Water driveways

SAMIAM · 06-03-2009, 12:46 PM

Of all the posts on this subject....I think LIforrelaxin said it best. Some shore owners are overly touchy and some boaters seem to have a chip on their shoulder about their "right" to go anywhere. As LI said, a little common sense and courtesy would go a long way. Everyone should enjoy the lakes, but imagine being in your back yard with your family and have a carload of strangers unload their food, stereo and toys and proceed to have a party right under your nose.....and that's exactly what a few, but not many rafters do.

OCDACTIVE · 06-03-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Of all the posts on this subject....I think LIforrelaxin said it best. Some shore owners are overly touchy and some boaters seem to have a chip on their shoulder about their "right" to go anywhere. As LI said, a little common sense and courtesy would go a long way. Everyone should enjoy the lakes, but imagine being in your back yard with your family and have a carload of strangers unload their food, stereo and toys and proceed to have a party right under your nose.....and that's exactly what a few, but not many rafters do.

Samiam, you are 100% correct.. The only problem is you can't teach common sense.... I think if people stay 150 ft off shore and don't draw attention to themselves then there wouldn't be an issue.

PS. good meeting you a couple of weeks ago, ironic how we bumped into each other.

Take care.

fatlazyless · 06-03-2009, 01:31 PM

Boaters are attracted to Timber Island as a spot to anchor just because it is an uninhabited, and wooded shoreline. it's a 136 acre island with miles of shoreline and almost zero shoreline residents. No ones there to bother you, and there's no rule against standing on the sandy bottom, as long as you is in the water.

NH could have bought the whole island as a state island area for dirt cheap $1.6mil in 2001, but that's another story.

4Fun · 06-03-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Boaters are attracted to Timber Island as a spot to anchor just because it is an uninhabited, and wooded shoreline. it's a 136 acre island with miles of shoreline and almost zero shoreline residents. No ones there to bother you, and there's no rule against standing on the sandy bottom, as long as you is in the water.

NH could have bought the whole island as a state island area for dirt cheap $1.6mil in 2001, but that's another story.

I will try over there.. I prefer the same thing as the residents. No one to bother and no one to bother me

Seaplane Pilot · 06-03-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Boaters are attracted to Timber Island as a spot to anchor just because it is an uninhabited, and wooded shoreline. it's a 136 acre island with miles of shoreline and almost zero shoreline residents. No ones there to bother you, and there's no rule against standing on the sandy bottom, as long as you is in the water.

NH could have bought the whole island as a state island area for dirt cheap $1.6mil in 2001, but that's another story.

Yeah, and if Judd Gregg had donated his $800,000 lottery winnings to the State, the State could have bought it for 1/2 price!

SS, Where are you?? I need help burying the dead horse.

Woodsy · 06-03-2009, 02:51 PM

The problem lies in what a waterfront property owner might think is reasonable vs. what an anchored boater might think is reasonable. The laws are on the side of the boater.

Unfortunately, those who own waterfront property abut what is essentially a state park. While its very desireable to abut such a beautiful park, it has its downfalls. Its not your "cove" or your "backyard" You have to put up with Joe Public. Joe Public can be annoyingly noisy guy. You knew that going in! If I were the sailboater mentioned in Post #5 I would have politely told the MP to leave me alone...

What I find humorous is the perception that being anchored off the shoreline is somehow inconsiderate?? I dont quite get that. The property line ends at the high water mark... PERIOD! If someone anchors thier boat off your property and proceed to enjoy themselves... lunch, swim, music, etc. Its no different than a group of people playing frisbee in a park. While Joe Public has a RIGHT to enjoy the lake/park as they see fit, the waterfront property owner/park abutter does not have ANY RIGHTS (other than the Littoral rights mentioned above) past thier property line which for the lake is the high water mark!

It is precisely the NIMBY attitude of some waterfront property owners that has resulted in the many no rafting zones... the more no rafting zones we have, the more people have to spread out into other areas of the lake.

I am a considerate boater... I have never anchored in front of someones property and certainly have never caused an annoyance. However I have a serious problem when a property onwer THINKS that he/she has RIGHTS that somehow trump mine.... that is certainly not the case or the law here in NH!

