Conference vicki::boats

    Rick,
       Did he actually see you (or your buddy) footin'?  If you were just
    wearing it, well...  Or you could have told him you were on the Maine
    side of the pond.  :^)
    Is that the goin' rate for any fines in N.H.? 57 bucks per infraction?
    Anyone know?
    Doug

Wow, that's scary!  I wonder if that's come about because there are some
USCG-approved barefoot suits available, or are they just being d___heads.  Casad
offers a line of USCG-approved Type V wetsuits but I don't know of any others
that have the USCG's blessing.  Interestingly enough, the LaPoint O'Neill water
ski vest is *NOT* USCG approved.  And at $110 (catalog price) for a vest, you'd
think otherwise!  I guess we better keep our eyes peeled when we're out footin'.

Thanks for opening our eyes!  And sorry to hear about the ticket...

...Roger...

P.S.  Maybe I should purchase stock in Casad, eh?  :-)

Moved by moderator
================================================================================
Note 699.0                   $57 fine for that!?!?!?                  No replies
WORDS::CREEGAN                                       11 lines  25-JUN-1990 12:26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    On the idea of NH Law Enforcement:
    
    I bought two Fisher-Price Fishing kits for my 3 and 5 year old.
    I figure they don't need a fishing license to fish off a boat
    or a dock.  Is that naive of me?  Do I need to get a license
    for them (or for me)?
    
    $57 bucks (fine) is a lot of money, maybe I don't want to find
    out the hard way.
    
    thanks

    	Actually, Doug, I wondered if he had seen us footin' cause
    when he pulled up my buddy was just floating in the water hanging
    onto the boom, with the boat in neutral.

    	re: Roger.... He was a D___head! This was the same bozo that
    nailed me last year for idling around the lake pulling the paddle
    boat with 3 kids in it. Remember? "technically that's water skiing
    and you can only have 2, glad to see they're wearing PFDs".......

    	Don't know about NH, but in Mass kids under a certain age
    do not need a fishing license...

    Rick

Rick,
Didn't you tell him that you're the moderator of the Digital boating
notes conference!?  That should have gotten you out of trouble with 
no questions asked.    :*)

Seriously, I've noticed that the marine patrols seem to be everywhere
on Lake Winnipesaukee this year.  They sit in high traffic areas with 
a pair of binnoculars watching for any infractions, and I've seen a 
bunch of people pulled over.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem to have 
reduced the most common (and IMO most serious) violation which occurs
out there.  That is, boaters who are either unaware of or disregard the
right of way laws.  

I've already had my own run-in with an officer of the marine patrol this 
year, although it happened on dry land in the parking lot of the Glendale
boat launch in Gilford.  While manuevering my truck with boat & trailer 
to the launch ramp, I met head on with a marine patrol "officer" exiting 
the parking lot in a cruiser.  There are three exit routes for him to 
choose to leave the parking lot.  Rather using the common courtesy that 
any civilian (as in "civilized" person) would and back up his cruiser, he 
made me back up my truck and trailer while I was unable to see anything 
behind me.  I should stress that he was not on any kind of an emergency 
call and left the parking lot slowly after he passed by.  Apparently his 
window was rolled up and he cannot read lips, or I think I'd have had a 
ticket too!

To the marine patrol I would say that I agree that certain offenses need
to be dealt with, but don't let the power go to your head pal!

Rick W.

    
    Rick,
    
    What lake were you on when you got the ticket???
    
    I will be sure to stay away from there if I were going
    to be barefooting.  Next time get a dry suit and put the
    vest on under it just to piss them off whne they come over
    thinking they are going to give you a hard time.
    
    Mike S.

    
    	I was on Province Lake, thank goodness the Gestapo is only
    there part time. He cruises several lakes and just puts in, hands
    out a few tickets then leaves.
    
    	I did get a good chuckle when he tried to decide if my Mass
    registration was good or not..... hahaha (thumbing nose toward
    NH border)
    
    Rick

    I was just checking my N.H. license to see if it had a child section.
    
    It has a FISHING JR. 12-15 YRS. OLD-ALL SPECIES section for $4.50, but
    doesn't list anything younger than that.  So just by looking at the 
    license, I would have to say that under 12 yrs. you did not need a 
    license, but I would check anyway to be sure.  
    
    wt

    
    We here at NIO (Salem,N.H.) just had the N.H. Marine Patrol Supervisor
    from Winni to the Canada boarder down for a lunch seminar. He had
    a lot to say about changes in the laws and fines. An exhaust decibile
    level has been instituted at a max of 86 and the fine for above
    that is $110 and up put in place by N.H. Legislature, DWI has been
    set at .20 double the street level. PFD useage and accessability
    is going to be strictly enforced along with 150' rule. These above
    infractions can/will be accompanied by an additional $200 penalty
    until a Boaters Safety certificate has been receive in 6 months
    from the time of the fine. Jet Ski's and all crafts similar are
    now classified as "Ski Crafts" and have a minimum driving age of
    16, and sailborders need to wear PFD's now also.
    
    Now here's the biggest change, as of 1/01/91 all states will recognize
    others bow numbers either Inland or Coastal. Which means single
    registration instead of multiple for additional access. He also
    send if anyone had questions feel free to call him. His name by
    the way is John MacDonald at (603) 293-2037. Also the marine patrol
    works on 300 of the 1200 in New Hampshire.
    
                                                      Guy
    
    

    Re .8 - I'll bet your N.H. license which says FISHING JR 12-15 YRS
    old... 
    Also says "NON-RESIDENT" at the top. (I cheated - ELF says w tanner
    works at PKO).
    
    My NH Residents license has no provision for 12-15 year olds on it,
    and my 13 year old son was told he didn't need one. For resident kids,
    it is 16 years old or older. Sorry that NH discriminates against
    non-resident kids, but that is consistent with other aspects of the
    tax (user fee) structure in N.H.
    
    Bill
    

    Over-zealous enforcement of boating laws is one thing, but bothering
    7-year old KIDS fishing off a dock is intolerable!
    
    (btw my daughter's Fisher Price fishing set broke after about 3 uses)
    

    Re: -1; Your 7-year old won't be bothered at all, but you might be if
    you "assist" with realing in those lunker kibbies.  As I understand it,
    an unlicensed adult is not allowed to cast, or reel in a line. But
    carrying and untangling line (as long as the hooks not in the water) is
    allowable.  Also, the Marine Patrol, and the Fish and Game (in N.H.)
    are seperate organizations and check for different things.
    
    Re: sailboards:  Do sailboard "operators" have to *wear* a PFD? In the
    past you just had to have it *on-board* the 'vessel'.  Also, are sail-
    boards/sail-boats (unmotorized) under 12' long still exempt from
    registration?
    Doug_who wears a PFD while on his 12'- *3 INCH* sailboard.

    
    RE.12
            My understanding was "Yes" you would have to wear one, but
    I could be wrong. The number I listed will give you a definete answer
    though, and the second part of your question on registration is
    and I quote "All powerboats, and sailboats 12 feet long and over,must
    display a valid bow number issued by the state of N.H. Sailboats,
    including windsurfers,less than 16 feet in length are exempt from
    displaying a bow number, but the operator must have a certificate
    of numbers readily accessable".
    
                                                      Guy
    
    P.S. That quote was taken from the Safe 
         Boating in N.H. pamphlet. (1990)
    
    

RE many notes in this topic.

