Bringing my boat to Winnipesaukee

jeffk · 05-29-2016, 05:10 PM

Wow! In boating for twenty years I haven't been stopped once. I assume all these stops were fruitless, i.e. you were not charged with anything? All I can figure is that they are expecting out of state boaters to not be familiar with NH boating certificate requirements and are being extremely zealous. I think you should mention to the Marine Patrol the negative effect this has had on your time here. I get the need for enforcement but we don't need to be alienating visitors either.

Maybe the Marine Patrol should consider issuing some type of NH compliance sticker that indicates the boat docs have been checked and are OK?

Better luck this year.

ralpht44 · 05-29-2016, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffk

Wow! In boating for twenty years I haven't been stopped once. I assume all these stops were fruitless, i.e. you were not charged with anything? All I can figure is that they are expecting out of state boaters to not be familiar with NH boating certificate requirements and are being extremely zealous. I think you should mention to the Marine Patrol the negative effect this has had on your time here. I get the need for enforcement but we don't need to be alienating visitors either.

Maybe the Marine Patrol should consider issuing some type of NH compliance sticker that indicates the boat docs have been checked and are OK?

Better luck this year.

Thanks for the response. I did not receive a fine for anything, just nonsense type stuff. Checking registration, boaters safety card, asked to see a personal flotation device. After about the 5th time it was just plain ridiculous and felt harassed. We were literally followed one time from the docks in Meredith back to Paugus bay and right to our slip one time.

Slickcraft · 05-29-2016, 06:36 PM

We have 30+ years of boating on Winni, never been stopped. Our boats do have NH on the bow number but I don't think that the Marine Patrol has a "harass out of staters" mindset.

I think that you have only 30 days on a out of state reg.
https://www.boat-ed.com/abc/abc_spec...dfs/nh_law.pdf

Maybe a call to Marine Patrol stating that you have a PA bow number, noting the past stops and asking about how to avoid such. My experience is that they are pretty reasonable folk.

winnipiseogee · 05-29-2016, 06:49 PM

Sorry to see you called a Troll - your concern seems legit and I can understand why you'd join to get an answer to your question. Just texted a friend who works at marine patrol. He said that while its common to see a mass boat up here (or even CT, RI etc) he hasn't ever seen one on the lake from as far away as PA. He said he'd probably pull it over to make sure it hasn't been here for 31 days (after 30 you need to register it in NH). I agree with Slickcraft that the best course of action is to call marine patrol here locally. They are a pretty decent group of people.

ralpht44 · 05-29-2016, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winnipiseogee

Sorry to see you called a Troll - your concern seems legit and I can understand why you'd join to get an answer to your question. Just texted a friend who works at marine patrol. He said that while its common to see a mass boat up here (or even CT, RI etc) he hasn't ever seen one on the lake from as far away as PA. He said he'd probably pull it over to make sure it hasn't been here for 31 days (after 30 you need to register it in NH). I agree with Slickcraft that the best course of action is to call marine patrol here locally. They are a pretty decent group of people.

A few of the times I was pulled over was for informative purposes. They asked on one occasion if I was aware of the 150 foot rule and the other asking if I planned in being on the lake for more than 31 days. Those stops didn't bother me.

8gv · 05-29-2016, 08:43 PM

I have been boarded by U.S. Coast Guard three times, in two different states, while piloting three different boats. Each boarding and inspection had nothing to do with my operation of the vessel. Everything checked out ok.

They gave me a paper documenting compliance with the rules and told me to show it if another boarding was initiated.

I wonder if NH Marine Patrol has a similar program.

About the "trolling"...

Maybe the o.p. is a troll, maybe he's not, I have no way of knowing.

I shall assume innocence and consider the possibilty that this person has had enough encounters with Marine Patrol to feel a bit unwelcome bringing his boat up here from PA. Labeling him a troll may reinforce this feeling...

MAXUM · 05-29-2016, 10:59 PM

Just as a general rule regardless of whether or not the boat is registered in state or not it seems to me that alone should not be reason enough to pull somebody over, in the same way as applicable to out of state vehicles.

Dave R · 05-30-2016, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

I have been boarded by U.S. Coast Guard three times, in two different states, while piloting three different boats. Each boarding and inspection had nothing to do with my operation of the vessel. Everything checked out ok.

They gave me a paper documenting compliance with the rules and told me to show it if another boarding was initiated.

I wonder if NH Marine Patrol has a similar program.

Coast Guard can board for any reason or no reason. I'm pretty sure NH MP has to articulable suspicion of wrongdoing in order to legally stop a boat.

