Weekend Observations

PROPELLER · 07-27-2005, 08:28 AM

I counted six incidents this weekend where my boat was the stand on boat approaching another & the other boater did not give way. I tried to maintain course & speed but when it was evident that either the other boater did not know the rules, did not see me or did not care I was forced to idle down to avoid a collision.

This is another example where education is the most important issue facing NH boating. Of couse if boaters know ROW rules but do not care, education is not successful.

In my observation I would say this violation of the boating rules on Winnipesaukee is a close second to violation of the 150' rule.

BroadHopper · 07-27-2005, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PROPELLER

I counted six incidents this weekend where my boat was the stand on boat approaching another & the other boater did not give way. I tried to maintain course & speed but when it was evident that either the other boater did not know the rules, did not see me or did not care I was forced to idle down to avoid a collision.

This is another example where education is the most important issue facing NH boating. Of couse if boaters know ROW rules but do not care, education is not successful.

In my observation I would say this violation of the boating rules on Winnipesaukee is a close second to violation of the 150' rule.

I agree with propeller. I came upon a number of ROW violations every weekend that I am out there. There was one occasion that an MP boat was on plane out of Glendale within 50 feet of other boats. I was assuming he was on emergency but he was not flashing his lights. What burns me is that a number of boaters thought it was OK as the MP was doing it. The bay went crazy that day.

MJM · 07-27-2005, 12:39 PM

I agree the right of way ignorance and/or disregard is a major factor. At least with the 150ft rule, I can give a little slack that it is often difficult to judge exactly what distance 150ft is. But ROW is clear! It's happened to me so many times, I just automatically assume the person won't give way, and act accordingly. One time at Wolfeboro Town Docks I watched two guys, one of whom had apparently cut off the other. To theor credit, it was a discussion, not an argument. One guy says "You came right at me and failed to yield even though I was the Stand-on boat and you were the Give-way boat." The second guy, with no hesitation or embarassment replied "What makes you think I have to give way to you? This is a lake, not a road." Unreal. The first guy then went on to explain some of the more basic rules....

Rinkerfam · 07-27-2005, 09:43 PM

As I have stated in the past, the ROW rule is my biggest pet peeve. Every time we go out I have to come off plane at least once because someone either doesn't care or doesn't know what the rule is. It's not that complicated.

Lakewinniboater · 07-28-2005, 03:46 PM

However, until there is some sort of on the water DRIVING test and MORE marine patrol..... there isn't anything we can do! Honestly, I would rather be the bigger person and just avoid a collision. It is more than evident that there is a lot of people out there that haven't a clue. MOST of them in smaller boats.

Not the ones that have been complained about such as high performance boats. Again, our issue on this lake is EDUCATION and ENFORCEMENT of the current laws. NOT A SPEED ISSUE.

Pete · 07-28-2005, 05:26 PM

On Sunday I was sailing up towards Melvin Village near the graveyard and there was some type of operation going on with Marine Patrol and some type of salvage boats. It appeared there was the bow of a boat sticking up out of the water so I assume it was a sinking. Anyone know the story????

TomC · 07-28-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

On Sunday I was sailing up towards Melvin Village near the graveyard and there was some type of operation going on with Marine Patrol and some type of salvage boats. It appeared there was the bow of a boat sticking up out of the water so I assume it was a sinking. Anyone know the story????

i asked the same question, but the thread was hijacked by others with an agenda for or against go-fast boats and the thread was then closed. I was pretty disappointed since I was using the forum for its intended purpose (information resource), but others chose to get on their soapboxes right in the middle of it and I never did find out what happened. maybe you'll have better luck...

Lakegeezer · 07-29-2005, 06:01 AM

With all the new abilities of Flash technology to provide video games within a Web browser, imagine an on-line boating test for traffic knowlege. The testee would use their mouse to drive a "boat" around a course on a simulated lake. The game would have them go near the shore, bouys, swim platforms, islands, swimmers, scuba divers, and anchored boats. Traffic would come up on them from all points in the compass. They would be forced to overtake and pass other traffic. Traffic would include kayaks, trolling fishing boats, large commercial barges, 70mph screamers, and so forth. The game would be instructive, grade them on doing the right thing, and then be part of the test to get the certificate. I think much of the problem with traffic is that drivers really don't know what they are supposed to do. Simulation might help.

