Results!!!!! No Wake
 

I just received this email from Director Barrett's office. I spoke earlier with Director Flynn's office and he read a letter I had emailed in. They said action was forth coming........ It feels good to know that our state officials do listen!!! Thanks to all who championed the cause for NO WAKE.




Director Barrett has asked that I respond to your recent e-mail regarding Lake Winnipesaukee. Please be advised that the Department of Safety has just issued a press release announcing the adoption of an emergency rule as follows:

Saf-C 402.001 Emergency Restriction. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, until further notice, not person shall operate a vessel at a speed greater than headway speed within 600 feet from shoreline upon the waters of Silver Lake in the towns of Tilton and Belmont, Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam and Lake Opechee.

600 feet is better than 150 but maybe not enough... Has the water dropped any or is it still full+13"?

get the message out!!
 

so people can start cancelling their weekend plans and make plans to go elsewhere.

i just cancelled mine.

thats fine
 

600 ft is fine don't be cancelling your plans!!!!!!!!

Kayakers and Canoers....now is the time to actually go out on the BIG lake and enjoy!

Thank you, especially if your plans had included bombing around in the lake.

My boat was scheduled to go in this Sunday, I just postponed for at least two weeks.

I still think this doesn't go far enough.

ITD....I think you assume to much when you use words like "bombing" and you know what you do when you assume. I don't blame him for cancelling and being disappointed. A day out on the big lake is precious. I too have postponed my boating given the present scenario until the lake drops, however, I like to bring it up beyond no wake speed at times when it's ok to do so

You're right, bombing was too strong a word and I will quit on this before I dig in deeper. Sorry your plans were ruined BR (and Kevin) and thank you for choosing not to add to the problem by keeping your boat off the lake or not boating above headway speed.

This is good news?
 

We needed NO WAKE. What we got is scarcely better than last weekend's "urged".

Apparently state officials don't realize that wakes travel huge distances and don't stop magically at 600 feet.

Enforcement will be more difficult than the 150-foot rule, IMO. Hundreds just got carte blanche to cause mayhem. :(

is the 600 ft "no wake" exclusion..
 

..what everyone meant by "no wake lake-wide"? Was this what happened in the earlier "no wake" periods (i wasn't around the lake in 84, and i don't recall the 98 incident very well...)

600 ft instead of 150 ft doesn't seem to be much of a "decision"

If it makes you feel better you're in good company. We as lakefront homeowners have also cancelled our plans to enjoy a weekend on the lake. It is depressing especially with temps. that are supposed to be in the 90's by Sunday. It's a small sacrifice to wait until things have dropped a bit though and that way we can keep down the wakes and hopefully keep damage to ALL things around the shoreline to a minimum.

Canceled
 

Yep we also just canceled our plans. That is 5 more people that won't be able to spend their money in the lakes region. I hope this doesn't affect the economy in the area to badly. There are a lot of local businesses that count on these holiday weekends. Happy Memorial Day and see you in a few weeks!

'98 no wake - entire lake
 

As I recall, in 1998 the emergency No Wake restriction was for all of Lake Winnipesaukee. No exclusion 600 feet from shore as is the case today.

It did get a bit tedious boating at only headway back then. Particularly when I (very slowly) went to help a disabled boat get away from the rocks...

You are a fool if you cancell your holiday lake plans this weekend all because you can't go faster than headway speed! I know a boat is a big part of the lake, but common! I love the opportunity to get on that lake at any time under any circumstances,except lightning ofcoarse. As the previous poster put it, this is probably the safest time and rare opportunity to use a row boat or canoe on the lake and really enjoy and appreciate the true beauty without getting run over. Plus... think about how quiet it will be. Like being back in theold days. I will gladly take your place if you feel like trading! Relax and enjoy it even if it isn't what you are use to or planned on. When this "crisis" passes, you will look back on it and say "man, remember how quiet the lake was that holiday weekend, that sure was nice". Have a happy holiday.

Well this will make for a nice quiet weekend on the lake.

I remember '98 . . .
 