I think it is just marvelous that people who clearly know the laws regarding 
boating and choose to disobey them would pick on the authorities who have been 
hired to enforce the law. 

If you choose to break the law, then just pay the penalty when you get caught.
I for one am not very sympathetic.  John MacDonald of Marine Safety also put
on a boating safety course in Nashua this week at St. Josephs Hospital.  He
quoted some very interesting statistics about the causes of boating deaths. 
Not using a PFD was the overwhelming number 1.  The accident may have been 
caused by other problems, but a PFD would have saved the victim.

Who was the TV character with the Cockatiel who said "If you can't do the time
, don't do the crime".

Also, you folks from Taxachusetts really should not talk about registration 
hassles in NH.  We face the same problem in Mass. waters.

And when it comes to the amount of the fines and degree of enforcement it is 
your governer who is trying to solve a billion dollar deficit with motor 
vehicle violation fines.

Fred.

RE: Note 698.14 

>> Also, you folks from Taxachusetts really should not talk about registration 
>> hassles in NH.  We face the same problem in Mass. waters.

>>Fred.

Fred,
As a former Taxachusetts resident turned New Hampshire resident I feel 
qualified to comment on this.  I hate the whole Mass economic and political
status, but on this issue it's NH that has totally missed the boat.  The 
reason us NH residents face the same problem in Mass is because of NH's 
non-reciprocity with all other states.  Why should Mass let us use their 
waters if we won't let them use ours?  Mass has always honored the 
registrations of all other states which offer reciprocity.  

Also, this has changed this year, and Mass *is* currently honoring NH 
registrations, despite the very one-sidedness of the issue.  As of January 
1, 1991, NH will be fully reciprocal and hopefully this issue can be put
to rest.

Rick W.

    re -?, and the .02% BAC limit:  Why the hell should somebody be able to
                                    be twice as hammered while operating a
    boat as a car?  Sounds as though legislators got paid off by booze
    manufacturers.

    >>Mass *is* currently honoring NH registrations...
    
    Rick,
    
    Are you telling me that I did not have to register my
    boat in MA and pay $305 in taxes to boat there??!  I
    just threw that money away?!  I'm ill.....can I get
    my money back?!  :>)
    
     

    re: <<< Note 698.14 by WOODRO::SHIRLEY >>>

>I think it is just marvelous that people who clearly know the laws regarding 
>boating and choose to disobey them would pick on the authorities who have been 
>hired to enforce the law. 

    Maybe you'll be lucky enough to get a ticket for 56 mph in a 55 zone
    on the way home tonight.

>Not using a PFD was the overwhelming number 1.  The accident may have been 
>caused by other problems, but a PFD would have saved the victim.

    The skier was wearing a PFD, just not a USCG approved PFD although
    the buoyancy of the suit he was wearing is better than an approved
    jacket.....

    Happy boating...

    Rick
                                                         

    
    Rick - If the PFD is not approved how is someone (you, a policeman,
    anybody) supposed to know if it really *is* good. Why isn't it
    approved? I would think that if a PFD *would* pass the CG
    qualifications, it would be submitted for them. More could probably
    be sold. Who is the poliman supposed to believe, you? how does he
    know what you know or how smart you are. Is he supposed to believe
    the manufacturer? we all know a company would never boast or fudge
    on test results - right!
    
    Re - a couple. I regularly don't observe the speed limits on roads
    (mostly the highway) But if I get a ticket for exceeding the speed
    limit, is it the cop's fault? He's doing his JOB - *I'M* the one
    breaking the law! Sure maybe I know (or think I know) I can handle
    *my* car on *that* road faster than the speed some other person
    *thought* I could, but a line has to be drawn *somewhere*!

    Back to PFDs: Unless someone has tested a PFD who has *no* stake
    in the profits of it - how *can* you know how good it is? That is
    the view that any law enforcement agency *has* to take. If it supposed
    to be USCG approved and it isn't, it can't be accepted as one that
    is. 
    
    					Kenny

    I know this isn't the place for it but I checked the registration notes
    and didn't find anything new. Does anyone else out there know more
    about the NH regs being honored in MASS ? Was this in place at the
    start of the season ? or did it just go into effect ?

    
    Based on what I wrote in .9 Massachussetts would recognize N.H.
    as of 1/01/91. Rather than "testing the waters" pardon the punn,
    maybe someone can call Mass Marine and find out if it's true or
    not.
    
    
                                                         Guy
    
    

RE: Note 698.17   

>> Are you telling me that I did not have to register my boat in MA and 
>> pay $305 in taxes to boat there??!  I just threw that money away?!

Jeaane,
That depends on where you live and where you will use the boat most often.
If I remember right you live in NH right?  You could have registered it in 
NH and used the boat in Mass.  But *only* if it will be stored or used less
than 60 days per year in Mass.  If the lake you're keeping it at for the 
summer is in Mass, legally you'd be required to register in Mass.  This is 
true with all states, regardless of the NH reciprocity issue.

Also, the state of Mass would frown on Mass residents registering their
boats in NH to avoid the state income tax.  Every year you hear of a few
folks being symbolicly busted to make a point for all the other tax
evaders.  Mass even used to have some kind of a program where you can turn 
in your neighbors who are illegally registering their cars and boats out of 
state to avoid the sales tax.

>> I'm ill.....can I get my money back?!  :>)
    
From the land of Duke?  Surely you jest!


RE: Note 698.20
>> Does anyone else out there know more about the NH regs being honored in 
>> MASS ? Was this in place at the start of the season ? or did it just go 
>> into effect ?

I called the Mass Division of Rec. Vehicles back in April.  The officer told 
me that they would "grudgingly" accepting NH registrations this season, but 
that this could change at any time during the season with no public notice.
Since NH has announced that they will become reciprocal on January 1, 1990, 
I would ass-u-me that Mass will accept NH registrations for the rest of the 
season.

>>If I remember right you live in NH right?  You could have registered it in 
>>NH and used the boat in Mass.  But *only* if it will be stored or used less
>>than 60 days per year in Mass.  

    I would have lied!  :>)  Who's to know I boated 90 days...and
    not 60.  Boy, that money could have been used for a new ski toy!
    

    re .19  Rather than compare to the speed limit laws, this is more
    like a helmet-seatbelt-passive restraint-airbag type law.  Don't
    you just love it when gummint protects you from yourself???
    
    Carl

Note 698.22                

>>Also, the state of Mass would frown on Mass residents registering their
>>boats in NH to avoid the state income tax.
                                  ^^^

Typo Alert!  Obviously I was referring to the *sales* tax.  After you've
paid 'em long enough all taxes seem alike to me...

Rick W.

re .24:

>>>    re .19  Rather than compare to the speed limit laws, this is more
>>>    like a helmet-seatbelt-passive restraint-airbag type law.  Don't
>>>    you just love it when gummint protects you from yourself???
    
One reason automobile insurance rates are so outrageously high is that 
accident injuries are much more severe when people don't wear seatbelts. 
My insurance rates are higher because of the irresponsibility of others. 
Seems to me that seatbelt laws are protecting me from others.

    Why don't you protect us even more by wearing a helmet in your car?
    
    Carl

    Isn't that why we trashed the seat belt law.
    
    If your paying more for insurance, its because your lining the
    pockets of the underwriters.  They penalize the unsafe drivers
    to penalize them for the sins they committed.
    