Rose · 07-29-2005, 06:52 AM

TomC -

Here's a link to an article in the Citizen which I believe is about the accident your talking about.

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...-1/citizen0103

ApS · 07-29-2005, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

"...With all the new abilities of Flash technology to provide video games within a Web browser, imagine an on-line boating test for traffic knowlege..."

This is a great idea! You omitted sailboats, though. They do things "unexpectedly".

While there should be practice sessions, the real test should be pass/fail, and given once annually.

Question: How do you account for "tunnel vision"?
Answer: Adjust video test for applicant's boat-capabilities.

TomC · 07-29-2005, 08:35 AM

that sounds like the incident

cougar · 07-29-2005, 11:54 AM

LakeGeezer, that is a very cool idea! A required video test would no doubt eliminate half of our overcrowded lake traffic. What a bonus!

Lakewinniboater · 07-29-2005, 12:26 PM

It isn't "OUR lake" it isn't OVER CROWDED. It has simply changed. It is a public resource to be enjoyed by all.

Although, I agree that there are parts of the lake that are CROWDED.... and I stay away from them during peek hours. I will admit, Weirs isn't one of my favorite places.

However, THOSE are the places that should be NO WAKE and highly enforced. I doubt that any ANTICS to "keep people off the lake" will ever work.

It didn't work with the sound ordinance and honestly, people that enjoy it will always come. If you no longer enjoy the lake the way that it is growing in popularity...... then I understand that too. It is up to you and your families to go where you enjoy being. However, with time everything and every place will EVOLVE. There is no stopping PROGRESS.

That is why we should be concerned with EDUCATING and ENFORCING the current rules and regulations and not be worried about taking people or boats OFF the lake. That is the same as DISCRIMINATING. Like it or not it is. It is illegal to discriminate in this country on religion or race. This is the same thought process........ if performance boating was a form or RELIGION there would be NOTHING you could do about it. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE.
Don't think for a moment that is out of the realm of reality..... when one group pushes another group..... nothing good comes out of it. However, the more resources are used to try to win.

Not that I am saying it should be used..... I don't like snake handling and that is a form of religion that I don't agree with. I am simply trying to use a wilded eyed view to show a point!!!!

Live and let live. There is NO BASIS for wanting high performance boats or any "type" of person off the lake. It isn't right.... go about your own business and use your energies at volunteering your time to educating people! That will make it better.

However, trying to have the lake the way it was 50 Years ago..... that isn't going to happen! That is like a mother of 4 saying she wants to be a virgin again..... AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!!

KonaChick · 07-29-2005, 01:01 PM

lwb..when you state "It didn't work with the sound ordinance" are you referring to the loud boats that aren't being stopped and ticketed? Sorry I need a clarification I'm having a blonde moment..too much time on the boat in the sun I guess!

Boater · 07-29-2005, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakewinniboater

It is illegal to discriminate in this country on religion or race. This is the same thought process........ if performance boating was a form or RELIGION there would be NOTHING you could do about it. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE.

That is just about the dumbest analogy I've ever heard. It's not the same thought process. Get real.

Outlaw · 07-30-2005, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose

TomC -

Here's a link to an article in the Citizen which I believe is about the accident your talking about.

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...-1/citizen0103

Speaking of safe boating......I wonder if the operator of this boat (the 52 year old as the article stated) was wearing his tether????? An incident like this is why they are there for operators to use - when they are ejected from the vessel. Glad to read that all involved are alive and safe.

Lakewinniboater · 08-01-2005, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KonaChick

lwb..when you state "It didn't work with the sound ordinance" are you referring to the loud boats that aren't being stopped and ticketed? Sorry I need a clarification I'm having a blonde moment..too much time on the boat in the sun I guess!

