Overnight?

[Showem]

Are there any places on the lake where you can tie up for the night? Are you allowed to drop anchor anywhere on the lake ? Thanks in advance

[upthesaukee]

You cannot anchor overnight on the lake.

You can tie up a dock with permission of the owner.

Overnight stays on a boat is darned near impossible except in a marina or at someone's personal dock.

Days of anchoring on the lake over night are long gone, unfortunately.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

You cannot anchor overnight on the lake.

You can tie up a dock with permission of the owner.

Overnight stays on a boat is darned near impossible except in a marina or at someone's personal dock.

Days of anchoring on the lake over night are long gone, unfortunately.

You wouldn't want to swim in the ocean waters that many coastal states have.



You can overnight in those ocean waters.



In many states on ocean waters, overnighters must provide a log of "pump-outs" to the Marine Patrol or U.S. Coast Guard—upon demand.



Let's keep the good quality of lake water we have, and not consider mandatory inspections by LEOs on Lake Winnipesaukee.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by ApS

You wouldn't want to swim in the ocean waters that many coastal states have.



You can overnight in those ocean waters.



In many states on ocean waters, overnighters must provide a log of "pump-outs" to the Marine Patrol or U.S. Coast Guard—upon demand.



Let's keep the good quality of lake water we have, and not consider mandatory inspections by LEOs on Lake Winnipesaukee.

My last sentence in the post you quoted only dealt with my feelings for the original poster not being able to fulfill his wishes, not that I support overnight anchoring on the lake. If you think we have problems with No Rafting Zones now or with boaters vs landowners, well.... I don't even have to finish the sentence.

[jrc]

Highlighting your post in blue doesn't make it relevant.

For over forty years it's been illegal to discharge waste water in NH lakes. It's heavily enforced and well known to the boating community.

upthesaukee hit the nail on the head.

I've included the relevant clean water rules for NH, for our perpetually our uninformed poster.

http://des.nh.gov/organization/commi...ents/bb-38.pdf

487:2 Restrictions on Marine Toilets. – No marine toilet on any boat operated upon waters of the state shall be so constructed and operated as to discharge any sewage into said waters either directly or indirectly, nor shall any sewage or container of sewage be placed, left, discharged or caused to be placed, left or discharged in or near any waters of the state by any person at any time whether or not the owner, operator, guest or occupant of a boat; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prohibit such discharge to a municipal sewerage system or to any adequate sewage disposal system on shore.

[Descant]

I feel like there was a bit of a leap from a simple question about overnight anchoring to an assumption that there would be inappropriate discharges. Decades ago, when fewer boats had holding tanks, I would have agreed, as did the legislature. In those days, towns (Wolfeboro, Meredith, and the Weirs in particular) encouraged overnight stays at the municipal docks. Good for business, and the boats attracted tourists.

Now, I think everybody is aware of the need to protect our waters and the issue is more one of landowners and boatowners having an appreciation for the desire to use the lakes without harm. The relevant RSA is 270-A.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...XXII-270-A.htm

Overnighting on your boat is a little like camping. Maybe a little cramped, hard to get dry on a rainy day, etc, but fun and a family adventure. If you have a friend with a dock, go for it. If you can tie off a bit so you don't bump against the dock, it will feel like you're at anchor.

[Showem]

Our friends on Cow island are in a cove and you wouldn't need to tie up to a dock because its so calm in there. As far as overnighting were planning on using one of the moorings they have in Boston harbor on some of the islands. It's a first come basis so I thought we would try it. Be nice to see the city skyline at night!

[Kamper]

Unless they have a registered mooring, you would need to tie up to a dock. You can argue the semantics about the reg.s only applying to 'houseboats' but that's for another thread.

[HellRaZoR004]

I may have read somewhere that you need to notify the state in advance. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Showem]

Our friends over in Cow island have a dock and we could tie up there. As far as the moorings they have in Boston harbor its a first come basis. They do have docks you can tie up to at some of the islands and they have a fee for that but its pretty reasonable. The state doesnt run it which is a good thing, it's run by a seperate agency.