    There not gonna decrease rates once their up.
    
    JIm
    
    

    
    In yesterdays (7/1) Lawrence Eagle-Tribune (Mass) the local outdoors
    writer Rodger Aziz wrote a little piece on this "Noted" subject
    we have been discussing. By what he wrote Mass is not recognizing
    N.H. registrations until 1/1/91, and the only state left not
    reciprocating in the U.S. is Washington state.
    
                                                          Guy
    

Re. "it's like a $57 fine for wrong brand seat belt!!!"

Well, you can't buy the "wrong brand" seatbelt, but you can buy the "wrong" PFD
in this free country of ours. There is no law against selling non-CG approved
PFDs, and nothing says that you can't have them on your boat, or use it once in
the water. But, it can't be counted as among the PFDs you have on board during
an inspection since it isn't CG-approved. Nor can it be counted if the you are
required to be wearing a PFD. You may wear it with an approved PFD, but not by
itself. (An example is wearing an approved type III vest and an inflatable at
the same time.) This is pretty simple, and like any other enforceable regulation
one that you have to live with, whether you like it or not. Or think you know 
better than the CG. The Cost Guard is the approving agency, wear what they say
is approved and there is no problem with the revenue enhancement forces. If you
choose to ignore the regulations than you are accepting the risk. 

john

    I had an interesting encounter with the Marine Patrol a couple of 
    weeks ago at Nubanusit.
    
    We were having a boating party on the lake, but since my boat only
    comfortably holds 5 people, and we prefer to limit occupants to a
    driver and a spotter during skiing activities, we needed a resting
    spot for most of the crowd (about 12-15 people).  So some friends
    of mine brought along BIB.  That's a Big Inflatable Boat.  Actually,
    it's a 727 escape slide that they picked up at Building 19 about 10
    years ago.  BIB is great for attracting attention.  It also makes a
    convenient portable dock/raft/beach.
    
    We inflated BIB and towed it about 60 feet from shore and dropped 
    anchor.  The crowd hung out on BIB while individuals went skiing.
    At one point, the Marine Patrol stopped by to investigate.
    
    Having never seen a 727 escape slide used a raft before, they weren't
    quite sure how to classify it.  At first they wanted to declare it to
    be a boat, but they listened to reason, and agreed that as long as we 
    didn't attempt to paddle it (basically impossible) or tow it behind 
    the boat (other than to return it to shore) then it could be termed 
    a raft.  (A lucky break for us, since we didn't have enough life 
    jackets to go around.)
    
    They also checked out the ski boat, which passed.  They went away 
    grinning, planning to "write this one up in the book".

    One question that did come out from this encounter...
    
    Last year, when I registered the boat in NH, they informed me that 
    I didn't need to change my bow numbers, which currently begin with
    MS -- I bought the boat from someone in Mass.  The Marine Patrol
    informed me that my information was wrong and that I'd have to 
    change them.  
    
    When I got home, I checked my registration, and it reads NH resident,
    bow number MS...  Anyone have any information on this?
    

Statute:                       Offense:                               Fine:
--------                       --------                               ----- 
270:26(III)    Attaching Boat to Bouy or Navigation Aid              $ 57.60
631:5          Boating While Intoxicated                           MUST APPEAR
270:11         Carrying Gasoline in Glass or Non-Approved Container    43.20
270:12-b       Disobeying an Officer                               MUST APPEAR
270:31         Diving Without Diver's Flag                             57.60
270:11         Exceeding Headway Speed                                 57.60
270:11         Exceeding Headway Speed Under Bridges                   43.20
270:11         Exceeding "NO WAKE" Limit                               43.20
270:11         Failure to Display Proper Lighting                      57.60
270:11         Failure to Render Accident Assistance               MUST APPEAR
270:11         Failure to Yield Right-of-Way                           43.20
270:50         Implied Consent                                     MUST APPEAR
270:30-b       Improper Use of Jetski                                  57.60 
270:33         Improper Use of Aquatherm                               43.20
270.11         Improperly Equipped with Sound Producing Devices        57.60
270:11         Kite Skiing                                             43.20
270:11         Less than Two Paddles on Commercial Vessel Powered 
                                           by Flammable Fuel           72.00
270:11         No Approved Flame Arrester                              43.20
270:11         No Fire Extinguisher System on Commercial Vessel 
                                           Powered by Flammable Fuel   72.00
270:11         No Forced Draft Blower on Commercial Vessel Powered
                                           by Flammable Fuel           72.00
270:25         No Underwater Exhaust or Muffling Device                43.20
270:16-d       Operating After Suspension/Revocation               MUST APPEAR
270:11         Overloading                                             57.60
270-A          Overnight Mooring                                       57.60
270:30         Person Under 15 Operating Boat                          43.20
270:26(II)     Placing an Obstruction Dangerous to Navigation      MUST APPEAR
270:11         Plates Not Mounted                                      43.20
270:44         Rafting Violation                                       43.20
270:26(I)      Removal/Injuring a Bouy or Navigational Aid         MUST APPEAR
270:11         Required Fire Extinguishers                             43.20
270.11         Riding Gunwale                                          43.20
270.30-a       Transporting Child Under Five (5) in Boat Without
                                           Floatation Device           57.60
270:3          Unregistered Boat on State Waters                       43.20
270:11         Waterski Violations                                     57.60

    The previous reply is the current fine schedule for boating violations
    for N.H. inland waters.  Does anyone know what "Improper Use Of
    Aquatherm" and "Implied Consent" mean?
    Doug
    
    Just a "foot"-note:  N.H. does not recognize Class V PFD's, so even if
    Rick was wearing one of those "Approved" Casad Barefoot Wetsuits he
    could have still been subjected to a fine.  :^(
    

    
    re: Doug,
    
    	Yeah, I just noticed last night that the Casad is class V...
    
    	Oh well.... I don't think the previous ads for the Casad
    had the class listed, just "USCG approved".... ah marketing!
    
    Rick

    
      Implied consent (At least in cars) means that by operating
    the vehicle, you've "consented" to submitting to a a 
    {Blood,breath,urine} test if you get stopped for suspected DWI.
    
      If you refuse the test, you've violated the implied consent law,
    and are liable for a fine and license suspension.  
    
    
    						-al
    

Actually, Rick, the Overton's catalog *does* say that those suits are Type V. 
Unfortunately, I think that most people key in on the "USCG approved" part, and
don't know/care what a Type V device is.

This is yet another good reason why education is the solution to *most* if not
*all* boating problems!  IMHO.

...Roger...

Roger,

Do you mean education of the law enforcement people who are
supposed to know what they are doing?  You know, the ones
who are only concerned with making some extra cash for the
state or asserting their power over some hapless 'footer.
I don't get fired up too often, but this one is too much.

Rob...who can't believe the hassles you guys have gotten.

    Could someone clarify 270.30-a in the violation list - I assume it
    means person 5 years or younger not actually wearing PFD while in
    the boat.
    
    And is that age (5) the same for all (NE) states?  (I thought it was
    older).
    
    
    
    I wonder why due process is in such short supply on the high seas.  A
    friend (a 40+ year old lawyer who's anything but a scofflaw) was
    recently stopped in Boothbay Harbor for going over nowake speed (which
    he isn't disputing), however, he was subjected to all manner of
    sarcastic and other denigrating verbal abuse by the officer, none of
    which was provoked or otherwise called for.