Woodsy

Sman · 06-03-2009, 03:23 PM

I have been on both sides of this as both a owner of waterfront property where a fisherman is casting in between the docks where there are boats and as a passenger on someones boat anchored off of an island when someone did not like it, eventhough there was no house there.

In both cases I was right, just kidding but that is how it feels at the time.

So you have to share it and be respectfull, just not always easy, because it is my lake!

If I complained to people that I know that do not have a lake house that fisherman were casting at my dock and that is a problem for me, I am pretty sure I would get laughed at, however not cool to damage someones boat/boat cover.

Merrymeeting · 06-03-2009, 04:00 PM

In almost all examples, what comes across over and over is the need for courtesy and common sense.

Many of us, me included, are both landowner and boater. I've seen and experienced both sides. I enjoy a good raft party or anchor spot as much as the next guy. It's one of the reasons I live on the lake. I enjoy talking to the fishermen who float by, or the kyakers who greet me while I'm having my morning coffee. Or greeting others as I row by them.

I do get upset with the ones who feel the need to cast within a foot (or closer!) to my moored, canvas-covered boat, or the ones who think that their music should be enjoyed by everyone within a 3 mile radius.

But, let's forget about the issue of landowner vs boater for a minute. Imagine we are all in the public park (or water as the case may be). You and your family have just set up your picnic and are enjoying a nice sunny day in the park. Enter the Nocommonsense family, who proceed to setup their party less than 5' from where you are enjoying your family. They unload the boom box, let the kids run wild over your blanket, and proceed to ruin your previously enjoyable day.

I'd suggest that the issue is the same in this scenario. It has nothing to do with landowners vs boaters. It's about common sense, courtesy, and respect.

Most landowners and boaters I know enjoy the company and interaction with the others, as long as that respect and common sense prevails. But if you've ruined my picnic by being inconsiderate, I'm going to want to do something about it, whether we're both on private or public land.

beagle · 06-03-2009, 04:05 PM

We live near the loon sanctuary in the Varneys and noticed boats rafting right next to the sign stating "Loon Sanctuary Keep Out" during Memorial Day weekend. Not that I care about boats rafting, but we were wondering why so close to our resident loons. Are there any rules about staying away from these areas? At the cape, they close whole sections of beach for the piping plovers during nesting season. It would make me very unhappy if the loons couldn't nest. It also makes me very mad when I see people in power boats or kayaks chasing the loons in the cove to get a closer look.

jmen24 · 06-03-2009, 04:38 PM

I believe that is what the sign is doing, keeping people from getting to close to the loons.

Sounds like we need a sign, warning of the sign that warning of the loon nesting area

, again definitely need a tongue in cheek smiley..

I am just being smart, but it would be nice if folks would not bother the wildlife and just observe from a distance. Reminds me of going to the great north woods and witnessing folks chasing moose with their huge spot lights from 50 feet away. Very discouraging to see.

DC Pointer · 06-03-2009, 04:41 PM

I live in a pretty popular rafting cove. Ask me how many times I have seen folks swim to my property with their pets and let them (or try to let them) do their business on my frontage. I have had several nasty encounters with folks. I also love the trash that washes up on my shore as well from the inconsiderate. It goes both ways.

VtSteve · 06-03-2009, 04:50 PM

Two years ago, there were a few bass boaters that just loved to maneuver their crafts via trolling motors between and around my dock. Not a problem for me, until I watched him not only move inside and in front of my boat, but when leaving, hit it

I was not far away so I ran down to see what happened. Not a mark thankfully. Not a word from him either as he moved slowly right to the other side.

Being so arrogant, I felt the need to comment. dumba$$
But "most" fishermen I know couldn't give a rat's behind about boats or the water, they only endure the boat ride to get fish.

Living on the water has many drawbacks, and obvious benefits for those that not only appreciate them, but crave them. For me it was always being on the water, not just looking at it. The cruising, exploring, some diving, just fun. There are definite advantages to being on a huge lake that isn't congested. I look forward to anchoring on the beaches, heading into town or across to my favorite restaurant & hangout. It's much harder to enjoy things than it used to be, but boaters persevere.