That is exactly what I mean. The same group that is complaining that the are "afraid" and "need a speed limit" are the same ones that lobbied for the sound issue. They thought that if passed that the performance boats would leave. Some did.... not many.

Lakewinniboater · 08-01-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boater

That is just about the dumbest analogy I've ever heard. It's not the same thought process. Get real.

It really isn't. Take the emotion out of it for a moment. It is one persons thought's or beliefs that are discriminating another persons thoughts or beliefs!!

That was my point. Also, do some research on people and buildings that get tax breaks because the "say" it is in observance of a religious belief. You would be shocked. All it takes is some organization and paperwork.

Again, like I had stated I was taking a "wild eyed" view to state how silly this whole situation is. Honestly, I just don't understand what all the anger and hostility is. Give the laws that are in place a chance. Help enforce and educate! After a couple years.... then if nothing changes with more marine patrol and education course or an on water operators license. THEN lets seek other alternatives.

However, that is not at all what the House Bill is about...... it is just a flamboyant way for some to try to get certain types of boats and boaters off the the Lake.

You see it a lot in some of the posts "our lake"..... water can't be owned! Some of the complainers don't even OWN property on the lake. Some of them are the worst offenders of the current laws.

If someone is really that unhappy with the way the lake has evolved.... move.

KonaChick · 08-01-2005, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakewinniboater

That is exactly what I mean. The same group that is complaining that the are "afraided" and "need a speed limit" are the same ones that lobbied for the sound issue. They thought that if passed that the performance boats would leave. Some did.... not many.

Yes I thought that's what you meant and thanks for the reply. I personally know of 2 GFBL boaters who've had to have their exhaust systems over hauled beacause of the noise issue. Marine Patrol insisted!

I know that's a small number and probably doesn't even make a dent in the number of GFBL boaters with exhaust systems over the legal decible limit, but to me it's a sign MP is at least trying to enfore this law.

Woodsy · 08-01-2005, 08:44 AM

I saw alot of infractions this weekend, to be truthful, most of those boats had out of state bow numbers (day trippers?). I also noticed that the age of those commiting the infractions was older than I am (39) Not yet required to have thier boater cert?

Anyway, I have what I think is a pretty darn good proposal, that could make both sides pretty happy. This is just my opinion....

1. Lets take the speed limit off the table... for now

2. New ANNUAL sticker (say $25) that is required for ALL watercraft used upon Lake Winnipesaukee, no exeptions. Thus includes powerboats of all kinds, kayaks, sailboats, canoes, PWC's. If you want to use the lake, you need to have a sticker. In order to purchase a sticker you would need to have successfully completed the safe boaters course or at the minimum, the rental course/questionaire. Initially there would be two colors... 1 color (green) indicates successful completion of the full safe boater course, 1 color (red) indicates completion of the rental course. After 2008 all boats registered in NH and used on Lake Winnipesaukee would be required to have the green sticker. Day trippers & vacationers would need to get a sticker for thier boats at a marina, and take the rental course/questionaire in order to purchase a sticker for thier boats (say $10 for a weeklong yellow sticker with the date of use printed on it). This gives the MP an easy visual check that the owner of the boat has been at least minimally educated on the NH rules & regulations pertaining to safe boating. The statute could also include that the owner of a boat be held liable for the the driver of the boats actions. This would help insure that the boat owner would inform anyone who was driving his boat of the rules etc.

You could breakdown the cost of the program, marinas get a percentage for admin fees, a percentage goes to MP to cover the cost of administering the program, and the bulk goes to the MP for use specifically on Lake Winnipesaukee. (Hiring more officers, new equipment etc, dedicated to Lake Winni.)

3. No sticker = FINE say $100.00, (you gotta make it painful or people won't care.) You could possibly make the fine payable at the marina when the offending boat goes and gets a sticker... fine would have to be paid before sticker issued? not sure if thats feasible without a seriously expensive computer system, but its an idea.