NoBozo · 05-30-2016, 09:27 AM

Maybe troll is a little harsh.

Hillcountry · 05-30-2016, 09:53 AM

My one and only experience with the MP was on Winnisquam probably 7-8 years ago. I was operating my ex-gf's boat on the lake and we were hailed down by a female officer. She did the complete inspection and found no violations except one...the boat reg. numbers were, in her opinion, "not legible enough to read" and she promptly, wrote a ticket for it. The boat's numbers were not just the black "block letters" usually seen...they were more of a custom lettering done with lettering that complemented the boat's green and white coloring.
Perfectly, legible to me and everyone else on board but there was no arguing about it.
A sizable fine was paid. I, of course thought it was a lame excuse for a fine.
Anyone else ever been cited for this types of "custom" lettering?

Added note: I just went to the NH requirements for numbers and saw that they emphasize "BLOCK LETTERS" I guess that explains it...but anyone else had this experience?

Descant · 05-30-2016, 11:19 AM

I agree with Dave R, MP generally has to have "Articulable cause" for a stop. I've heard this phrase directly from MP in legislative testimony. On the other hand, nobody should have to feel a need to call in and say "i'm from out of state and wanted you to know I'm here." At the same time, displaying a NH or CG Auxiliary courtesy inspection sticker answers a lot of questions without a word being spoken.

Many states have a 150 ft rule regarding distance to shore, docks, etc, but only NH has it boat to boat. If I were from out of state,I could honestly say "I'm aware of the 150' rule," and really not be aware of the NH distinction. I could see where that might be cause for multiple violations, and MP simply being "informative" to a visitor. I know this is always the attitude that comes from MP leadership, courtesy to all.

Outdoorsman · 05-30-2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

A few of the times I was pulled over was for informative purposes. They asked on one occasion if I was aware of the 150 foot rule ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Many states have a 150 ft rule regarding distance to shore, docks, etc, but only NH has it boat to boat. If I were from out of state,I could honestly say "I'm aware of the 150' rule," and really not be aware of the NH distinction. I could see where that might be cause for multiple violations, and MP simply being "informative" to a visitor. I know this is always the attitude that comes from MP leadership, courtesy to all.

This could be the reason. Perhaps MP was stopping you because they felt that you passed too close to another boat and rather than ticketing you they felt that informing you was enough?

For me, over the past 20 years I have been "approached" by MP 2 times while trolling. Both times they instructed me to continue "fishing" and they would maintained speed along side me at a distance. They asked each person to hold up their fishing license, a PDF and the other required gear (one person was viewing us with binoculars). They never asked me to pull up our gear so they could approach the boat.

IMO that was MP/FG doing what they should be doing. I am sure if they had any doubt they would have asked for a closer look and we would have had to pull up our gear but they seemed to go out of their way to make sure we could keep enjoying our fishing.

Descant · 05-30-2016, 06:33 PM

Havingh, presumabaly, read all the comments, I would ask RaplhT44 to give us a little feedback. There's been a lot of speculation on this topic. It would certainly be helpful to other out of state boaters, many of whom are regular visitors to this sire, if not participants.

HomeWood · 05-31-2016, 09:19 AM

I have towed my bass boat (sold since) from North Carolina up to Winnipesaukee a few times for a week at a time. Never had a problem with MP. I've never been stopped on Winnipesaukee and that includes operating all of our other boats. It's near impossible to answer and kind of unfair to ask us why YOU were stopped.

Phantom · 05-31-2016, 10:51 AM

Although my boat is currently Registered in NH -- for at least 25 years we trailered our MA registered boat(s) to the Lake and left it for weeks at a time. Never once been "hassled" by the MP.

Also, I thought it was 45 consecutive days of being in the water i.e docked, moored, etc. not 30 days ?

here's where someone will save me the time of researching the RSA's
.

jeffk · 05-31-2016, 12:20 PM

Sounds like someone taped a "Kick Me" sign to the back of rappht44's boat.

Dave R · 05-31-2016, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

My one and only experience with the MP was on Winnisquam probably 7-8 years ago. I was operating my ex-gf's boat on the lake and we were hailed down by a female officer. She did the complete inspection and found no violations except one...the boat reg. numbers were, in her opinion, "not legible enough to read" and she promptly, wrote a ticket for it. The boat's numbers were not just the black "block letters" usually seen...they were more of a custom lettering done with lettering that complemented the boat's green and white coloring.
Perfectly, legible to me and everyone else on board but there was no arguing about it.
A sizable fine was paid. I, of course thought it was a lame excuse for a fine.
Anyone else ever been cited for this types of "custom" lettering?