[CrownRay]

Originally Posted by Showem

Our friends on Cow island are in a cove and you wouldn't need to tie up to a dock because its so calm in there. As far as overnighting were planning on using one of the moorings they have in Boston harbor on some of the islands. It's a first come basis so I thought we would try it. Be nice to see the city skyline at night!

Yup. I did this just last summer. We went to Peddock's Island on a Friday night. We just grabbed one of the many moorings that were available. As long as they have BHI (something like that) printed on them, they are free. A great time!

[BroadHopper]

I don't see overnight anchoring enforced.

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I don't see overnight anchoring enforced.

If you're discreet you can get way with it (not saying you should try).

I blew the whistle once on boat in the channel just south of the Governor's Island bridge. It was in the middle of the channel and the way some folk blast-off after clearing the bridge, it looked like an accident waiting to happen. The responding MP was lenient and just chewed the skipper out and said 'don't let me find you moored again tonight.'

If they had gone down the shore a little bit and tucked in with the moored boats I doubt they'd have been noticed by even the most diligent MP.

[Not to Worry]

People really should not moor overnight in the lake. Didn't that rule get passed because so many were flushing the toilets overboard...or did I just make that up?

[Winnipesaukee Divers]

Originally Posted by Not to Worry

People really should not moor overnight in the lake. Didn't that rule get passed because so many were flushing the toilets overboard...or did I just make that up?

We at WCYC have been battling this law for years. We've been cited, charged, detained and even gone to court with a fines resulting. We've hired lawyers, proposed legislation to amend the law, nothing has worked for us. If you look at who proposed this law and why, you'd have a better understanding why it exist and more to the fact why it can't be changed.

It has nothing to do with pollution at all. I can't stay overnight on my mooring, but I can move 50' over to our docks and legally stay as long as I want. The State environmental police visit us every year to inspect our boats and issue us a permit, that's fixed to our boats windows.

The real question is: Who wrote this law and why can't it be amended or repealed? The answer is closer to you than you might think.

[HellRaZoR004]

Homeowners - even though they don't own the water in front of their property they don't want to see you there. And they have money to influence their position....

I don't agree with the law. A good alternative would maybe be a dedicated spot, take Lake Tahoe for instance.

[Winnipesaukee Divers]

It's called the "The House Boat Law"... It was crafted and designed for one single purpose. And it's done a pretty good job doing just that!

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Descant

I feel like there was a bit of a leap from a simple question about overnight anchoring to an assumption that there would be inappropriate discharges. Decades ago, when fewer boats had holding tanks, I would have agreed, as did the legislature. In those days, towns (Wolfeboro, Meredith, and the Weirs in particular) encouraged overnight stays at the municipal docks. Good for business, and the boats attracted tourists.

Now, I think everybody is aware of the need to protect our waters and the issue is more one of landowners and boatowners having an appreciation for the desire to use the lakes without harm. The relevant RSA is 270-A.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...XXII-270-A.htm

Overnighting on your boat is a little like camping. Maybe a little cramped, hard to get dry on a rainy day, etc, but fun and a family adventure. If you have a friend with a dock, go for it. If you can tie off a bit so you don't bump against the dock, it will feel like you're at anchor.

I've overnighted many times at anchor. Overnighting at anchor is not for me, as I always seem to pick a night that has a full moon, which shines into my eyes each time the boat turns on its mooring line. For me, anyway, it's like having a flashlight turned onto one's face.

But night-anchoring is a hazard to Winnipesaukee navigation, particularly with night-time boaters striking navigation markers and breaking them off—not to mention the many islands becoming impediments to travel—such as Eagle, Rattlesnake, Parker or Diamond—which have been seriously impacted in the dark. Maintaining "Safe Passage" means staying 150-feet from such granite objects, but the darkness changes everything.

You can relate RSAs all day long, but ultimately they are ignored or special interests will see them ripped away: NH has an RSA on disposing of plastic in the lake, yet we often see bottles or bait containers floating by.

NH had a boating RSA on excessive exhaust-pipe noise, but that's no longer the case.


While it's possible that Winnipesaukee's many lodging facilities would never feel the pinch from night-anchorers, it's also possible that some at anchor would take the dearth of enforcement during night hours to live aboard their boats all summer.