    You raise a good point, Rob.  I, of course, was referring to the
    general populous, but education of the power-hungry officials would
    also be nice.  I know they have a job to do, but you're right, some of
    them take it over the edge.
    
    ...Roger...

    My Understanding of the rule:
    
    Anyone under the age of 5 on a boat that is underway on Inland New
    Hampshire Waters must be wearing an approved PFD.
    
    I have a step daughter who is almost five but is the size of about a
    three year old.  She doesn't enjoy the boat as much as my older boys
    and says it's because she has to wear the "Floatie" all the time.  Every 
    time we ride by a patrol boat on the Lake,  the officer is all eyes.  I 
    expect we will have trouble even once she is 5.  We have been cautioned 
    by some friends who have seen them stop folks with kids not wearing PFDs.
    

    Re: -1;
      The law states "Any child 5 and under.."  But Regardless of age, it's
    always a good idea to wear one and in my opinion, MANDATORY if the
    person is a non or weak swimmer.  Both my 8 and 6 year olds WEAR their
    PFDs even though they are both excellent swimmers.  The deal for them
    is, when they can swim to the "island" and back, (a distance of ~1/4
    mile each way) with boat escort of course, then they don't have to wear
    their PFDs (except while skiing/ski-bobbing etc.) while in the boat.
    They are both "in training" for their tests.  My 4 year old has two
    PFDs which she uses; one to swim off the boat with and a dry one to
    ride in the boat with.
     If your 4 1/2 year old doesn't like her "floatie" because it's
    uncomfortable, get her one that is!  Even let HER pick it out if it
    will help her "like it".
    -Off my soapbox-
    Doug

    THERE IS A LAW THAT SAYS YOU CAN'T INTRODUCE MECHANICAL DEVICES
    (AQUATHERMS) IN A LAKE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PREVENT THE NATURAL FREEZING
    OF THE WATER...WITHOUT HAVING A PERMIT AND A CLEARLY VISIBLE SIGN.
    
    PURPOSE IS TO PROTECT THOSE WHO USE THE LAKE IN THE WINTER (FISHERMEN,
    SNOWMOBILERS, SKATERS ETC.) FROM FALLING THROUGH ICE THAT THEY WOULD
    HAVE EXPECTED TO BE NATURALLY FROZEN.
    
    HENCE, THE DIAMOND SHAPED RED AND WHITE "THIN ICE" SIGNS THAT YOU SEE
    ON DOCKS WHERE AQUATHERMS ARE IN USE.

    Hay Doug,
    
    Thanks for clearing up the "5 and under" for me.  (I think.)  Now I
    will have to begin setting expectations for her that she will have to
    wear it for a long time.
    
    She did pick it out.  I think the real reason that she doesn't like it
    is because the older boys don't have to wear them.  They are 8 and 10
    and are both extremely strong swimmers.  They have both been swimming
    since they were about 2 1/2 years old.  
    
    I agree though.  Anyone who is a weak swimmer should wear one.  I have
    a sister-in-law who is not able to swim and whenever she comes up,  she
    wears one even when we are in the slip.....  It sets a good example for
    the kids,  especially Amanda, my 4 year old.
    
    
    Steve
    

    	The saga continues.... As Guy in 698.9 alluded to (and I missed)
    the state of NH has sprung into action again on the violation 
    described in the base note. (barefooting with a *non* USCG PFD)...

    	Here's the letter I received today.

    Dear Boater,

    Recently, you were found guilty of violating one or more of the
    following New Hampshire Safe Boating laws and rules:

    	1. Speed limit or personal flotation device rules adopted under
    			RSA 541-A.
    	2. RSA 270:12-b; Disobeying and officer.
    	3. RSA 270:29-a; Careless and negligent operation of boats
    	4. RSA 270:37; Decibel limits on noise.
    	5. RSA 270:50; Refusal of consent.
    	6. RSA 631:5; Operating boats under the influence of liquor or
    			drugs.
    	7. RSA 270-D:2; Safe passage law.

    In accordance with New Hampshire law, specifically RSA 270:46-a, a
    copy of which is attached for your reference, you are, as a result
    of your conviction, required to remit, within two (2) weeks of
    receiving this letter, payment of a $200.00 administrative fee for
    deposit into the New Hampshire Safe Boating Fund.

    If you submit the $200.00 as required above and successfully complete,
    within six (6) months of your conviction, an approved safe boating
    course offered by any one of the following organizations, you are
    eligible for a full refund of the $200.00 administrative fee. In order
    to enroll in these courses, you must first remit the $200.00 fee.
    Upon receipt of the $200.00 fee, you will receive a document which
    must be presented to the course instructor.

		- NH Department of Safety Bureau of Marine Patrol

		- US Coast Guard Auxiliary: Richard Many
					603-868-5437

		- US Power Squadron: Howard Dunbar
					603-863-1758

    Upon successful completion of a safe boating course provided by any 
    one of the above listed organizations, please complete and forward
    the enclosed application for refund together with a copy of the course
    completion certificate to the following address:

		Director
		Division of Safety Services
		New Hampshire Department of Safety
		Boat Safety Fund
		10 Hazen Drive
		Concord, NH 03305

    If you fail to submit the $200.00 administrative fee within two (2)
    weeks of receiving this notice, your New Hampshire boat registration
    and operating privileges on New Hampshire's public waters will be
    revoked pursuant to RSA 270:16b. Under New Hampshire law (RSA 270:16-d)
    operating a boat on New Hampshire public waters after revocation of
    boat registration and operating privileges is a misdemeanor providing
    a $1000.00 fine or a year in jail.

    Checks must be made payable to :

		NH Department of Safety--Boat Safety Fund

    and mailed to the New Hampshire Department of Safety at the above-
    mentioned address.

    If you have any questions, please call (603)271-3336 .

    Sincerely,


    Kevin M. Monahan
    Director
    Division of Safety Services

    Rick,
      I thought you were operating on the *Maine* side of the lake.  :-)
    How would they handle revoking your NH registration when you don't have
    one (operating on waters that are both in Maine an N.H.) ?  If
    anything, you'll get a discount on your boat insurance providing you
    take a course from USCGA or Power Squadron.  I don't think the N.H.
    version will get you any discounts.
    Good Luck!
    Doug

    
    
    RE:  -< They gonna pay interest on that $200? >-
    
    Its a refundable fine, not a savings bond :-)

    RE. 45

    	Now that type of punishment sounds a lot better than licensing.
    The bottom line is you broke the law. I agree the officer was nit
    picking, but needless to say you were not following the laws. The
    type of action NH is taking is the right action. If you don't know
    the laws their going to give you some incentive to learn them. If 
    you know the laws and follow them, you have no problems. Why should
    everyone pay for the few that cause the problems?

    Rich

re                       <<< Note 698.45 by KAHALA::SUTER >>>
>                               -< Say What?!!!! >-

	This is tough to write 'cos I know Ya, but......

	I guess I agree with .48, they're trying to make you feel it, 
it looks like they're succeeding.  I'd like to see something along 
these lines for some of the more serious road offenses too, the  
"pay $50 and forget about it"  routine in Mass doesn't seem to have 
much impact.

	Reg

    Rick, presuming you take the course, I would like to hear your reaction
          to it.  It'll be harder as a command performance, of course...
    
    J

    
    	Hey, I'm learning stuff I didn't know already......
    