Added note: I just went to the NH requirements for numbers and saw that they emphasize "BLOCK LETTERS" I guess that explains it...but anyone else had this experience?

My boat has non-block, but very legible registration numbers and has had them for 11 years with extensive use on Winnippesaukee and other bodies of water. I have never been hassled about them despite a few (always pleasant) interactions with NHMP I was stopped by the US Coast Guard in Annapolis Harbor a couple of weeks ago for a safety check (also pleasant), they went through everything and gave me a piece of paper (for future CG stops) stating that I was in compliance with all their checks.

Hillcountry · 05-31-2016, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

My boat has non-block, but very legible registration numbers and has had them for 11 years with extensive use on Winnippesaukee and other bodies of water. I have never been hassled about them despite a few (always pleasant) interactions with NHMP I was stopped by the US Coast Guard in Annapolis Harbor a couple of weeks ago for a safety check (also pleasant), they went through everything and gave me a piece of paper (for future CG stops) stating that I was in compliance with all their checks.

I'm thinking the MP lady had a hair across her butt for some reason...legible is legible...period. Or perhaps she had one of those..??

LastonBoard · 05-31-2016, 03:30 PM

This may just be a quota issue, need to get those safety checks in to support the on-the-water funding.

I've never been stopped on Winni, but frequently have been stopped for safety checks by the state police on Lake Memphremagog in Vermont (most of the time they'll motor up while I'm fishing on my trolling motor).

Having the police/mp on any body of water I fish is worth the short delay for a safety check - even if its multiple times in a week. They should give you a dated "receipt" showing that you completed the safety check. When your stopped the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time just show them this receipt and you'll be on your way.

NoBozo · 05-31-2016, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastonBoard

Having the police/mp on any body of water I fish is worth the short delay for a safety check - even if its multiple times in a week. They should give you a dated "receipt" showing that you completed the safety check. When your stopped the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time just show them this receipt and you'll be on your way.

How would you feel if this happened... (being pulled over) while you were driving your car to the market for a pound of hamburger.

NB

Descant · 05-31-2016, 07:27 PM

MP has to have "arguable cause". If you're being stopped multiple times in NH, I will suggest there is a reason. Can't say for other states. I think Fish & Game can just ask for a license, but they don't have many boats and don't do regular patrols the way MP does on Lake Winnipesaukee.

LastonBoard · 06-01-2016, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

How would you feel if this happened... (being pulled over) while you were driving your car to the market for a pound of hamburger.

NB

Different situation. Police do not have to physically stop and see what's in a car to assure safe operation. They achieve similar results with seatbelt check points, DUI check points, Radar/ Speed traps, traffic cams, etc.

Skippermark · 06-14-2016, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastonBoard

Having the police/mp on any body of water I fish is worth the short delay for a safety check - even if its multiple times in a week. They should give you a dated "receipt" showing that you completed the safety check. When your stopped the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time just show them this receipt and you'll be on your way.

In CT there's usually a DEEP/Coast Guard officer at the major boat launches if you get there early, and they ask if you want a free safety inspection. If you agree, when you're done, they give you a "Coast Guard Inspected" sticker for your window, so next time you launch, they just wave you through, and having it on the water usually means you won't get stopped because they can see it from a good distance away and know your boat is up to standard.

Not sure what happens if you say no because I've always had them do it.

Skippermark · 06-14-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

Coast Guard can board for any reason or no reason. I'm pretty sure NH MP has to articulable suspicion of wrongdoing in order to legally stop a boat.

In CT, where I live, the DEEP (Environmental Protection) officers can board and search any boat for any reason. Once you put something on the water, you pretty much relinquish all rights here.

Skippermark · 06-14-2016, 01:44 PM

I've been vacationing on Winnipesaukee for 20 years and have only been stopped by the MP twice. Once they wanted to see my boating certificate, which is from CT, and the other was to see if we had a license when we were fishing. We did.

Both times the officers were very pleasant, and we talked for a few minutes afterward. The second guy suggested some fishing spots and said if we had any questions or needed anything to give them a call.

Editing to add that I think he even gave us a business card with the MP HQ's phone number on it. To the OP, if you keep getting stopped, I would do as others have said and ask the officer if there's something that stands out with your boat that keeps making them stop you.

TiltonBB · 05-30-2016, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralpht44

A few of the times I was pulled over was for informative purposes. They asked on one occasion if I was aware of the 150 foot rule and the other asking if I planned in being on the lake for more than 31 days. Those stops didn't bother me.

Pulled you over for "informative purposes"?

"Asked if you were aware of the 150 foot rule"?