The "No Wake" was for the entire lake, with no exceptions. It was actually a very pleasant time on the water. Our sailboat was the fastest thing on the water. You could talk to other boaters as you went past. The fishing was great. Those who are cancelling their reservations are going to miss out on some "most excellent" time on the lake. When you slow down, you can see so much more of the lake, poke around places you've never been and get a real feel for the peace and beauty of the lake that we all cherish. It's only for a short time until the dam operators can restore the lake to its normal level. I, for one, plan to enjoy the slower speed. No need for sour grapes. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!:)

No Wake? How about No Boating!
 

Just FYI,
Here is what we are dealing with "downstream" of the lake. Putting the boats in? Not happening any time soon!

Even though the TV cameras are gone, the Merrimack River is still OVER flood stage at the Lowell Motor Boat Club.

Our Commodore heard that Winni is going to drop the lake by two feet just after Memorial Day, that will mean water at the LMBC, still above flood stage, will increase again.

We still can't get our docks into the water much less launch boats.

So, complain about No Wake? Come on down and help us complain about No Boating!

Do the Mount, Doris E., and Sophie C. still have cruising rights around the lake? If so, it's 10 bucks (on the Doris) for an hour of lake time and with gas the way it is, it seems like a pretty good deal.

I'm coming up this weekend; in fact I'm leaving at 6:30 AM for 3 whole days of awesomeness.

I find it interesting that they limited it to just a select few lakes.

Though I was happy to discover this morning that Merrymeeting is down 4-6" since last weekend and seems to be dropping fast now. This is good news for Winni too as once we're done releasing, your inflow will slow too.

They basically limited the NWZ restriction to the headwaters of the Merrimack River. I doubt they are going to drop Lake Winni 2' as Airwaves Commodore heard... they will drop the lake to just below full...

I knew the restriction would come as soon as it would be difficult for the tourists to cancel thier plans. I am surprised that they compromised on 600'.

Woodsy

Not To Stir The Pot...But...
 

...I completely agree with CoolBreeze and QuiltLady.

Lake Winnipesaukee it one of the prettiest place on earth and to cancel your plans because of the "no wake" rule is insane.

There are a million other things to do in, on, or around the lake.

Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, getting in the car and exploring all the off-the-beaten roads around the lake (there must be hundreds of them-I try to explore at least one town in its entirety every year), not to mention shopping, fine dining, museums, and some great public libraries.

I live in the city, so just the thought of sitting on our porch on Bear Island with my family and enjoying the fresh air and tranquility is more than enough for me. I'd be there even if the forecast called for monsoons for the next three days.

Spend more time with your family, get to know them again, play stupid games, take a walk through the woods.

I'm a little bummed about the "no wake" rule? Yes. My dad just bought a brand new boat (our first one in over thirty years) and I'd love to be out in it waterskiing, hydrosliding, and tubing.

But I wouldn't miss being at the lake in ANY condition for anything in the world.

Okay...I'm stepping off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening to my rant.



Jk

I didn't know boat wakes only traveled 500 feet. Sounds like bureaucrat science to me.

Wow.... I never knew it was up to certain people to decide what is foolish or not when it comes other people's hard earned vacation dollars.

Talk about arrogance.....

Gusman

A Fool
 

When all you have is a boat on the lake, spending $300-$400 a day when the lake is basically closed seems foolish to me.

What I am most upset about is we called marine patrol on Wednesday and they were adamant that the lake would be open. I’m not saying it's wrong to have a no wake limit, I’m saying the lack of communication on the subject was terrible. You have the governor saying "New Hampshire is open for business". All of us "day trippers" will probably disagree with that statement when we bring our boats to our usually place and find the lake practically closed. We’ll be at the Cape, not a bad second choice.

Woodsy, you took back your prediction too soon. You were right on!!!

Someone should call Mike Wallace..i smell a conspiracy! Wait..i think he's retired and on the lake boating (headway speed 600' from shore of course)!! ;)

We have a bunch of competing interests, so it is a compromise...

NH had a very lackluster winter tourist season due to lack of snow. Then all of this flood damage. Where is the money supposed to come from to pay for the flood damage and make up the lost revenue? Tourists & daytrippers!

600' will dissipate alot of the energy from the wakes of smaller boats... the bigger cabin cruisers have the potential to do some damage.