    	For instance, last night I learned that the offense that
    I was charged with in NH is LEGAL; that's right LEGAL in
    Mass. Boy, there's one for the books, something that's legal
    in Mass, but not in NH!
    
    	There is a provision for skiers to go w/o an approved PFD
    under certain circumstances. I'll post the exact text next week,
    but it basically stated that if their long-drawnout description
    of a wetsuit with flotation matched the one you were wearing
    you aren't required to wear a PFD for:
    
    		1) Slalom *in* a course
    		2) Barefooting
    		3) Jumping
    		4) Trick skiing
    
    Rick
    

    It's also legal in N.H., but you need a permit signed by the director
    of the N.H. marine patrol.  But I thought you were on the Maine side of
    the pond.  :^)
    Doug
    

	<From Massachusetts Boater's Guide, published by
		Commonwealth of Massachusetts Environmental Police>


Water Skiing

	Any person water skiing or being towed in any manner shall
wear a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device of Type I, II
or III except for persons engaged in slalom skiing on a marked
course or persons engaged in barefoot, jump or trick skiing, who
elect to wear in lieu of a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation
Device and at their own risk, a wetsuit designed specifically for
such activity, provided that:

	A. The device must be clearly marked by the manufacturer
		as a waterski wetsuit.

	B. The device must be constructed of nylon-covered neoprene
		or similar material and have either long or short 
		arms and legs.

	C. The device must be equipped with additional flotation/
		padding material of a closed-cell non-absorptive
		type such as PVC foam or Ensolite. This flotation/
		padding must be sewn into the device according to 
		the following:

		1) On the front, extending from the clavicle to the top
			of the pelvis vertically and covering the front
			rib cage and covering as much of the side area
			as feasible. The maximum gap between padded areas
			on the side of the suit under the arm is four inches.
		2) On the rear of the device, padding/flotation material
			must cover the area from the top of the shoulder
			blade to the top of the pelvis and span the entire
			width of the back.
		3) Padding/flotation shall be at least one-half inch thick.
			This thickness excludes any covering material
			thickness.

	D. A Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device Type I, II or III
		must be carried in the tow boat for each skier electing
		to wear a water ski wetsuit.


.... Sounds like a typical footin' suit to me!

Rick

Hmmmmm, how ironic.  The "live free or die" state will let you kill
yourself by riding a motorcycle without a helmet but will bust you 
for footin' with just a wetsuit.  And Massachusetts, where government
knows what's best for you even if you don't, does just the opposite.

Sounds like this descrepancy needs to be pointed out to the proper
NH representatives or lawmakers.  Make sure you tell 'em you want
to do away with the PFD requirement for footin', not institute a
helmet law.   ;^)

BTW, NH is so adament on protecting the rights of bikers that they're
willing to forfeit millions of dollars in federal highway funds by not
having a helmet law.  Maybe you 'footers need to speak up like the bikers.
Don't know if you'd get the same respect as the "Harley and leather"
guys though, circling the state house in pink neon wetsuits and Nautiques 
or Malibu Skiers in tow!

Rick W.

    .53> B. The device must be constructed of nylon-covered neoprene
    .53>	or similar material and have either long or short 
    .53>	arms and legs.
    
    Interesting that this seems to explicitly rule out sleeveless wetsuits.
    I guess that means that you would have been bagged in Mass. as well.
    (Rick, your barefoot suit is sleeveless, right?).
    
    Boy, this rule could be subjected to serious interpretation!  Think
    about this: a wetsuit is "designed" for a certain size/weight range.
    Now, since you have a sleeveless barefoot suit (and don't want to go
    out and spend $250 on one with sleeves) but you want to comply with the
    regulations, you wear 2 suits, a full wetsuit (long arms/legs) and your
    sleeveless barefoot suit over that.  But now your size/weight has
    changed by wearing the full suit (perhaps beyond the "tolerances" of
    the sleeveless suit).  As such, the full + sleeveless combo doesn't
    comply with the regulation.  Bagged again!
    
    Hmm, very interesting.
    
    ...Roger...

    Re 53; 
        Rick,
          Could you post the section/part that this stuff appears in the
    Mass Boaters Guide?  I'd like to send a copy to my allies in the N.H.
    Water Ski Association and maybe they can "convince" the N.H.
    Legislators to adopt these same rules for use in N.H.
    Doug

    
    RE: Doug,
    
    	Great idea! I thought of it myself, but as usual had not done
    anything about it...
    
    	The book is "Massachusetts Boater's Guide" put out by the
    Commonwealth of Massachusetts Environmental police. The text
    I posted is from Part Five, "Massachusetts Rules and Regulations",
    "Water Skiing", page 58 & 59.
    
    	The third page says: The Massachusetts Boater's Guide is basic
    information for boating safety. For more information, contact the
    office of the Safe Boating Law Administrator at:
    
    		Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law
    					Enforcement
    		Division of Law Enforcement
    		100 Nashua St.
    		Boston, Ma 02114
    		(617) 727-3190
    
    	This guide is intended to provide a summary of the more important
    rules and regulations governing boating within Massachusetts and to
    assist in the enjoyment of safe boating activities. For legal puposes
    the Massachusetts Boating Laws, MGL Chapter 90-B, must be consulted.
    
    Rick
                                                          

    I saw an article in the Nashua Telegraph last night that said New
Hampshire's requirement for all sailboarders to wear a PFD is about to 
be dropped.  It was passed by the state senate and is on the gov's desk 
to be signed.

    Proponents said that wearing a PFD was more dangerous because it could
cause the wearer to become trapped under the sail, and the board itself
made a good enough PFD.  Opponents pointed out what would happen if the
mast or board smacked you on the head.  In any case, it looks like it's
about to be signed into law.

    Hey Rick S.,  I bet that makes you feel pretty good about the ticket
and fine you got last summer for skiing with an "unapproved" wetsuit, eh?

Rick

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it used to be that you had to
    have the PFD "on board" the board (Not required to wear it), then
    lagislation was passed to require you to *wear* it.  Are they going
    back to the stance where you're not required to wear it, but have it in
    your possesion, i.e. at an arms reach..?
    
    Doug_I'll still wear mine thank you.

    
    As I understood the article, no PFD will be required.  Period.
    
    Sure makes sense to me...
    
    Rick

    
    So, does this mean that if I'm towed behind the boat on a sailboard
    I don't have to wear a PFD. :-)
    
    Hey Doug,
    
    	Did you ever get anywhere with talking NH into carrying the
    same provision Ma has for footers? Allowing un-approved wetsuit
    flotation?
    
    Rick

    Re: Unapproved Flotation:  Only by special permit; i.e. Ski shows, ski
    show practice, etc.   
    Doug

That stuff about special "ski show" permits really gives me a chuckle.  "With
this permit, you may now perform stunts in front of people (who will probably
'try this at home' when they get there) without the aid of equipment which is
designed to prevent you from being injured when performing such a stunt."  Not
everyone will go home and say "Well, *those* guys practiced a long time so they
wouldn't have to wear safety equiment, but *I* better put on a PFD."  Gimme a
break!  We should be out there *PROMOTING* safety, not looking for reasons (or
permission) to ignore it.

So what's the reason the sailboarders are giving for not wanting to wear a PFD?
Lemme guess..."it's too restrictive!"  Right?  Sounds like the same sorry (and
lame) excuse trick skiers give for not wearing a PFD.

