Water Skiing/Tubing Laws

chipj29 · 08-06-2008, 07:45 AM

Where I take the kids water skiing, I will not go until I am sure that MP is not out. Why is that? I just don't want the hassle. My son is 12, and is 5' 6" and 140#. He is more than capable of spotting when my daughter is on the skis.
Not to mention the other idiots on the water who would likely invade my 150 ft, putting me and the kids in danger, as well as in violation of the law.

A few years ago my buddy was pulling a tube with his 2 kids on it. We all watched as a boat looked as though it was going to drive right between the boat and the tube. The boat turned away at the last second, passing within 20 ft of the tube. Needless to say, he got an earful.

Anyway, I prefer to do the skiing on weekdays when there is less traffic and hassles. The earlier in the day the better, although we are rarely (never!) out on the water at sunrise.

VitaBene · 08-06-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

Where I take the kids water skiing, I will not go until I am sure that MP is not out. Why is that? I just don't want the hassle. My son is 12, and is 5' 6" and 140#. He is more than capable of spotting when my daughter is on the skis.
Not to mention the other idiots on the water who would likely invade my 150 ft, putting me and the kids in danger, as well as in violation of the law.

A few years ago my buddy was pulling a tube with his 2 kids on it. We all watched as a boat looked as though it was going to drive right between the boat and the tube. The boat turned away at the last second, passing within 20 ft of the tube. Needless to say, he got an earful.

Anyway, I prefer to do the skiing on weekdays when there is less traffic and hassles. The earlier in the day the better, although we are rarely (never!) out on the water at sunrise.

I personally see a huge difference between a 12 year old and an 8 year old as a spotter - yes, both are easily distracted, but I would want the 12 year old all other things being equal.

As far as PFDs are concerned, regardless of the law my kids (ages 13 and 10) and any others under 16 wear PFDs on my boat. If they don't like it, they can stay on land!

ossipeeboater · 08-06-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaBene

I personally see a huge difference between a 12 year old and an 8 year old as a spotter - yes, both are easily distracted, but I would want the 12 year old all other things being equal.

As far as PFDs are concerned, regardless of the law my kids (ages 13 and 10) and any others under 16 wear PFDs on my boat. If they don't like it, they can stay on land!

I agree with the life jackets, I required anyone under 13 prior to the change and I'll agree not every 8 year olds capable but that should be the parents decision not some arbitrary age law, my wife stands no chance of pulling me in the boat if something happened so I'm at no more risk with him spotting than having her spot.

It's funny to me that my son is legally allowed to take a skiff with less than a 25hp motor out solo but is not allowed to tell me someone fell off the tube.

NightWing · 08-06-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossipeeboater

..............my wife stands no chance of pulling me in the boat if something happened so I'm at no more risk with him spotting than having her spot.

If that is the case, your wife is disqualified as a spotter:

No person shall operate a motorboat while towing water skiers, aquaplanes, or similar devices unless another person is present in the motorboat who is physically able to observe and assist the person or appurtenance being towed. The observer shall be 13 years of age or older.

DickR · 08-07-2008, 08:45 AM

The key words seem to be "physically able to observer and assist..."

Consider just how big and strong a person would have to be to be able to reach over the side of a boat, grab a 150 lb (+ or -) perhaps unconscious adult at water level, and lift the dead weight over the side into the boat. Just grabbing the person at water level means having your own weight supported at your waist by the side of the boat, not your feet.

So what does "assist" really mean?

chipj29 · 08-07-2008, 10:06 AM

So is there going to be a new law that states that the boat driver or spotter must be a certain height/weight? Or physically larger or able to get someone out of the water?
Next thing you know, you will have to take a test and be certified to tow a skier or be a spotter.

Pineedles · 08-07-2008, 10:15 AM

Dear Mr. Hogan,
I don't know if you ever get up to Lake Winnipesaukee but if you do please look me up. You see I am 6' 6" and 250 lbs. and I like to water ski, and there is no one big enough to lift me into the boat in case I become unconscious. So, if you are up here, perhaps you would be kind enough to be my spotter in the boat when I ski. Thanks.

Seaplane Pilot · 08-07-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

So is there going to be a new law that states that the boat driver or spotter must be a certain height/weight? Or physically larger or able to get someone out of the water?
Next thing you know, you will have to take a test and be certified to tow a skier or be a spotter.

I think I saw a Mythbusters episode where they waterskied behind a rowboat. Just think, no spotter required and no speed limit to worry about.

chipj29 · 08-07-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

I think I saw a Mythbusters episode where they waterskied behind a rowboat. Just think, no spotter required and no speed limit to worry about.

I also saw them waterski behind a cruise ship. There were about 500 spotters on the back of the ship! Of course they would have needed one guy to have really long arms to get him back on board...lol

08-06-2008, 07:45 AM	#1
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	Where I take the kids water skiing, I will not go until I am sure that MP is not out. Why is that? I just don't want the hassle. My son is 12, and is 5' 6" and 140#. He is more than capable of spotting when my daughter is on the skis. Not to mention the other idiots on the water who would likely invade my 150 ft, putting me and the kids in danger, as well as in violation of the law. A few years ago my buddy was pulling a tube with his 2 kids on it. We all watched as a boat looked as though it was going to drive right between the boat and the tube. The boat turned away at the last second, passing within 20 ft of the tube. Needless to say, he got an earful. Anyway, I prefer to do the skiing on weekdays when there is less traffic and hassles. The earlier in the day the better, although we are rarely (never!) out on the water at sunrise. __________________ Getting ready for winter!

08-07-2008, 10:06 AM	#6
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	So is there going to be a new law that states that the boat driver or spotter must be a certain height/weight? Or physically larger or able to get someone out of the water? Next thing you know, you will have to take a test and be certified to tow a skier or be a spotter. __________________ Getting ready for winter!

08-07-2008, 10:15 AM	#7
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,545 Thanks: 1,072 Thanked 668 Times in 367 Posts	Hulk Hogan are you out there? Dear Mr. Hogan, I don't know if you ever get up to Lake Winnipesaukee but if you do please look me up. You see I am 6' 6" and 250 lbs. and I like to water ski, and there is no one big enough to lift me into the boat in case I become unconscious. So, if you are up here, perhaps you would be kind enough to be my spotter in the boat when I ski. Thanks.

08-07-2008, 08:45 AM	#5
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 755 Thanks: 4 Thanked 259 Times in 171 Posts	The key words seem to be "physically able to observer and assist..." Consider just how big and strong a person would have to be to be able to reach over the side of a boat, grab a 150 lb (+ or -) perhaps unconscious adult at water level, and lift the dead weight over the side into the boat. Just grabbing the person at water level means having your own weight supported at your waist by the side of the boat, not your feet. So what does "assist" really mean?