Quote:
Originally Posted by SIKSUKR
That's a good question Steve.I would guess that a mooring is not considered an anchor so based on GWC's link I would say no.But then again,there are numerous boats that fit the houseboat definition (sleeping quarters and toilets) that are on moorings.However,I did not that you could sleep overnite on a mooring.Confused now?I know I am.SKIP?
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There is no law in New Hampshire that has a blanket prohibition on overnight anchoring.
There is a specific law that prohibits overnight anchoring/mooring of
HOUSEBOATS on all inland waters, unless specific exceptions are met.
The State is fully aware of this gap in the law, but the last time it was attempted to ammend the law to change the verbiage from
HOUSEBOAT to
ALL VESSELS, the act failed after coming out of the Senate.
The only question is how does the term
HOUSEBOAT apply to your particular vessel? It has a very broad definition.
Anyway, if you get caught anchoring overnight you will most likely recieve a summons. So if you take the risk be prepared to defend yourself in Court, and decide if the loss of time & money was worth it, or would you have been better off just making other arrangements and not pushing the limits.
By the way, I have had a lot of folks tell me that if your boat has cushions and a porta potti, or even a handy bucket aboard, this is all the NHMP nneds to apply the "temporary sleeping and toilet" facility standard.
But then what about all the pontoon boats & bow riders that daily cruise Squam, Conway & other lakes in New Hampshire where houseboats by definition are banned altogether? Many of these craft have porta pottis and cushions that easily convert to sleepers!
Unfortunately it is the misapplication of statutes like this, and the unwilligness of the State to make the necessary corrections, that cause too many to have a disrespect for those that have to enforce these poorly written laws.
Quite frankly I wish the State would clarify the Statute and make it apply to all watercraft. Simple & clear as that. Our lakes and rivers are just to fragile to allow unbridled overnight "camping" on the water....and we clearly do not have enough folks available to police the minority that would defile the environment to satisfy their needs.
I just plain don't understand why a sincere effort hasn't been made in the last 15 years to fix this discrepancy!