Life is a finite pleasure, so they say. Some need to get the poles out of their arses and lighten up, other need to realize that they act like spoiled kids and need to grow up. I'm afraid that there's so many on each side, that the lake will not return to a happy place in my lifetime.

Ropetow · 06-03-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

Life is a finite pleasure, so they say. Some need to get the poles out of their arses and lighten up, other need to realize that they act like spoiled kids and need to grow up. I'm afraid that there's so many on each side, that the lake will not return to a happy place in my lifetime.

As the Monty Python folks put it, "Society is to blame."

rick35 · 06-03-2009, 09:59 PM

I think its reasonable for a property owner to expect some privacy. While the law may allow a boater to anchor off my property I have to ask why. There are lots of places on the lake that are more private. I would think a boater would want his privacy just as I want mine.

tis · 06-04-2009, 07:18 AM

Well said, Rick. I think that sums it up very well! I hate sitting on the beach and staring at someone who is close. And I can't imagine why they would want to be so close to stare at me!

MJM · 06-04-2009, 08:11 AM

I think there is also another contributing factor: perspective.

From the land, a boat anchored off-shore can look a lot closer than the land looks from the boat. I can easily see where people im a boat may be thinking they are plenty far away, but if they could see it from shore, they'd realize they are closer than they thought.

ApS · 06-04-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

"...I can't imagine why they would want to be so close to stare at me...!"

C'mon, tis—yer fishin'!

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

"...Samiam...good meeting you a couple of weeks ago..."

It was the license tag, wasn't it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee Divers

"...If you think that's bad..."

We actually seem to have it pretty good on Lake Winnipesaukee.

For a few LOLs, check out the Boston Whaler forum on this very subject:

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/011030.html

Lakegeezer · 06-04-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick35

I think its reasonable for a property owner to expect some privacy. While the law may allow a boater to anchor off my property I have to ask why. There are lots of places on the lake that are more private. I would think a boater would want his privacy just as I want mine.

There really aren't that many private spots any more. Many of the spots I used to enjoy just 15 years ago now have homes, and the few nice spots that are left have become crowded on weekends. In my view, it was the home owner that invaded public space, and must accept the occasional company that comes with the location. If a homeowner is around, it is polite to anchor a bit farther away and keep it civil, but that is about it. Thank goodness for the off-season, when there are fewer second home-owners around to complain.

hoytglp · 06-04-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick35

I think its reasonable for a property owner to expect some privacy. While the law may allow a boater to anchor off my property I have to ask why. There are lots of places on the lake that are more private. I would think a boater would want his privacy just as I want mine.

rick35 we were not next to his dock we were 300 yards away we weren't invading his privacy or his space. DOES THE WORD DANGEROUS ENTER YOUR MIND? Did you read the original post HE WAS 25 FT. AWAY MAX WAKE SPEED.The law is 150 ft. is it not. What if someone was in the water or does privacy rights cover that?

KDL · 06-04-2009, 06:56 PM

Hi All,
Thought I could add another perspective to this topic. I was one of the three boats with hoytglp last Saturday. We were at least 800' from Captain Pieces island property. We were not invading his privacy or impeding his access to his dock. The last thing we want to do is spoil someone else's enjoyment of the lake, be it land owner or another boater, that is why we anchored by the uninhabited islands. Five days later I'm still trying to figure out what would possess a boat operator to pass between two boats anchored less than 50' apart, at more than no wake speed, when an open, empty lake is available 200' to the left. We are thankful this didn't happen in July or August when swimmers would likely have been in the water. But hey, it'll give us something to talk about all summer! Safe boating to all.

VtSteve · 06-04-2009, 08:15 PM

It's called arrogance. I think you'll find that while many will look closely at "some" laws being enforced, they rarely, if ever, think of the ones they break routinely. What "Pieces" did that day is one of my pet peeves, maybe number one on the list. They violated the distance rule, the safe and prudent rule, speed rule, pretty much all of them.