How many times were you stopped and informed that you were in violation of rules such as the 150 foot rule or travelling through a no wake zone at excessive speed?

Your stated experience boating on the lake, if true, is highly unusual. I have been boating on Winnipesaukee every summer since 1970 and now live on the lake. Every summer I put over 250 hours on various boats and have only been stopped twice in over 45 years, both times for lights that had burned out. I got a written warning and the tickets were dismissed after I took the boat to Glendale the following day to show a Marine Patrol officer I had replaced the bulb.

I highly doubt you were stopped 11 times just because your registration is from another state.

The Marine Patrol does an excellent job and I only wish they would stop more violators. The violations of the 150 foot rule in the Weirs area are almost constant.

noreast · 05-30-2016, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Pulled you over for "informative purposes"?

"Asked if you were aware of the 150 foot rule"?

How many times were you stopped and informed that you were in violation of rules such as the 150 foot rule or travelling through a no wake zone at excessive speed?

Your stated experience boating on the lake, if true, is highly unusual. I have been boating on Winnipesaukee every summer since 1970 and now live on the lake. Every summer I put over 250 hours on various boats and have only been stopped twice in over 45 years, both times for lights that had burned out. I got a written warning and the tickets were dismissed after I took the boat to Glendale the following day to show a Marine Patrol officer I had replaced the bulb.

I highly doubt you were stopped 11 times just because your registration is from another state.

The Marine Patrol does an excellent job and I only wish they would stop more violators. The violations of the 150 foot rule in the Weirs area are almost constant.

I agree, Probably some violations involved. I've never been boarded on Winni, I'm sure I will be.

05-30-2016, 11:19 AM	#11
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,378 Thanks: 1,353 Thanked 1,628 Times in 1,060 Posts	Articulable cause I agree with Dave R, MP generally has to have "Articulable cause" for a stop. I've heard this phrase directly from MP in legislative testimony. On the other hand, nobody should have to feel a need to call in and say "i'm from out of state and wanted you to know I'm here." At the same time, displaying a NH or CG Auxiliary courtesy inspection sticker answers a lot of questions without a word being spoken. Many states have a 150 ft rule regarding distance to shore, docks, etc, but only NH has it boat to boat. If I were from out of state,I could honestly say "I'm aware of the 150' rule," and really not be aware of the NH distinction. I could see where that might be cause for multiple violations, and MP simply being "informative" to a visitor. I know this is always the attitude that comes from MP leadership, courtesy to all.

05-30-2016, 06:33 PM	#13
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,378 Thanks: 1,353 Thanked 1,628 Times in 1,060 Posts	Speculatrion? Havingh, presumabaly, read all the comments, I would ask RaplhT44 to give us a little feedback. There's been a lot of speculation on this topic. It would certainly be helpful to other out of state boaters, many of whom are regular visitors to this sire, if not participants.

05-31-2016, 10:51 AM	#15
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Although my boat is currently Registered in NH -- for at least 25 years we trailered our MA registered boat(s) to the Lake and left it for weeks at a time. Never once been "hassled" by the MP. Also, I thought it was 45 consecutive days of being in the water i.e docked, moored, etc. not 30 days ? here's where someone will save me the time of researching the RSA's . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

05-31-2016, 03:30 PM	#19
LastonBoard Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 32 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Quota Saftey Stops This may just be a quota issue, need to get those safety checks in to support the on-the-water funding. I've never been stopped on Winni, but frequently have been stopped for safety checks by the state police on Lake Memphremagog in Vermont (most of the time they'll motor up while I'm fishing on my trolling motor). Having the police/mp on any body of water I fish is worth the short delay for a safety check - even if its multiple times in a week. They should give you a dated "receipt" showing that you completed the safety check. When your stopped the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time just show them this receipt and you'll be on your way.

05-31-2016, 07:27 PM	#21
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,378 Thanks: 1,353 Thanked 1,628 Times in 1,060 Posts	arguable cause MP has to have "arguable cause". If you're being stopped multiple times in NH, I will suggest there is a reason. Can't say for other states. I think Fish & Game can just ask for a license, but they don't have many boats and don't do regular patrols the way MP does on Lake Winnipesaukee.

05-29-2016, 05:10 PM	#1
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,172 Thanks: 206 Thanked 437 Times in 253 Posts	Wow! In boating for twenty years I haven't been stopped once. I assume all these stops were fruitless, i.e. you were not charged with anything? All I can figure is that they are expecting out of state boaters to not be familiar with NH boating certificate requirements and are being extremely zealous. I think you should mention to the Marine Patrol the negative effect this has had on your time here. I get the need for enforcement but we don't need to be alienating visitors either. Maybe the Marine Patrol should consider issuing some type of NH compliance sticker that indicates the boat docs have been checked and are OK? Better luck this year.