Sorry if I went off the deep end!

...Roger...

    There are some reasons for not wearing a PFD on a sailboard :
    
    	1) Getting trapped under the sail (as pointed out before)
    	2) Makes swimming near impossible - when sailing high winds,
    	   a board can get away from you if you can't swim fast enough.
    	3) PFDs interfer with harnesses
        4) Pretty dangerous to wear if sailing waves (not that this has
    	   anything to do with NH regulations - they were never required
    	   in the ocean)
    
    	Of course, getting wacked on the head by the mast is a good reason
    	to wear one (or to wear a helmet - an option practiced by more and
    	more sailors every year).
    
    
	Personally, I don't wear one when sailing - too restrictive :*)
    
    				Robert.
    
    
    P.S. - I don't know anything about waterskiing, but it seems that a
    wetsuit should provide enough flotation in almost all cases...

RE: .64

Sorry Robert, but your excuse (like everyone else who doesn't wear a PFD) is
pretty lame.  Sailboarders, trick skiers, et al. all sing the same tune, "It's
too restrictive."  Puh-leeze!  I don't want to get into an argument here since
the topic of the wearing/not wearing a PFDs has been beaten to death in this
conference.

I will have to agree with you on your first point, however.  Getting trapped
under the sail is indeed a problem, and I don't have a good answer for that one.
As for the others ... nah, sorry.  The potential benefits of wearing a PFD far
outweigh the problems you mentioned.  I'm not sure I understand your #4,
however.  How is a PFD dangerous if sailing waves?

Heck, if anything, maybe there's a business opportunity here to develop a new
type of PFD that *can* be used by sailboarders; one that doesn't interfere with
the harness, but maybe even "augments" the harness?  I dunno...I'm just throwing
ideas at the screen here...

...Roger...

    re: .65
    
    	Sorry, the 'it's too restrictive' was meant as a joke.
    
    	Actually, the reasons I don't wear one are 1-3 (I don't sail
    	waves so 4 doesn't apply). There are PFDs with harnesses on the
    	market - the harnesses have a chest-high hook (which figures for
    	a PFD) which isn't the best for high-performance sailing - I wear
    	a waist/seat and most folks just wear a seat harness - you get
    	MUCH more leverage with a lower hook.
    
    	Not wearing a PFD in waves makes a lot of sense - sometime you MUST
    	get underwater when your down in waves - otherwise, you'll get
    	slammed into the bottom, or get hit by your equipment. (you'll
    	never see a surfer wearing one!)
    
    				Robert.
    
    	P.S. - I feel safer without a PFD, some sailors (though not many)
    	agree with you that the benefits outweigh the risks. Sailing really
    	isn't that dangerous - I think helmets make more sense than PFDs.
    
    	P.P.S. - sorry for getting off the subject of PFDs for waterskiers.

    The topic is NH law enforcement, so discussion about PFD use on a
    sailboard used to be appropriate, but fortunately the law has been
    changed. Now that I don't have to wear a PFD while windsurfing on NH 
    lakes, I won't. No reasons necessary (however, it does mess up my tan
    8*)). I simply don't like the way they feel, and about the only thing
    they might be good for is finding the body. If I got whacked on the
    noggin and knocked unconscious my face would still be in the water with
    a PFD on.
    
    Freedom of choice is alive and well in the "Live Free or Die" state.
    
    IMHO
    
    Al

re                      <<< Note 698.67 by NEMAIL::STEWART >>>
>                             -< Different Strokes >-

    
>    Freedom of choice is alive and well in the "Live Free or Die" state.

	I thought it was    "Fly free or die"   (-:

	anyone else hear the  "Chat_a_noo_noo Su_nu_nu"  song last week ?


	Free choice ?   oops, wrong topic.

	They've OK'd the abortion pill up thar.


	....and the morning after pill for men




	It works by changing your blood group.


	R

    Re; -2:
     I asked earlier but didn't get an answer..
    
    Does the PFD still have to be *on board* the vessel??
    
    Doug

    Does anyone know the penalty for non-compliance with the N.H. noise
    restriction rule which says my boat (25 years old) can't be louder
    than 89 DB?  I've honestly tried to locate mufflers that: 1) will
    fit the limited space I have available, 2) won't require me to sell the
    boat to pay for them.  I'm tempted to play dumb (I didn't know I needed
    mufflers, officer!) but I also don't want to pay a $100 fine cause I
    was too cheap to put on a set of $200 mufflers.
    Thanks, Wayne

Hey Wayne...I put mufflers on my boat this year.  Dunno just how much they'll
silence my boat, but we'll see.  I broke down and bought the Ski Boat Silencers
from Overton's ($100/ea).  I've already had a number of people ask me why I
bothered..."Gee Rog, your boat was pretty quiet before...what the heck did you
need to put mufflers on for?"  If only the good officer with the noise meter
felt the same way!

I haven't tested them out yet, but hope to this weekend.  I'll file a report.

...Roger...

    Roger, either you have a different Overton's catalog than me or I'm
    being distracted by all the women in bikini's (how does that tan-thru
    fabric work?) in my catalog cause I can't find any mufflers.  Can you
    tell me more?
    
    Thanks, Wayne

Aha!  You're looking at the wrong equipment (and then again, maybe you're not!)
:-)  The mufflers are in the Overton's Discount Marine catalog.  I can send you
a copy of the appropriate page(s) if you'd like.  If you have the most recent
one, they're on page 75 under "Fuel Systems" (great place, eh?).  I bought the
ones with the 60-degree elbow (model #MS-030-1000).  Overton's stock #23241,
$99.95 each.  Warning: I had to reposition the exhaust outlets (yup, the
thru-hulls) so that the mufflers would lay flat in the bilge.  There's not
enough room to put in a long enough piece of flexible hose from the muffler
outlet to the thru-hull so that you can to bend up to the existing position of
the thru-hull (at least on my boat).

...Roger...

    Re: .69
    
    As far as windsurfers are concerned, no PFD has to be worn or carried 
    "on board" the vessel. 
    
    Al 

    Re: -.73
    I have the 1991 Overton's Water Sports Catalog, not the Discount Marine
    catalog.  I called Overton's and they're sending me the other catalog.
    I'll still keep my Water Sports Catalog for reference only :-).  I
    won't want to reposition my thru hull fittings.  Gil makes a clamp on 
    external silencer but the smallest they make has a 3.5 inch inlet, my
    exhausts are 2.5 inch.
    Does anyone know the number to call for the N.H. Marine patrol?  I
    haven't received an answer on what the fine is.
    Thanks, Wayne

    
    RE: .75
    The number for the Marine Patrol office in Gilford is 603-293-2037.
    I just called there yesterday, asking about the legality of using 
    anti-fouling bottom paint in fresh water.  They were useless, as I
    pretty much expected - they didn't know whether they were supposed
    to cite boats with anti-fouling paint or not.
 
    As far as finding out what the fine is, if you're thinking about just
    paying it as an "operating expense" don't bother.  I'm pretty sure 
    the fine is substantial, and also I think you're required to show 
    proof that the problem's been fixed or have the boat re-examined by 
    the M.P. before you're allowed to operate again.  Just paying the 
    fine once won't get you off the hook for the rest of the summer.
    
