boat and the jet skis. __________________ Sail fast, live slow!

07-23-2008, 10:17 AM	#3
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	Is this fairly new behavior on the lake? From many reports this year, it "appears" that a certain group of boaters has been targeted for some harassment. Possibly some is justified to make a statement, hard to tell since we only hear one side of the story. I'm not disputing your account at all, and it would appear that in your case at least, the MP not only has a problem with harassment, but one of upholding the law as well. I realize I'm throwing this out there with no basis in fact other than posts here and elsewhere. I do that, because if there is a problem, it needs to be addressed so credibility remains intact. I know of at least one other lake where some powerful interests have influenced the targets the MP routinely single out.

07-23-2008, 12:53 PM	#6
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,841 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	I DO think the MP gets a "cause" each year. It seems one year it was the decibel law, another the 150', etc. Has anyone else noticed that over the years? I don't know if they sit down at a meeting and say: "This year we are going to concentrate on the (such and such) law" or if it just kind of happens. I think a lot of times it is when the law is new too. Last I knew, MP will not tow anyone, but they will call someone for you.

07-23-2008, 01:35 PM	#9
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Just to follow up on Island-Ho's thoughts Even if the time of the ticket is at the end of the stop and after sunset wouldn't the MP boat call the stop into MPHQ when the stop was first initiated? So if you wanted to dispute the ticket and timeline the MPHQ should have the time of the inital stop written in their log. BTW I beleive liberator said he was able to talk MP out of a ticket and just received a verbal warning. As for MP targeting groups. If I had to venture a guess I'd say they are probably more focused on boats they believe might be able to go above the new speed limit law in anticipation of it taking effect. Kind of putting folks on notice this year. That, coupled with boat traffic being lighter they have less to do.

07-24-2008, 10:06 PM	#16
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Since I am leaving on vacation for the coast of Maine Saturday what I will do is copy the last few posts and forward them to the NHMP contact page that you have linked to requesting they post the answer here on Winnipesaukee.com/forums. Hopefully when I get back I'll have an answer. AW

07-24-2008, 11:54 PM	#18
NightWing Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 410 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Mr. Airwaves, I have followed many of your posts and have replied to a few of them. I am of the belief that you take great pleasure in trying to make the MP look incompetent. You post questions on here that you tend to question the answers given. You seem to doubt everyone here even when RSA's are quoted directly. This last go around about VHF radios and whether the MP broadcast a weather warning and do the MP boats meet CG regs which actually don't apply on NH inland waters. I think the best thing is for you to direct all your questions, comments and suspicions about NHMP to their headquarters in Gilford. I am sure they would be happy to respond to you. After all, inquiring minds want to know.

07-25-2008, 01:13 AM	#19
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Mr Nightwing I question issues of safety regarding whether the MP have VHF radios onboard, utilize them and make general safety broadcasts to the boating public on Lake Winnipesaukee. So because an RSA doesn't say a VHF Marine broadcast warning boaters of danger should be made, does that mean it shouldn't be made? Safety applies then only to ocean boaters? Mr. Nightwing, please quote the RSA that says NHMP should leave the warning broadcasts on VHF 16 to the USCG aimed only at vessels on costal waters, after all you say I challenge RSAs even with they are directly quoted. If you had bothered to read the post directly above your response you would have seen that I have submitted these questions to the NHMP. As for questioning opinions on this forum....golly gee, I didn't realize that everything you say must be true because you say so....I'm so sorry

08-04-2008, 09:57 PM	#25
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	I'm just back from a lovely vacation on the coast of Maine. While on the coast I was listening to the USCG. I found it interesting that the USCG Sector Northern New England issued a severe thunderstorm warning for INTERIOR NH a week ago Sunday. The same area that was devistated by wx leaving one woman dead recently. Funny the USCG will warn boaters and of severe weather for an area outside of their AOR but the NH Marine Patrol doesn't take a similar responsibility for their own AOR! Go ahead and justify why the Marine Patrol won't do it for the boating public while they do make the announcements to their own crews all you want. I was also surprised by the different approach of public safety people regarding interaction with tourists. The local PD did a sweep of the beach several times while I was there and listening. How many arrests? Zero. How many warnings? 94 during the first sweep. Warnings vs tickets. It seems that some resort areas are much better at dealing with their "Golden goose" than others. Looking back at the post that started this thread I'd say NH needs to get its act together or folks (like me) will continue generating money in NH but spend it in Maine. Go ahead bash away

08-04-2008, 11:10 PM	#29
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Nope, still not seeing 1992, as a matter of fact if the information contained is correct I have only posted twice since the post date of 2006! Something that I did learn during my trip to the coast of Maine that I will pass along. While out on Winnipesaukee in the past I have heard the Coast Guard Portland on my VHF radio issue a "Securite" for severe weather information and been instructed to switch to channel 22 Alpha. I never bothered to switch to 22 Alpha assuming that the severe weather information pertained only to the coast of Maine and not interior NH. After these past couple of weeks, learning the NHMP doesn't issue these weather warnings to NH boaters, but the Coast Guard in Maine does issue a broadcast when severe weather is in the Winnipesaukee area, I'll be switching to channel 22 Alpha to make certain. It's funny though, after a number of my "rants" about the way NH does business or about the NHMP I have read several others make the very same suggestions I was bashed for several months later...so when I suggest something that might make something easier or clear up an ambiguity it's just me trying to make NH more like Mass because I'm from "away"? That's mighty neighborly of ya'll, so I'll take the money I generate in NH and spend it in a place that is actually friendly to folks from "away" Yep, careful what you wish for...you might get it. No, not me leaving, just my disposable income leaving and more importantly others with disposable income finding other resort communities that are happy to see us

08-05-2008, 08:44 AM	#30
topwater Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 302 Thanks: 85 Thanked 116 Times in 48 Posts	Airwaves, OUTSTANDING POST! 1 Down -- 200,000 out staters to go. Please check in with us every once in awhile, and lets us know where the good lobster places are. Have a WONDERFUL TIME, and don't forget to tell all your buddies about how great Maine is. There is a MOOSEHEAD LAKE FORUM, so, go get-em tiger~!!

08-05-2008, 12:48 PM	#31
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Too many black flies at Moosehead! Nope, the coast is lovely! A final note to bring it back to my original thoughts before Skip jumped in to wave goodbye. Why doesn't the NHMP warn NH boaters, like they do with their own crews, when severe weather is approaching? Someone pointed out that it might take too much time to monitor the weather at NHMP HQ but since they already warn their own crews it appears they do monitor the weather and are aware of dangerous conditions. And to bring up my observation on the differing ways public safety officials treat tourists...94 warnings, no tickets and no arrests...just letting tourists know about a town by-law vs the situation outlined in the first post of this thread. I seem to remember other posts involving the NHMP picking off boaters as they left the Weirs...maybe it was on the 4th of July or there about? Those kinds of stories, coupled with the fear mongering that's been going on for the past 4 years or so, are going to cost Winnipesaukee merchants and ultimately property taxpayers in the long run. Yankee (out-of-staters) go home, just leave your money!