05-29-2016, 06:36 PM	#3
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,309 Thanks: 1,227 Thanked 2,098 Times in 957 Posts	We have 30+ years of boating on Winni, never been stopped. Our boats do have NH on the bow number but I don't think that the Marine Patrol has a "harass out of staters" mindset. I think that you have only 30 days on a out of state reg. https://www.boat-ed.com/abc/abc_spec...dfs/nh_law.pdf Maybe a call to Marine Patrol stating that you have a PA bow number, noting the past stops and asking about how to avoid such. My experience is that they are pretty reasonable folk.

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05-29-2016, 06:49 PM	#4
winnipiseogee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 297 Thanks: 67 Thanked 152 Times in 79 Posts	Sorry to see you called a Troll - your concern seems legit and I can understand why you'd join to get an answer to your question. Just texted a friend who works at marine patrol. He said that while its common to see a mass boat up here (or even CT, RI etc) he hasn't ever seen one on the lake from as far away as PA. He said he'd probably pull it over to make sure it hasn't been here for 31 days (after 30 you need to register it in NH). I agree with Slickcraft that the best course of action is to call marine patrol here locally. They are a pretty decent group of people.

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05-29-2016, 08:43 PM	#6
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,107 Thanks: 64 Thanked 746 Times in 480 Posts	I have been boarded by U.S. Coast Guard three times, in two different states, while piloting three different boats. Each boarding and inspection had nothing to do with my operation of the vessel. Everything checked out ok. They gave me a paper documenting compliance with the rules and told me to show it if another boarding was initiated. I wonder if NH Marine Patrol has a similar program. About the "trolling"... Maybe the o.p. is a troll, maybe he's not, I have no way of knowing. I shall assume innocence and consider the possibilty that this person has had enough encounters with Marine Patrol to feel a bit unwelcome bringing his boat up here from PA. Labeling him a troll may reinforce this feeling...

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05-29-2016, 10:59 PM	#7
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Just as a general rule regardless of whether or not the boat is registered in state or not it seems to me that alone should not be reason enough to pull somebody over, in the same way as applicable to out of state vehicles.

05-30-2016, 09:27 AM	#9
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Maybe troll is a little harsh.

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05-30-2016, 09:53 AM	#10
Hillcountry Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: In the hills Posts: 2,420 Thanks: 1,677 Thanked 786 Times in 466 Posts	My one and only experience with the MP was on Winnisquam probably 7-8 years ago. I was operating my ex-gf's boat on the lake and we were hailed down by a female officer. She did the complete inspection and found no violations except one...the boat reg. numbers were, in her opinion, "not legible enough to read" and she promptly, wrote a ticket for it. The boat's numbers were not just the black "block letters" usually seen...they were more of a custom lettering done with lettering that complemented the boat's green and white coloring. Perfectly, legible to me and everyone else on board but there was no arguing about it. A sizable fine was paid. I, of course thought it was a lame excuse for a fine. Anyone else ever been cited for this types of "custom" lettering? Added note: I just went to the NH requirements for numbers and saw that they emphasize "BLOCK LETTERS" I guess that explains it...but anyone else had this experience?

05-31-2016, 09:19 AM	#14
HomeWood Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Clayton,NC / Sanbornton,NH Posts: 611 Thanks: 126 Thanked 137 Times in 75 Posts	I have towed my bass boat (sold since) from North Carolina up to Winnipesaukee a few times for a week at a time. Never had a problem with MP. I've never been stopped on Winnipesaukee and that includes operating all of our other boats. It's near impossible to answer and kind of unfair to ask us why YOU were stopped.

05-31-2016, 12:20 PM	#16
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,172 Thanks: 206 Thanked 437 Times in 253 Posts	Sounds like someone taped a "Kick Me" sign to the back of rappht44's boat.

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06-14-2016, 01:44 PM	#25
Skippermark Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 70 Thanks: 16 Thanked 26 Times in 11 Posts	I've been vacationing on Winnipesaukee for 20 years and have only been stopped by the MP twice. Once they wanted to see my boating certificate, which is from CT, and the other was to see if we had a license when we were fishing. We did. Both times the officers were very pleasant, and we talked for a few minutes afterward. The second guy suggested some fishing spots and said if we had any questions or needed anything to give them a call. Editing to add that I think he even gave us a business card with the MP HQ's phone number on it. To the OP, if you keep getting stopped, I would do as others have said and ask the officer if there's something that stands out with your boat that keeps making them stop you.