    Rick

    Yesterday there were two or three people putting anti-foul paint on
    the bottom of their sailboats in the marina where I keep my boat on
    Lake Winni.  From what I've seen its common practice there, esp. for
    sailboats.  The marina guys say it is legal and does help keep the
    slime from building up on the bottom.  I'm not sure whats worse...
    scrubbing off slime once and a while or (shudder) painting the bottom!

    There is non toxic anti-fouling paint (tinless).  Could that be what
    they were using?  I'm sure that N.H. has a law against using toxic
    bottom paint in fresh water.  Also, it shouldn't be needed anyways
    in fresh water the way it's needed in salt water to discourage
    things from growing on the hull.
    Wayne

ALL anti-fouling bottom paints are toxic, the only question is how 
toxic. With a few exceptions tin compounds have been banned 
because of their high toxicity, especially to shellfish.  Copper-based
paints are still legal everywhere so far as I know, but then I am not
familiar with the rules for lakes, just the oceans. 

    From what I've seen in the marina store the paint is copper base.  My
    slip is in a very protected cove (read real still water) and I do get
    a pretty substantial build up of kinda mossy slime on the bottom of the
    boat.  Most of the small boats (like mine) just attack it with a brush
    from time to time to keep it down, but a lot of the cruisers and sail-
    boats paint to inhibit/retard its attatchment.  They say it helps alot. 

    if the fresh water anti-foul paint is anything like the &&^^%%$$$
    crap we use in the salt, then once you put it on, its there to,stay.
    
    when you put it on, make sure to wear throw away clothing.
    as a matter of fact, a throw away body would be nice too.
    
    the crap makes a mess...
    
    if you can get by without it, the better..
    
    JIm.

    RE: the last few
    
    The only reason I'm even considering using the anti-fouling
    paint in fresh water is that it's already on the boat.  I'm 
    in the process of restoring an old MFG for my father which 
    we picked up a couple months ago.  It was already bottom 
    painted when we got it.  The boat needs *sooo* much other 
    work, that I really don't have time to strip the paint off 
    before the season gets too old.
    
    And to make matters worse, the existing bottom paint is pretty
    beat looking.  My options are to go with what's there, give
    it a fresh coat of bottom paint, or strip the existing paint
    and possibly end up repainting with a waterproof epoxy (Pettit
    Polypoxy) if the gelcoat is in bad shape.
    
    I don't really like any of these options.  Leaving the existing 
    paint isn't much of an option because it looks like crap.  I'm
    torn between another coat of bottom paint, and stripping the 
    paint down to the original gelcoat.  Has anyone ever used the
    paint stripper intended for fiberglass?  Does it leave the gelcoat
    looking good enough to leave it unpainted?
    Thanks,
    Rick
    
    P.S.  This whole discussion should really be in one of the "bottom
          painting" topics and will probably be moved there.

    Moved by moderator.
    
================================================================================
Note 1015.0                    N.H. Marine Patrol                      4 replies
MR4DEC::FBUTLER                                      69 lines  31-JUL-1992 12:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



		BIG FYI FOR BOATERS NEAR PORTSMOUTH, N.H.


	A Couple of weeks ago I was fishing with a friend up on the
	Piscatiqua (sp?) River in Portsmouth.  Not having much luck,
	we decided to head down the river to the ocean via the Little
	Harbor channel.  This is a harbor that we were both familiar
	with, as my friend has had his sailboat moored there for 2-3
	years.  Shortly after passing under the bridge (just before
	Wentworth Marina) I was stopped by the N.H. Marine Patrol for
	"Making more than headway speed".  I was told to pull over to
	the peir at Wentworth.  My boat was then inspected for all safety
	equipment, and because there were 2 empty beer cans in the boat
	I was given a sobriety test.  The officer then explained that the
	fine for "excessive spped" was something like $572 dollars for 
	the infraction and $57.90 for each boat passed "during the
	infraction".  I was not ticketed (verbal warning).  The 
	officer explained that they were patrolling the area heavily
	due to complaints from boat owners at Wentworth about boats
	leaving wakes in the NO WAKE zone.   My speed at the time WAS
	slightly over that needed to make headway, and my wake was barely
	visible.

	I found out yesterday that another friend had been pulled over
	last weekend while travelling between the peir and his sailboat
	in his inflatable.  The charge was overloaded boat.  He was 
	travelling a distance of less than 100 yds during slack tide
	in calm water.  He was forced to return to the dock, unload the
	boat, and take a sobriety test (which he also passed).  This guy
    	is the chief pilot for Delta in Boston.  He is a very safety
    	consious person in the air AND on the water.

	Here's the real rub.  I completely support the enforcement of
	safe boating laws, and have complained mightely for several
	seasons about the lack of enforcement/monitoring and still feel
	that way, but there are several problems here.

	1) The officer was severely lacking in professionalism.  He came 
	across as a young, smart-mouthed kid (The first words spoken to us
	by him were "Do we have a SPEED fetish?) 

	2) This particular harbor is used by about a dozen lobster boats
	to travel out to open ocean, and if you want to see a wake, check
	those guys out.  During the seasons that we have been at Wentworth,
	neither of us has ever heard of a complaint from anyone there about
	"wakes" OR lobster boats.

	3) Just North of the "singing bridge", I had to "avoid" a kid in
	a 12ft. inflatable (25 hp) that was running up and down that part
	of the channel FULL THROTTLE, posing a genuine safety hazard to 
	himself as well as other boaters.

	So my problem is this...  While it's great to see some effort being
	expended in the area of makeing boating safer for all of us, I feel
	like this particular area is a joke.  Their patrol is limited to
	what takes place directly in front of the marina (probably where 
	they get the greatest visibility), and the officer involved on both
	of these occasions appeared to be suffering from severe 
	testosterone posioning and too many episodes of Bay Watch on tv.
    	
    	Has anyone else out there had an encounter with this guy?
    
	The bottom line is, if you're in the area, BE careful.
    
    
    	Jim

    Moved by moderator.
    
================================================================================
Note 1015.1                    N.H. Marine Patrol                         1 of 4
UNIFIX::FRENCH "Bill French 381-1859"                30 lines  31-JUL-1992 14:03
             -< You might want to give the boss some feedback... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    That is the same attitude I had from a very young Marine Patrol officer
    taht I had on Lake Winnipesaukee about 7 years ago one day when I ran
    out of gas looking for a gas dock that did not exist (but was marked on
    the chart). I felt like I was being treated as a criminal for
    requesting his assistance to get some gas brought out from another
    marina. Yes, this was a sailboat, but I had to go 8 miles from Glendale
    to the Northwest end of Moultonboro Bay and there was no wind.
    
    I was severly tempet to have a chat with the head of the marine patrol
    regarding this kid's attitude. The Head of the marine patrol is a
    gentleman named Tom McCabe, and he can be found at the Marine Patrol
    State headquarters in Glendale (Gilford). I have talked with him 3 or 4
    times at boat shows, our Power Squadron Class, where he was a guest
    lecturer and for about 30 mins last year on the phone regarding the 
    requirements of registering a windsurfer over 12' (which constitutes 
    5-10% of all windsurfers, which the feds exempted years ago and the
    stated requirement to have the stickers that wouldn't stick to
    polyethelene and the registration certificate on the "boat"). 
    I have always found Chief McCabe, quiet, well mannered and a very good 
    listner and conversationalist. I'm sure he must be effective at
    politics (being Chief of the Marine Patrol) but he always treated me 
    with complete respect. I'm sure he would find a message like the base
    note to be interesting. I beleive he has quite a number of young
    wahoos that could use a bit toning down.
    