But the thread immediately gravitated to landowner's and boater's rights. Can you possibly imagine any other thread from last year developing this way? The hypocrisy is overwhelming. But at any rate, it just goes to show how far away from reality some people are. Just think of the tickets Pieces' skipper should have been given had an MP been there to witness it. But look at the outcome.

hazelnut · 06-04-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

It's called arrogance. I think you'll find that while many will look closely at "some" laws being enforced, they rarely, if ever, think of the ones they break routinely. What "Pieces" did that day is one of my pet peeves, maybe number one on the list. They violated the distance rule, the safe and prudent rule, speed rule, pretty much all of them.

But the thread immediately gravitated to landowner's and boater's rights. Can you possibly imagine any other thread from last year developing this way? The hypocrisy is overwhelming. But at any rate, it just goes to show how far away from reality some people are. Just think of the tickets Pieces' skipper should have been given had an MP been there to witness it. But look at the outcome.

GREAT POST. Lost in all of this banter, some of it my own,

the real point was the absolute dangerous behavior by captain knucklehead and his wife "Lovey." If I were one of the anchored boats I am not sure I could have kept my composure in that situation. I'm thinking it may have escalated and Marine Patrol would have been called. These people need a reality slap for sure.

KDL · 06-04-2009, 09:40 PM

Saturday just had to be the day I left my camera at home. A video clip of the event as it happened would have been priceless.

rick35 · 06-04-2009, 10:08 PM

hoytglp you misunderstood my post. I was talking about someone anchoring off my property, not what happened to you.

SIKSUKR · 06-04-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Yeah, and if Judd Gregg had donated his $800,000 lottery winnings to the State, the State could have bought it for 1/2 price!

SS, Where are you?? I need help burying the dead horse.

Sorry,I was rafting between this yellow raft and somebodys camp across from LI.Great place to hang out if you guys like having someone yell at you!I think Judd Gregg should have bought that place too.

BroadHopper · 06-03-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Boaters are attracted to Timber Island as a spot to anchor just because it is an uninhabited, and wooded shoreline. it's a 136 acre island with miles of shoreline and almost zero shoreline residents. No ones there to bother you, and there's no rule against standing on the sandy bottom, as long as you is in the water.

NH could have bought the whole island as a state island area for dirt cheap $1.6mil in 2001, but that's another story.

After LRCT took over the island, someone in a wood boat and another time in a pontoon boat was going around the island telling everyone they can't anchor or raft off the shore. For a while no one would go there. Now I see a number of people anchoring, rafting off Timber Island. I don't see or hear of anyone telling people to leave. I wonder what's up with that?????

SAMIAM · 06-04-2009, 11:05 AM

Woodsy makes a good point about the high water mark. Since the water is generally low in the summer months, many people, including myself have 15 or 20' of exposed beach which is not ours, according to your fomula. Guess that means that you could beach your boat, haul out you boom box, chairs, umbrella and beer and just have party.
Woodswalk says you're welcome at his place any time.

Good to meet you too,OCD....still drooling over your boat! The minute I saw it, I knew it was you.....not many like it.

hazelnut · 06-04-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Woodsy makes a good point about the high water mark. Since the water is generally low in the summer months,many people,including myself have 15 or 20' of exposed beach which is not ours, according to your fomula. Guess that means that you could beach your boat, haul out you boom box, chairs, umbrella and beer and just have party.
Woodswalk says you're welcome at his place any time.

Good to meet you too,OCD....still drooling over your boat! The minute I saw it, I knew it was you.....not many like it.

Also, I recall in another thread doesn't NH Law specify that trespassing is not automatic? Meaning don't you need "No Trespassing" signs on your property if you don't want people there? So by right someone could potentially do as SAMIAM states without actually breaking the law even if they set up camp above the high water mark?

Please correct me if I am wrong.

OCDACTIVE · 06-04-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Woodsy makes a good point about the high water mark. Since the water is generally low in the summer months, many people, including myself have 15 or 20' of exposed beach which is not ours, according to your fomula. Guess that means that you could beach your boat, haul out you boom box, chairs, umbrella and beer and just have party.
Woodswalk says you're welcome at his place any time.