4. Study the areas of the Lake with the most congestion, and look at ways to control the boat traffic. Initially try NWZ's, but if the congestion persists, perhaps weekend only "safety zones" where a reduced speed is mandated.

5. Study the current noise law and perhaps reduce it somewhat. Noise seems to be a BIG part of the issue. Remove the restriction on switchable muffler systems. Have max db you can't exceed, but if you can make it quieter than the maximum, so as not to disturb your neighbors, I don't see why that should be illegal.

I think this proposal solves alot of the issues. It insures that all boaters on the lake have at least taken the rental test for boater safety. It eliminates ignorance as an excuse. It gives the MP's a quick visual check on whose is educated and to what extent.

The high performance guys can still go fast when the conditions are right and the noise may be reduced somewhat. The quality of boating goes up because everyone will be educated at least minimally. The Marine Patrol get some seriously needed additional funding for dedicated use on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Anyway, just my thought and ramblings on the subject.

Flame away...

Woodsy

Lakewinniboater · 08-01-2005, 08:51 AM

I think that is a VERY sensible and Do-able solution!!! Not only does it ensure that every boater has the minimum education possible. (where now many have NOTHING) It also will provide for the funds needed for more Marine Patrol to be able to enforce the current laws.

Sounds like a win/win to me!! Great thoughts Woodsy

Mee-n-Mac · 08-03-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

With all the new abilities of Flash technology to provide video games within a Web browser, imagine an on-line boating test for traffic knowlege. The testee would use their mouse to drive a "boat" around a course on a simulated lake. The game would have them go near the shore, bouys, swim platforms, islands, swimmers, scuba divers, and anchored boats. Traffic would come up on them from all points in the compass. They would be forced to overtake and pass other traffic. Traffic would include kayaks, trolling fishing boats, large commercial barges, 70mph screamers, and so forth. The game would be instructive, grade them on doing the right thing, and then be part of the test to get the certificate. I think much of the problem with traffic is that drivers really don't know what they are supposed to do. Simulation might help.

I also think it's a good idea, then again I've put it up for consideration here as well (ye olde forum I think)

The prime part is that it could test the operator's decision making processes more than any written (static) test can. Judgement is the big variable here, something not tested now. At least it would force people to demonstrate proper judgement at test time, hopefully they would then continue to use it out on the lake

If nothing else it could be done realistically enough that it would become a good navigation training tool, perhaps selling for some few $$, so that it could raise some funds for the lake. Would also give us our "lake fix" during the off season

Know any un-employed game programmers ?

BroadHopper · 08-05-2005, 02:47 PM

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go boating on Winona Lake in Meredith, Center Harbor. What a beautiful lake it is! Very quiet too.
The lake is narrow with two islands side by side along the middle of the lake. Because of the natural shorelines, one will be hard pressed to obey the 150' rule. It makes me wonder if the rule only applies to the big lakes like Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Squam. My host says everyone speeds around the lake regardless of the rule. It does not apply on the small lakes, ponds. I notice one lone MP in a small outboard. He seems oblivious to the 150' rule.
Can anyone clarify this for me????

Thanks.
BH

John A. Birdsall · 08-06-2005, 01:38 PM

Woodsy I give you an A+ for effort, while I do not agree with the boat showing it has been licensed. I do believe the education has to be done with every driver on the lake, and the owner of the boat is responsible for who is operating the boat. I believe and I could be wrong, but the boat numbers go with the boat when it is sold. Thus it might have a sticker on it saying a person has been licensed. Probably with a sticker that's numbers would match the license no of the owner??? Sell the boat better remove the sticker or you could find yourself collecting points and tickets.

I think I read one time, that perhaps one should show his boating certificate in order to get his registration. Seems to me that is the case that should happen, and do away with this long period of waiting to get the education change the date to July 1 2006 for everyone. I think everyone can get access to a computer thru their library. If they want to drive a boat, have at it get a license. If you wanted to drive a car did you not have to take a test or two? And was their a break in period to get it.