Getting up with the dawn gives me a special look at Lake Winnipesaukee. Most summer mornings, I'm greeted with a rosy sunrise—other times—well...night-anchorers have to start their waking hour in their usual manner.

[gtagrip]

Originally Posted by ApS

I've overnighted many times at anchor. Overnighting at anchor is not for me, as I always seem to pick a night that has a full moon, which shines into my eyes each time the boat turns on its mooring line. For me, anyway, it's like having a flashlight turned onto one's face.

But night-anchoring is a hazard to Winnipesaukee navigation, particularly with night-time boaters striking navigation markers and breaking them off—not to mention the many islands becoming impediments to travel—such as Eagle, Rattlesnake, Parker or Diamond—which have been seriously impacted in the dark. Maintaining "Safe Passage" means staying 150-feet from such granite objects, but the darkness changes everything.

You can relate RSAs all day long, but ultimately they are ignored or special interests will see them ripped away: NH has an RSA on disposing of plastic in the lake, yet we often see bottles or bait containers floating by.

NH had a boating RSA on excessive exhaust-pipe noise, but that's no longer the case.


While it's possible that Winnipesaukee's many lodging facilities would never feel the pinch from night-anchorers, it's also possible that some at anchor would take the dearth of enforcement during night hours to live aboard their boats all summer.



Getting up with the dawn gives me a special look at Lake Winnipesaukee. Most summer mornings, I'm greeted with a rosy sunrise—other times—well...night-anchorers have to start their waking hour in their usual manner.

Oh boy!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by ApS

I've overnighted many times at anchor. Overnighting at anchor is not for me, as I always seem to pick a night that has a full moon, which shines into my eyes each time the boat turns on its mooring line. For me, anyway, it's like having a flashlight turned onto one's face.

But night-anchoring is a hazard to Winnipesaukee navigation, particularly with night-time boaters striking navigation markers and breaking them off—not to mention the many islands becoming impediments to travel—such as Eagle, Rattlesnake, Parker or Diamond—which have been seriously impacted in the dark. Maintaining "Safe Passage" means staying 150-feet from such granite objects, but the darkness changes everything.

You can relate RSAs all day long, but ultimately they are ignored or special interests will see them ripped away: NH has an RSA on disposing of plastic in the lake, yet we often see bottles or bait containers floating by.

NH had a boating RSA on excessive exhaust-pipe noise, but that's no longer the case.


While it's possible that Winnipesaukee's many lodging facilities would never feel the pinch from night-anchorers, it's also possible that some at anchor would take the dearth of enforcement during night hours to live aboard their boats all summer.



Getting up with the dawn gives me a special look at Lake Winnipesaukee. Most summer mornings, I'm greeted with a rosy sunrise—other times—well...night-anchorers have to start their waking hour in their usual manner.

Well is a darn good thing that we got lots of loud boats out there blasting back and forth all night long keeping you illegal overnighters from getting a good nights sleep.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Well is a darn good thing that we got lots of loud boats out there blasting back and forth all night long keeping you illegal overnighters from getting a good nights sleep.

LOL Maxum

[ApS]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Well is a darn good thing that we got lots of loud boats out there blasting back and forth all night long keeping you illegal overnighters from getting a good nights sleep.

I've only overnighted at anchor in the Biscayne National Monument, where its 270 square miles keeps things very quiet.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by ApS

NH had a boating RSA on excessive exhaust-pipe noise, but that's no longer the case.

What ever gave you the impression that there is no longer an excessive exhaust noise ordnance?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

The only thing that has changed in that regard is that switchable exhaust systems are now legal as they always should have been.... The Max limit is still in place.....

[ApS]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The only thing that has changed in that regard is that switchable exhaust systems are now legal as they always should have been.... The Max limit is still in place.....

Really?

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Whatever gave you the impression that there is no longer an excessive exhaust noise ordnance?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

My Lyin' Eyes?



http://bwolfeboro.runboard.com/t147019

(ETA—Changed link to our oldest forum in Wolfeboro)

[Webbsatwinni]

[QUOTE=ApS;217938]Really?

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Whatever gave you the impression that there is no longer an excessive exhaust noise ordnance?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

My Lyin' Eyes?


http://tinyurl.com/lc8b6f3

I'm loathe to hot link,,,,,Hypocritical.