Good to meet you too,OCD....still drooling over your boat! The minute I saw it, I knew it was you.....not many like it.

Thanks Man.. Just filled her up

and splashed her. Having my trailer serviced so I can trailer her to virginia to rip it up...

Having a beer on my dock right now, looking at her, while my two year old naps.. Life is good..

Should be around most weekends now... May make some runs to Portsmouth but just let me know when you want to go for a ride and you can stop drooling..

You can start crying from the wind

hazelnut · 06-04-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Thanks Man.. Just filled her up

and splashed her. Having my trailer serviced so I can trailer her to virginia to rip it up...

Having a beer on my dock right now, looking at her, while my two year old naps.. Life is good..

Should be around most weekends now... May make some runs to Portsmouth but just let me know when you want to go for a ride and you can stop drooling..

You can start crying from the wind

I AM sufficiently JEALOUS of your current status!!!! Dockside???? On a Thursday!!!! Ok well the shoe is on the other foot come June 25th when school gets out and I head to the island for the summer!!!!!

So I'll probably see you this weekend, swing by the island. Will the 2 year old be in tow. Besides my twin 5 year old boys I have a 2 year old daughter. Your 2 year old is more than welcome to come on over and hang with my crew. Enjoy the day, I hope to be on the island no later than 5pm tomorrow!!!!!

OCDACTIVE · 06-04-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazelnut

I AM sufficiently JEALOUS of your current status!!!! Dockside???? On a Thursday!!!! Ok well the shoe is on the other foot come June 25th when school gets out and I head to the island for the summer!!!!!

So I'll probably see you this weekend, swing by the island. Will the 2 year old be in tow. Besides my twin 5 year old boys I have a 2 year old daughter. Your 2 year old is more than welcome to come on over and hang with my crew. Enjoy the day, I hope to be on the island no later than 5pm tomorrow!!!!!

Thanks man.. My parents and my wifes parents both have houses within a mile of each other up here..... So they will be watching him Saturday. Tomorrow doing errands before all the guys show up... Oh didn't I mention Guys Weekend.. Me, my son and 3 friends.. Everyone else has to work / has plans so house is ALLLLLLLL MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PARTY LIKE IS WAS 1999!!!

So hoping to swing in after the naswa on Sat. my buddies may join you for a beer but I carry Odouls with me when I am driving the boat. Little rule I have.... I don't even have one and drive anything... But once back on the dock Jack on the Rocks... (want one now but got my son to watch so I gotta be good)

If you get up early tomorrow let me know.. May swing by.

06-03-2009, 01:31 PM	#3
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,791 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,024 Times in 745 Posts	Boaters are attracted to Timber Island as a spot to anchor just because it is an uninhabited, and wooded shoreline. it's a 136 acre island with miles of shoreline and almost zero shoreline residents. No ones there to bother you, and there's no rule against standing on the sandy bottom, as long as you is in the water. NH could have bought the whole island as a state island area for dirt cheap $1.6mil in 2001, but that's another story. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

06-03-2009, 02:51 PM	#6
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	The problem lies in what a waterfront property owner might think is reasonable vs. what an anchored boater might think is reasonable. The laws are on the side of the boater. Unfortunately, those who own waterfront property abut what is essentially a state park. While its very desireable to abut such a beautiful park, it has its downfalls. Its not your "cove" or your "backyard" You have to put up with Joe Public. Joe Public can be annoyingly noisy guy. You knew that going in! If I were the sailboater mentioned in Post #5 I would have politely told the MP to leave me alone... What I find humorous is the perception that being anchored off the shoreline is somehow inconsiderate?? I dont quite get that. The property line ends at the high water mark... PERIOD! If someone anchors thier boat off your property and proceed to enjoy themselves... lunch, swim, music, etc. Its no different than a group of people playing frisbee in a park. While Joe Public has a RIGHT to enjoy the lake/park as they see fit, the waterfront property owner/park abutter does not have ANY RIGHTS (other than the Littoral rights mentioned above) past thier property line which for the lake is the high water mark! It is precisely the NIMBY attitude of some waterfront property owners that has resulted in the many no rafting zones... the more no rafting zones we have, the more people have to spread out into other areas of the lake. I am a considerate boater... I have never anchored in front of someones property and certainly have never caused an annoyance. However I have a serious problem when a property onwer THINKS that he/she has RIGHTS that somehow trump mine.... that is certainly not the case or the law here in NH! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