Woodsy

B R
 

I agree with you that the State could have imposed the ban earlier in the week so that those that wished to change their plans would have had more time to do so. The problems were here as early as 10 days ago.
We visit friends on the Cape and the offshore boating is great and the place to be if speed is your thing. Of course there isn't much to see out on the ocean and wide open but to each his own. When we first came to Lake Winnipesaukee we would stay in motels and tow our boat. We spent at least 8 hours a day, weather permitting, on the lake cruising. We knew every nook and cranny, what was for sale, where they were building, etc. Since the mid 80's we have owned a place on the water and it never ceases to amaze me the majority of large boats (not cabin cruisers) always go by at a high rate of speed - they certainly are not appreciating any of the mountain views, etc.
Maybe the answer is the ocean. There is a lot of ocean shoreline in New England.
Enjoy your weekend on the Cape.

How far is 600 feet?
 

For me it's hard to judge distance especially over water. Most people have trouble judging 150 feet no less 600 feet. So I went on to Google Earth and did some measurements. For example Alton Bay ranged from about 1300 feet wide to 3,000 feet wide further north. It's about 1950 feet wide across from Echo Point to the west side. What this means is that you could go full speed anywhere down Alton Bay as long as you stayed out in the middle (except around Sandy Point). Sandy Point is only around 850 feet across. I'm not suggesting you do this but it just gives you and idea of how far 600 feet really is. It really shouldn't hamper anybodies boating too much for the weekend.

Cop-out
 

What a cop out by the powers that be. 600 feet is no better than the normal 150 feet as far as wake effect on docks and shorelines. I plan to be at the lake, and will certainly comply with the 600 foot rule and more. I need my boat to get to my island property, but once there I will enjoy the lake from non-motorized vessels. I had no problem keeping to headway speed last time this was imposed, even for my 2 mile ride. Just think, you can even talk to your passengers without shouting. I can't believe people are actually changing their plans because they have to slow down within 600 feet of shore instead of 150 feet, but thank you anyway. :) The lake should be a little less hectic than normal this weekend.

Closed?
 

From what I am reading the lake is not closed there are speed restrictions. Go out and enjoy a nice leisurely cruise see the sites. Some of us don't have the chance this weekend to be at the lake.

How about some cheese with the whine?

Is it Working????
 

The NWZ rule is in effect officially 600 feet from shore. Unfortunately it is difficult for most people to visualize the distance from shore and most do not care.
I have been working outside all day and have observed about 2 out of 10 boats observing the NWZ. The boats that have been coming from the West Alton Marina area and heading to the west side of Rattlesnake have been among the worst offenders. Only one boat was going at headway speed. Have the marinas posted the official notice??
Perhaps the boaters are aware of the NWZ rule and choose to ignore it - they should stand on shore and see the effect as the wave increases as it rolls in.
You can't legislate common sense, courtesy or concern for others - there will always be a Capt. Bonehead on the water.

lake near NWZ
 

I will also not be putting my boat in this weekend, but that has not changed my plans I leave for the State in one hour. I think that a speed limit has been placed on the lake. Never mind 25 or 45, It seems odd that this happens but it is something we all can live with, it won't be long. I think people will find it difficult to judge the 600' rule, and then also perhaps have to apply the 150' rule. Needless to say I hope that this Memorial Day will not cause anyone to have additional memorials to do, So Drive safe, drive responsibly either on land or on water. God Bless America!

You are SO Right!
 

I tried calling the Governor's office, the best governor we've had in a long time by the way, but was really disgusted. I was on hold forever and then told by the fellow answering the phone he would absolutely communicate my concerns to the Gov. He even used the word "promised"!

Well, contrary to what the Governor's website tells us, he apparently is not listening on this one. Have none of these grown men ever stuck their fingers in a bowl of water, swished them around, and seen what happens at the edges of the bowl?

Essentially that is what is going to happen this weekend. It always seems no one cares unless we get about 5 - 10 deaths due to a certain cause anymore. It was obviously the case with the 45/25 speed limit proposal, and it's holding true here once again. How many kids on waterskis, or whatever, are going to have to be hurt by the debris in the water? Does no one care that pieces of, if not whole docks, are going to come loose? Does no one care that people's boats are going to be damaged, not to even mention what will happen to the shore's wildlife nests!