Woodsy · 08-07-2005, 06:36 PM

John...

They key is that the sticker is renewable every year... just like your registration sticker. So although the hull #'s won't change, the sticker color will. By making it a "Winni Only" sticker. The money the sticker raises can be spent addressing the issues on Winni!

It doesn't insure compleyely that the driver of the boat has been educated, but it insures that the owner has been! Unfortunately you cannot fill all the cracks. But if you get 95% compliance thats pretty damm good!

Woodsy

07-27-2005, 08:28 AM	#1
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Weekend Observations I counted six incidents this weekend where my boat was the stand on boat approaching another & the other boater did not give way. I tried to maintain course & speed but when it was evident that either the other boater did not know the rules, did not see me or did not care I was forced to idle down to avoid a collision. This is another example where education is the most important issue facing NH boating. Of couse if boaters know ROW rules but do not care, education is not successful. In my observation I would say this violation of the boating rules on Winnipesaukee is a close second to violation of the 150' rule.

07-27-2005, 12:39 PM	#3
MJM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts	Row I agree the right of way ignorance and/or disregard is a major factor. At least with the 150ft rule, I can give a little slack that it is often difficult to judge exactly what distance 150ft is. But ROW is clear! It's happened to me so many times, I just automatically assume the person won't give way, and act accordingly. One time at Wolfeboro Town Docks I watched two guys, one of whom had apparently cut off the other. To theor credit, it was a discussion, not an argument. One guy says "You came right at me and failed to yield even though I was the Stand-on boat and you were the Give-way boat." The second guy, with no hesitation or embarassment replied "What makes you think I have to give way to you? This is a lake, not a road." Unreal. The first guy then went on to explain some of the more basic rules....

07-27-2005, 09:43 PM	#4
Rinkerfam Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 268 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	As I have stated in the past, the ROW rule is my biggest pet peeve. Every time we go out I have to come off plane at least once because someone either doesn't care or doesn't know what the rule is. It's not that complicated. __________________ Education is hanging around 'til you've caught on - Frost

07-28-2005, 03:46 PM	#5
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	It DEFINITELY is NOT complicated However, until there is some sort of on the water DRIVING test and MORE marine patrol..... there isn't anything we can do! Honestly, I would rather be the bigger person and just avoid a collision. It is more than evident that there is a lot of people out there that haven't a clue. MOST of them in smaller boats. Not the ones that have been complained about such as high performance boats. Again, our issue on this lake is EDUCATION and ENFORCEMENT of the current laws. NOT A SPEED ISSUE. __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

07-28-2005, 05:26 PM	#6
Pete Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: cow island Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Incident near the graveyard On Sunday I was sailing up towards Melvin Village near the graveyard and there was some type of operation going on with Marine Patrol and some type of salvage boats. It appeared there was the bow of a boat sticking up out of the water so I assume it was a sinking. Anyone know the story????

07-29-2005, 06:01 AM	#8
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,677 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 353 Thanked 639 Times in 290 Posts	There should be a video game With all the new abilities of Flash technology to provide video games within a Web browser, imagine an on-line boating test for traffic knowlege. The testee would use their mouse to drive a "boat" around a course on a simulated lake. The game would have them go near the shore, bouys, swim platforms, islands, swimmers, scuba divers, and anchored boats. Traffic would come up on them from all points in the compass. They would be forced to overtake and pass other traffic. Traffic would include kayaks, trolling fishing boats, large commercial barges, 70mph screamers, and so forth. The game would be instructive, grade them on doing the right thing, and then be part of the test to get the certificate. I think much of the problem with traffic is that drivers really don't know what they are supposed to do. Simulation might help. __________________ -lg

07-29-2005, 06:52 AM	#9
Rose Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 498 Thanks: 62 Thanked 71 Times in 32 Posts	TomC - Here's a link to an article in the Citizen which I believe is about the accident your talking about. http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...-1/citizen0103

07-29-2005, 08:35 AM	#11
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 659 Thanks: 21 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	thanks Rose.. that sounds like the incident

07-29-2005, 11:54 AM	#12
cougar Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	LakeGeezer, that is a very cool idea! A required video test would no doubt eliminate half of our overcrowded lake traffic. What a bonus!