06-03-2009, 04:00 PM	#8
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	In almost all examples, what comes across over and over is the need for courtesy and common sense. Many of us, me included, are both landowner and boater. I've seen and experienced both sides. I enjoy a good raft party or anchor spot as much as the next guy. It's one of the reasons I live on the lake. I enjoy talking to the fishermen who float by, or the kyakers who greet me while I'm having my morning coffee. Or greeting others as I row by them. I do get upset with the ones who feel the need to cast within a foot (or closer!) to my moored, canvas-covered boat, or the ones who think that their music should be enjoyed by everyone within a 3 mile radius. But, let's forget about the issue of landowner vs boater for a minute. Imagine we are all in the public park (or water as the case may be). You and your family have just set up your picnic and are enjoying a nice sunny day in the park. Enter the Nocommonsense family, who proceed to setup their party less than 5' from where you are enjoying your family. They unload the boom box, let the kids run wild over your blanket, and proceed to ruin your previously enjoyable day. I'd suggest that the issue is the same in this scenario. It has nothing to do with landowners vs boaters. It's about common sense, courtesy, and respect. Most landowners and boaters I know enjoy the company and interaction with the others, as long as that respect and common sense prevails. But if you've ruined my picnic by being inconsiderate, I'm going to want to do something about it, whether we're both on private or public land. Last edited by Merrymeeting; 06-04-2009 at 07:31 AM.

06-03-2009, 04:05 PM	#9
beagle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 176 Thanks: 186 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	just curious about loon sanctuary rules We live near the loon sanctuary in the Varneys and noticed boats rafting right next to the sign stating "Loon Sanctuary Keep Out" during Memorial Day weekend. Not that I care about boats rafting, but we were wondering why so close to our resident loons. Are there any rules about staying away from these areas? At the cape, they close whole sections of beach for the piping plovers during nesting season. It would make me very unhappy if the loons couldn't nest. It also makes me very mad when I see people in power boats or kayaks chasing the loons in the cove to get a closer look.

06-03-2009, 04:38 PM	#10
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	I believe that is what the sign is doing, keeping people from getting to close to the loons. Sounds like we need a sign, warning of the sign that warning of the loon nesting area, again definitely need a tongue in cheek smiley.. I am just being smart, but it would be nice if folks would not bother the wildlife and just observe from a distance. Reminds me of going to the great north woods and witnessing folks chasing moose with their huge spot lights from 50 feet away. Very discouraging to see.

06-03-2009, 12:46 PM	#1
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	Of all the posts on this subject....I think LIforrelaxin said it best. Some shore owners are overly touchy and some boaters seem to have a chip on their shoulder about their "right" to go anywhere. As LI said, a little common sense and courtesy would go a long way. Everyone should enjoy the lakes, but imagine being in your back yard with your family and have a carload of strangers unload their food, stereo and toys and proceed to have a party right under your nose.....and that's exactly what a few, but not many rafters do.

06-03-2009, 03:23 PM	#7
Sman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 103 Thanks: 3 Thanked 27 Times in 8 Posts	I have been on both sides of this as both a owner of waterfront property where a fisherman is casting in between the docks where there are boats and as a passenger on someones boat anchored off of an island when someone did not like it, eventhough there was no house there. In both cases I was right, just kidding but that is how it feels at the time. So you have to share it and be respectfull, just not always easy, because it is my lake! If I complained to people that I know that do not have a lake house that fisherman were casting at my dock and that is a problem for me, I am pretty sure I would get laughed at, however not cool to damage someones boat/boat cover.

06-03-2009, 04:41 PM	#11
DC Pointer Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 40 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I live in a pretty popular rafting cove. Ask me how many times I have seen folks swim to my property with their pets and let them (or try to let them) do their business on my frontage. I have had several nasty encounters with folks. I also love the trash that washes up on my shore as well from the inconsiderate. It goes both ways.