[Webbsatwinni]

[QUOTE=Webbsatwinni;217940]

Originally Posted by ApS

Really?



I'm loathe to hit link,,,,,Hypocritical.

And again Chipmunk, news hawk, aps, etc. great vid!!

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

[QUOTE=Webbsatwinni;217941]

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

And again Chipmunk, news hawk, aps, etc. great vid!!

I didn't hear or see anything crazy in that video. When I read the video title I expected to see a bunch of boats terrorizing the lake but all I saw was a few boats opened up on a calm rainy day with the lake to themselves. I don't get it. I did like the low hum of the engines as it brought me back to the sounds of summer. The boats opening up into Paugus after leaving the canal are MUCH louder than that. I welcome those sounds as they are very infrequent and part of living water front on a big lake.
Boy would I love to hear some boats right about now!

[Webbsatwinni]

[QUOTE=PaugusBayFireFighter;217973]

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

I didn't hear or see anything crazy in that video. When I read the video title I expected to see a bunch of boats terrorizing the lake but all I saw was a few boats opened up on a calm rainy day with the lake to themselves. I don't get it. I did like the low hum of the engines as it brought me back to the sounds of summer. The boats opening up into Paugus after leaving the canal are MUCH louder than that. I welcome those sounds as they are very infrequent and part of living water front on a big lake.
Boy would I love to hear some boats right about now!

I think you see the point, this video was posted on youtube by Wolfeboronian (Shhh we know who that really is ). The boats do not appear to be too close, and the sound isn't loud, but these people are called scofflaws by Wolfeboronian.

scoff·law
ˈskôfˌlô,ˈskäf-/
noun
informal
plural noun: scofflaws

1.
a person who flouts the law, esp. by failing to comply with a law that is difficult to enforce effectively.

I didn't see laws being broken in the video.

[Misty Blue]

I have always wondered why the various towns do not make overnight dock space available for a fee. Example:

You go to Canter Harbor and tie up for the night. You go to an "authorized agent" who accepts the fee and takes their share for the labor. They hand out a paper with the rules such as noise, hours that you can stay, etc.

The boater will pay the fee which could be used for dock maintenance, buy groceries in town and go the the local eating establishment and SPEND MONEY locally.

The local cops can keep an eye on the crowd and, if they want to have a couple of grogs in the evening they can do so without getting underway.

Just my $.02.

Misty Blue

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Misty Blue

I have always wondered why the various towns do not make overnight dock space available for a fee. Example:

You go to Canter Harbor and tie up for the night. You go to an "authorized agent" who accepts the fee and takes their share for the labor. They hand out a paper with the rules such as noise, hours that you can stay, etc.

The boater will pay the fee which could be used for dock maintenance, buy groceries in town and go the the local eating establishment and SPEND MONEY locally.

The local cops can keep an eye on the crowd and, if they want to have a couple of grogs in the evening they can do so without getting underway.

Just my $.02.

Misty Blue

MB, your 2 cents makes too much sense!!

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Misty Blue

I have always wondered why the various towns do not make overnight dock space available for a fee. Example:

You go to Canter Harbor and tie up for the night. You go to an "authorized agent" who accepts the fee and takes their share for the labor. They hand out a paper with the rules such as noise, hours that you can stay, etc.

The boater will pay the fee which could be used for dock maintenance, buy groceries in town and go the the local eating establishment and SPEND MONEY locally.

The local cops can keep an eye on the crowd and, if they want to have a couple of grogs in the evening they can do so without getting underway.

Just my $.02.

Misty Blue

My guess: water quality. The state is worried about people discharging stuff overnight or living aboard transient boats. Personally, I'm not a fan of overnighting via boat on the lake.

[tis]

I am not a fan of overnight boating either. People deposit too many things in the lake during the day, think what they would do overnight.

[dave603]

Originally Posted by Misty Blue

I have always wondered why the various towns do not make overnight dock space available for a fee. Example:

You go to Canter Harbor and tie up for the night. You go to an "authorized agent" who accepts the fee and takes their share for the labor. They hand out a paper with the rules such as noise, hours that you can stay, etc.

The boater will pay the fee which could be used for dock maintenance, buy groceries in town and go the the local eating establishment and SPEND MONEY locally.