07-29-2005, 12:26 PM	#13
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok....... It isn't "OUR lake" it isn't OVER CROWDED. It has simply changed. It is a public resource to be enjoyed by all. Although, I agree that there are parts of the lake that are CROWDED.... and I stay away from them during peek hours. I will admit, Weirs isn't one of my favorite places. However, THOSE are the places that should be NO WAKE and highly enforced. I doubt that any ANTICS to "keep people off the lake" will ever work. It didn't work with the sound ordinance and honestly, people that enjoy it will always come. If you no longer enjoy the lake the way that it is growing in popularity...... then I understand that too. It is up to you and your families to go where you enjoy being. However, with time everything and every place will EVOLVE. There is no stopping PROGRESS. That is why we should be concerned with EDUCATING and ENFORCING the current rules and regulations and not be worried about taking people or boats OFF the lake. That is the same as DISCRIMINATING. Like it or not it is. It is illegal to discriminate in this country on religion or race. This is the same thought process........ if performance boating was a form or RELIGION there would be NOTHING you could do about it. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE. Don't think for a moment that is out of the realm of reality..... when one group pushes another group..... nothing good comes out of it. However, the more resources are used to try to win. Not that I am saying it should be used..... I don't like snake handling and that is a form of religion that I don't agree with. I am simply trying to use a wilded eyed view to show a point!!!! Live and let live. There is NO BASIS for wanting high performance boats or any "type" of person off the lake. It isn't right.... go about your own business and use your energies at volunteering your time to educating people! That will make it better. However, trying to have the lake the way it was 50 Years ago..... that isn't going to happen! That is like a mother of 4 saying she wants to be a virgin again..... AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!! __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!" Last edited by Lakewinniboater; 07-29-2005 at 12:29 PM.

07-29-2005, 01:01 PM	#14
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	lwb..when you state "It didn't work with the sound ordinance" are you referring to the loud boats that aren't being stopped and ticketed? Sorry I need a clarification I'm having a blonde moment..too much time on the boat in the sun I guess!

08-01-2005, 08:44 AM	#20
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,964 Thanks: 80 Thanked 978 Times in 439 Posts	Proposal... Pros? Cons? I saw alot of infractions this weekend, to be truthful, most of those boats had out of state bow numbers (day trippers?). I also noticed that the age of those commiting the infractions was older than I am (39) Not yet required to have thier boater cert? Anyway, I have what I think is a pretty darn good proposal, that could make both sides pretty happy. This is just my opinion.... 1. Lets take the speed limit off the table... for now 2. New ANNUAL sticker (say $25) that is required for ALL watercraft used upon Lake Winnipesaukee, no exeptions. Thus includes powerboats of all kinds, kayaks, sailboats, canoes, PWC's. If you want to use the lake, you need to have a sticker. In order to purchase a sticker you would need to have successfully completed the safe boaters course or at the minimum, the rental course/questionaire. Initially there would be two colors... 1 color (green) indicates successful completion of the full safe boater course, 1 color (red) indicates completion of the rental course. After 2008 all boats registered in NH and used on Lake Winnipesaukee would be required to have the green sticker. Day trippers & vacationers would need to get a sticker for thier boats at a marina, and take the rental course/questionaire in order to purchase a sticker for thier boats (say $10 for a weeklong yellow sticker with the date of use printed on it). This gives the MP an easy visual check that the owner of the boat has been at least minimally educated on the NH rules & regulations pertaining to safe boating. The statute could also include that the owner of a boat be held liable for the the driver of the boats actions. This would help insure that the boat owner would inform anyone who was driving his boat of the rules etc. You could breakdown the cost of the program, marinas get a percentage for admin fees, a percentage goes to MP to cover the cost of administering the program, and the bulk goes to the MP for use specifically on Lake Winnipesaukee. (Hiring more officers, new equipment etc, dedicated to Lake Winni.) 3. No sticker = FINE say $100.00, (you gotta make it painful or people won't care.) You could possibly make the fine payable at the marina when the offending boat goes and gets a sticker... fine would have to be paid before sticker issued? not sure if thats feasible without a seriously expensive computer system, but its an idea. 4. Study the areas of the Lake with the most congestion, and look at ways to control the boat traffic. Initially try NWZ's, but if the congestion persists, perhaps weekend only "safety zones" where a reduced speed is mandated. 5. Study the current noise law and perhaps reduce it somewhat. Noise seems to be a BIG part of the issue. Remove the restriction on switchable muffler systems. Have max db you can't exceed, but if you can make it quieter than the maximum, so as not to disturb your neighbors, I don't see why that should be illegal. I think this proposal solves alot of the issues. It insures that all boaters on the lake have at least taken the rental test for boater safety. It eliminates ignorance as an excuse. It gives the MP's a quick visual check on whose is educated and to what extent. The high performance guys can still go fast when the conditions are right and the noise may be reduced somewhat. The quality of boating goes up because everyone will be educated at least minimally. The Marine Patrol get some seriously needed additional funding for dedicated use on Lake Winnipesaukee. Anyway, just my thought and ramblings on the subject. Flame away... Woodsy Last edited by Woodsy; 08-01-2005 at 10:20 AM.