06-03-2009, 04:50 PM	#12
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	Two years ago, there were a few bass boaters that just loved to maneuver their crafts via trolling motors between and around my dock. Not a problem for me, until I watched him not only move inside and in front of my boat, but when leaving, hit it I was not far away so I ran down to see what happened. Not a mark thankfully. Not a word from him either as he moved slowly right to the other side. Being so arrogant, I felt the need to comment. dumba$$ But "most" fishermen I know couldn't give a rat's behind about boats or the water, they only endure the boat ride to get fish. Living on the water has many drawbacks, and obvious benefits for those that not only appreciate them, but crave them. For me it was always being on the water, not just looking at it. The cruising, exploring, some diving, just fun. There are definite advantages to being on a huge lake that isn't congested. I look forward to anchoring on the beaches, heading into town or across to my favorite restaurant & hangout. It's much harder to enjoy things than it used to be, but boaters persevere. Life is a finite pleasure, so they say. Some need to get the poles out of their arses and lighten up, other need to realize that they act like spoiled kids and need to grow up. I'm afraid that there's so many on each side, that the lake will not return to a happy place in my lifetime.

06-03-2009, 09:59 PM	#14
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	I think its reasonable for a property owner to expect some privacy. While the law may allow a boater to anchor off my property I have to ask why. There are lots of places on the lake that are more private. I would think a boater would want his privacy just as I want mine.

06-04-2009, 07:18 AM	#15
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,768 Thanks: 754 Thanked 1,462 Times in 1,018 Posts	Well said, Rick. I think that sums it up very well! I hate sitting on the beach and staring at someone who is close. And I can't imagine why they would want to be so close to stare at me!

06-04-2009, 08:11 AM	#16
MJM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts	Perspective I think there is also another contributing factor: perspective. From the land, a boat anchored off-shore can look a lot closer than the land looks from the boat. I can easily see where people im a boat may be thinking they are plenty far away, but if they could see it from shore, they'd realize they are closer than they thought.

06-04-2009, 06:56 PM	#20
KDL Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Hi All, Thought I could add another perspective to this topic. I was one of the three boats with hoytglp last Saturday. We were at least 800' from Captain Pieces island property. We were not invading his privacy or impeding his access to his dock. The last thing we want to do is spoil someone else's enjoyment of the lake, be it land owner or another boater, that is why we anchored by the uninhabited islands. Five days later I'm still trying to figure out what would possess a boat operator to pass between two boats anchored less than 50' apart, at more than no wake speed, when an open, empty lake is available 200' to the left. We are thankful this didn't happen in July or August when swimmers would likely have been in the water. But hey, it'll give us something to talk about all summer! Safe boating to all.

06-04-2009, 08:15 PM	#21
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	It's called arrogance. I think you'll find that while many will look closely at "some" laws being enforced, they rarely, if ever, think of the ones they break routinely. What "Pieces" did that day is one of my pet peeves, maybe number one on the list. They violated the distance rule, the safe and prudent rule, speed rule, pretty much all of them. But the thread immediately gravitated to landowner's and boater's rights. Can you possibly imagine any other thread from last year developing this way? The hypocrisy is overwhelming. But at any rate, it just goes to show how far away from reality some people are. Just think of the tickets Pieces' skipper should have been given had an MP been there to witness it. But look at the outcome.

06-04-2009, 09:40 PM	#23
KDL Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Saturday just had to be the day I left my camera at home. A video clip of the event as it happened would have been priceless.

06-04-2009, 10:08 PM	#24
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	hoytglp you misunderstood my post. I was talking about someone anchoring off my property, not what happened to you.

06-04-2009, 11:05 AM	#27
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	Woodsy makes a good point about the high water mark. Since the water is generally low in the summer months, many people, including myself have 15 or 20' of exposed beach which is not ours, according to your fomula. Guess that means that you could beach your boat, haul out you boom box, chairs, umbrella and beer and just have party. Woodswalk says you're welcome at his place any time. Good to meet you too,OCD....still drooling over your boat! The minute I saw it, I knew it was you.....not many like it.