Sorry, but I don't have the money to burn as those fellows who want to buzz my lake do. I don't have the money to rebuild my dock and I surely don't want to see anyone hurt by the debris. What was the Gov. thinking with this one? He needs a lesson in physics! It ABSOLUTELY should have been 100% NO WAKE, not only all weekend, but until we are back down to an at least close-to-normal level! Yes, I am mad about this one!:mad:

Lets see what happens Tuesday. Everyone will be home again, and then they can make the NWZ lake-wide. The merchants will have full pockets. There will be that much more unnecessary property damage done. But the all-mighty dollar will still rule. Seems to me that if these people have to lay out more and more money for property damage that could have been avoided, thats that much less revenue for the crying shopkeepers to rake in over a longer amount of time than just a three day weekend. Disposable income now becomes necessary income. Real tunnel vision, wouldn't you say? I don't recall this much whining in 1998 when the lakewide NWZ was in effect over the Fourth of July holiday.

instead of complaining
 

Since many are so concerned why not take a proactive approach?
Call the marinas and ask if they have signs posted letting boaters know about the rule.
Or better yet print some out and post them yourself, I'll bet the marinas will not mind.
I found out only by mistake and I live here.

Well, you can mandate "now wake," but that doesn't mean people will comply. And the 600 feet does nothing. A big "belongs-in-the-ocean" boat came blowing by our place last evening, probably going 40-50 MPH, and a good 500-800 feet out. The resulting wake was a good as if he'd been 200 feet off shore.

Wow.... I never knew it was up to certain people to decide what is foolish or not when it comes other people's hard earned vacation dollars.

Talk about arrogance.....

Gusman



Gusman, I hope you're not talking about me. It has nothing to do with arrogance. For those of you who know me, you know I don't have an arrogant bone in my body.

All I'm saying is that the Lakes Region has a lot to offer beside the lake itself.

This "the lake has a no wake zone...whaahhhh.....I'm gonna go to the Cape instead....whaahhhh....." is getting a little old.

Grow up.

Proactive Doesn't Work
 

:( Well, I tried the proactive approach, but that doesn't work either. I've been watching these monster boats, who claim they make no wake on plane (right....), zipping by my place since Thursday, and it's now Saturday morning. I tried calling the governor's office. I tried calling the Marine Patrol multiple times. Last night I even brought them a nice big hunk of someones dock with a lot of nice long nails sticking out of it that washed up onto our boat ramp as an example of the deathly salad of trash floating out in the middle of our bay.

I got lambasted for all this effort. All I'm trying to do is get the Marine Patrol to understand that "dispatching" is not the answer. It doesn't work with the 150 ft. rule and it's not going to work with a 600 ft. rule. By the time these selfish people go blasting by, they are long gone before a Patrol boat can be "dispatched"! Who, by the way, is going to say they were 601 ft. away or 599? How can you ever read their numbers or identify them as anything but a "red boat"? (Sound familiar? It's just like the 150 rule. We've been through all this with the same arguments about the 45/25 limit and look where it got us.)

My suggestion to the Marine Patrol was to post patrol boats in each of the large bays around the largest lakes as deterrents. (Yes, I know they need to answer emergencies first.)

Perhaps by doing this, just as you naturally slow down when you see a policeman on the side of the road with his lights flashing (admit it; we all do it), it would at least slow down some of these people somewhat. But, instead of my suggestion being "heard", as usual, all I seemed to get were the excuses. This is no different than saying the 150 ft. rule will take care of everything; it doesn't work. This rule won't help either. Those who care will comply. Those who don't won't.

As for posting hand written, non-official signs at marinas, are you kidding? The people blasting their monster boats around this weekend are so arrogant they aren't going to care what's posted there! They don't under normal circumstances care about others and they won't now. Their only interest is in their own misguided adrenaline rush as they screw it to the rest of us.

Sorry, I don't want to be mean, but this IS the reality (see my tag) and yes, the proper word to use is "arrogant"!

Aquadesiac...that was a pretty rude and thoughtless remark..."crying shopkeepers" indeed.In case you haven't noticed,there is very little industry in the lakes region.Tourism is the very engine that drives the economy.
Those of us in business got rained out two weeks in a row.We badly need a successfull holiday weekend,especially after a winter with no snow.
I don't think anyone is totally happy with the 600' rule,but it shows a little compromise on both sides.
The "almighty" dollar,as you call it,is what paves the roads,keeps schools open,provides fire and police service.Look at the bright side....at least you won't have to rake your beach.

Very well said MJP!