08-01-2005, 08:51 AM	#21
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Excellent Idea!!!!!!! I think that is a VERY sensible and Do-able solution!!! Not only does it ensure that every boater has the minimum education possible. (where now many have NOTHING) It also will provide for the funds needed for more Marine Patrol to be able to enforce the current laws. Sounds like a win/win to me!! Great thoughts Woodsy __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!" Last edited by Lakewinniboater; 08-03-2005 at 09:02 AM.

08-05-2005, 02:47 PM	#23
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,569 Thanks: 3,202 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Winona Lake Observation Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go boating on Winona Lake in Meredith, Center Harbor. What a beautiful lake it is! Very quiet too. The lake is narrow with two islands side by side along the middle of the lake. Because of the natural shorelines, one will be hard pressed to obey the 150' rule. It makes me wonder if the rule only applies to the big lakes like Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Squam. My host says everyone speeds around the lake regardless of the rule. It does not apply on the small lakes, ponds. I notice one lone MP in a small outboard. He seems oblivious to the 150' rule. Can anyone clarify this for me???? Thanks. BH __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-06-2005, 01:38 PM	#24
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	boat licensing/certification Woodsy I give you an A+ for effort, while I do not agree with the boat showing it has been licensed. I do believe the education has to be done with every driver on the lake, and the owner of the boat is responsible for who is operating the boat. I believe and I could be wrong, but the boat numbers go with the boat when it is sold. Thus it might have a sticker on it saying a person has been licensed. Probably with a sticker that's numbers would match the license no of the owner??? Sell the boat better remove the sticker or you could find yourself collecting points and tickets. I think I read one time, that perhaps one should show his boating certificate in order to get his registration. Seems to me that is the case that should happen, and do away with this long period of waiting to get the education change the date to July 1 2006 for everyone. I think everyone can get access to a computer thru their library. If they want to drive a boat, have at it get a license. If you wanted to drive a car did you not have to take a test or two? And was their a break in period to get it.

08-07-2005, 06:36 PM	#25
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,964 Thanks: 80 Thanked 978 Times in 439 Posts	John... They key is that the sticker is renewable every year... just like your registration sticker. So although the hull #'s won't change, the sticker color will. By making it a "Winni Only" sticker. The money the sticker raises can be spent addressing the issues on Winni! It doesn't insure compleyely that the driver of the boat has been educated, but it insures that the owner has been! Unfortunately you cannot fill all the cracks. But if you get 95% compliance thats pretty damm good! Woodsy