    Bill
    
    (who has 3 boats registered in N.H. - all 3 with sails and one also a
    motor)
    

    Moved by moderator.
    
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Note 1015.2                    N.H. Marine Patrol                         2 of 4
SHUTKI::JOYCE                                         9 lines  31-JUL-1992 14:56
                              -< Public Hearings >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    RE: .0
    
    If you would like to comment on the way the State is running the
    Seacoast area, there are three public hearings being held. They
    are going to be in the Portsmouth area. I'm on the committee and
    can type in the schedule if there's any interest in attending.
    
    Steve
    

    Moved by moderator.
    
================================================================================
Note 1015.3                    N.H. Marine Patrol                         3 of 4
SALEM::GILMAN                                        22 lines  31-JUL-1992 15:46
                              -< "Professional" >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Re .0  I frequently boat in the Portsmouth Area near the Wentworth
    Marina.  THANKS for the warning.  I keep my speed reasonable (IMO)
    when in areas like that.  I would like to see any boat which is moving
    which doesn't throw SOME wake. One has to use a little judgement here.
    It sounds to me as if the officer who stopped you was interpreting
    your speed unreasonably.  Sounds to me as if you were complying with
    the intent of the law which was to avoid disturbing the marina. 
    However, the young hotshot seemed to need something to do, and he
    found it.  Luckily he only gave you a warning.  If he HAD fined 
    you some $ 600 for going slightly over headway speed when others
    (the lobsterboats and rubber inflatable) truely do speed it would have
    been grossly unfair.  I have seen that inflatable roaring around in
    there too.  I wonder where that officer is then?  The kid probably
    stays away from the marina.  I plan to go by there tomorrow and I will
    be sure I creep by the 'officer'. 
    
    I have little patience with enforcement officers who don't treat people
    with respect.  I would be far more likely to take a complaint against
    me to court (rather that just pay the fine) if I hadn't been treated
    with respect. 
    
    Jeff

    Moved by moderator.
    
================================================================================
Note 1015.4                    N.H. Marine Patrol                         4 of 4
SALEM::NORCROSS_W                                    31 lines   3-AUG-1992 09:28
                                 -< My story. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I might as well add my little story about the N.H. Marine patrol that
    stopped us on Lake Monomanac two years ago.  He was a young guy who
    seemed like the type who failed to make the police force so he became
    a marine patrolman instead complete with attitude problem.  He had
    stopped a boat in the middle of the lake.  We were pulling a water
    skier at the time.  It was a Sunday so it didn't seem safe to just slow
    down to headway speed to pass the guy because there were boats
    following right behing my friend who was skiing.  We carefully went
    around the patrol boat with as much room as was possible but certainly
    not at head-way speed.  He immediately came after us and stopped us
    right in the middle of the lake.  We asked if we could go back and pick
    the skier up before he wrote us up and he said no.  We proceeded to sit
    in the middle of all the boat traffic with my friend on the end of the
    line for at least 15 minutes while he inspected our boat and wrote us
    up for passing another boat (his) at faster than head-way speed) and
    for not having the proper flotation devices on board for the four
    people present.  I tried to explain to him that the boat was only 15'
    long and we had the required throwable seat cushions but he said that
    life jackets were required.  He told me to stop argueing or he was going
    to haul us all in.  Finally, after about 20 minutes, he took the
    operator of our boat on board his and let us go back to pick up the
    skier who was the boat owner because we couldn't locate the boat
    registration.  My friend ended up paying a total of $50 bucks in fines
    cause there was no way he could prove at court hearing that he had any
    floatation devices on board and none of us witnesses could make the
    court hearing held out in Jaffrey.
    
    I can appreciate the job that these guys have to do on a busy weekend
    on a lake like Monomanac but this guy was the one who was creating the
    hazards in the first place, plus he didn't even know what the law was.
    Wayne

    Does anyone from New Hampshire know how the "adult observer" rule works
    for towing one or two people behind a boat?  i believe that it is one
    "adult" observer per person being towed (driver doesn't count).  At
    what age does one become an "adult"?  (I realize that question is a
    good straight line!)
    Thanks, Wayne

    I went by Wentworth Marina this weekend, and was very careful to go
    VERY slowly.  Didn't see the officer, did see the Marine Patrol, which
    thankfully ignored me.  At the same time I was CREEPING by the marina
    a lobster boat roared by at 8 to 10 knots... nothing happened, he kept
    going and vanished, then an inflatable from the marina roared out to a
    moored boat, and the Wentworth Yacht Club boat roared by on its way 
    toward Portsmouth.  I would like to see some consistency in enforcement
    here.  I'll bet the Yacht Club itself is quick to complain about wakes.
    
    Sometimes I wonder if the rules (laws) aren't more designed to harass
    boatowners than protect them.  Enforcement seems to be whimsical.
    
    Jeff

	I did some "Nautical 'Learin" this past weekend...

	Seems I'm not up on my latest NH boating laws.... I
didn't realize that:

	1) Under every bridge in NH is a NO WAKE zone...

	2) or that PWC drivers must be 16 even when accompanied by
		an adult...


	Guess it's time to read up... anyone got a copy of the latest
rules they can spare?

thanks,

Rick

    NH rules require that all boats maintain headway speed when passing
    under a bridge.  Headway speed is defined as the minimum speed needed
    to maintain steerage, and in no case is to exceed 6 m.p.h.  Hope that
    helps with #1.
    
    As to #2 well... it depends on what kind of PWC.  A PWC that falls
    under the legal definition of a skicraft is restricted in terms of
    operation as you indicated.  A PWC that falls outside of the skicraft
    definition is treated as any other boat, and the rule is different.
    
    The laws pertaining to boats are for the most part found in Chapter
    270 and associated chapters 270-A, 270-D, 270-E, et al.  There is also
    an extensive set of administrative rules (that have the effect of law)
    that apply to boats.  The latter can be obtained by writing to:
    
    		NH Dept. of Safety
    		6 Hazen Dr.
    		Concord, NH 03301
    		Attn: Marine Patrol
    
    The copying cost is about $10.00
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Denis

    Denis,
    
      Are you the same Denis Hamel who's on the N.H. Marine Patrol??
    
    Doug

    Hi Doug!
    
    	Formerly, thanks, but one in the same.  I've given up the boats and
    spend all my spare time in the cruiser.
    
    Denis

	Was going to put this in the Jet Ski note, but the "moan
about NH laws note" seemed more appropriate....


	My biggest problem with PWCs other than the few bad apple riders?
The fact that the stroke of a legislater's pen can ban them so easily!

	I have always been concerned about this issue for the simple fact
that I'm selfish. The next "stroke" could be Tournament Ski Boats!
Can't happen, you say? Can you say Horsepower Restrictions,
I knew you could! 

	Picture this..., all the lake users band together to get rid of
those NASTY, LOUD, thru-transom boats that constantly annoy them by
using the HP restriction club and voila Ski Nautiques are also banned!

	An example of this? Easy... The NH law which defines a PWC or
"skicaft" states any vessel < 13 feet designed for only 1 or 2 people.
As a guy in NH trying to sell one of those little 1 person 20 hp outboard
boats found, according to NH, that vessel is a PWC and is banned on many
NH lakes.

Rick