The local cops can keep an eye on the crowd and, if they want to have a couple of grogs in the evening they can do so without getting underway.

Just my $.02.



Misty Blue

Towing my boat a lot I'm familiar with this:
That is what happens all along the coast, including inland river ways.
Lot's of marinas and even towns have a few open dock spaces that allow you to tie up to for a fee, even overnight most places. The ones I am familiar with are pretty tightly controlled for noise and dumping.

[jrc]

Hey Garysanfran, I guess the happy face wasn't enough I'm absolutely sure I never caused any problems for the Rice family.

I'm not encouraging anything, just relating my experiences and ribbing you a little for calling, what amounts to illegal parking, anarchy.

[sum-r breeze]

[QUOTE=PaugusBayFireFighter;217973]

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

I didn't hear or see anything crazy in that video. When I read the video title I expected to see a bunch of boats terrorizing the lake but all I saw was a few boats opened up on a calm rainy day with the lake to themselves. I don't get it. I did like the low hum of the engines as it brought me back to the sounds of summer. The boats opening up into Paugus after leaving the canal are MUCH louder than that. I welcome those sounds as they are very infrequent and part of living water front on a big lake.
Boy would I love to hear some boats right about now!

We had a 28' Powerquest before the "Breeze" with a 502 Mag in it and Corsa muffled thru hull exhaust. I loved the sound of that big block chevy....but...I always thought the old law was a little stupid. I wanted to put "captain's call"(a feature that would send the exhaust noise through the prop and under water)
in the boat but was told it was illegal to have ANY type of switchable exhaust. We would come idling into the marina after 11:00pm and wake up the whole dock. I would have LOVED to come in quiet and un announced. We knew people who were out on the water over night and had their boat tucked into a cove to avoid detection from MP. We were never so daring.


The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[NoBozo]

I think you people are Totally Missing the REAL reason for the No Anchoring Overnight rule....

If anchoring overnight were allowed..we might see a "Barge"..or "Houseboat" anchored off a very nice Estate...For the SUMMER. Paying No Property taxes whatsoever...unlike the property owners on shore who pay massive taxes for their spot. Just a thought. NB

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by ApS

NH had a boating RSA on excessive exhaust-pipe noise, but that's no longer the case.

I can tell you that the Excessive noise law is being enforced, or at least trying to be.

In the 2012 boating season, a friend was stopped a total of, I believe, 8 times during the season, but a ticket never went to court due to some possible mistakes in how the test was administered.

In 2013, he was stopped once again and was issued a citation. He ended up having to pay a pretty hefty fine, and had to do a running test conducted out by Timber Island, where he had to do two pass by's, one at I believe 45, and another at WOT, approximately 75. He did have a MP officer in the boat, and no he didn't get a ticket for speeding as he was directed to do that speed.

Bottom line, the RSA is alive and well (not so well if you are the one ticketed and found guilty). What is not so obvious is how much it is being enforced, because we have had boat go by us that certainly seemed even louder than our friend's boat, at least to our ear.

[gtagrip]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I can tell you that the Excessive noise law is being enforced, or at least trying to be.

In the 2012 boating season, a friend was stopped a total of, I believe, 8 times during the season, but a ticket never went to court due to some possible mistakes in how the test was administered.

In 2013, he was stopped once again and was issued a citation. He ended up having to pay a pretty hefty fine, and had to do a running test conducted out by Timber Island, where he had to do two pass by's, one at I believe 45, and another at WOT, approximately 75. He did have a MP officer in the boat, and no he didn't get a ticket for speeding as he was directed to do that speed.

Bottom line, the RSA is alive and well (not so well if you are the one ticketed and found guilty). What is not so obvious is how much it is being enforced, because we have had boat go by us that certainly seemed even louder than our friend's boat, at least to our ear.

I think APS gets bored down in FL. and likes to stir the pot every now and then. and when he does, he is often proven wrong!

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Showem

Are there any places on the lake where you can tie up for the night? Are you allowed to drop anchor anywhere on the lake ? Thanks in advance

Unfortunately, no

[Showem]

Thanks. We do have friends over in Cow Island were we could tie up to their dock for the night.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Showem

Are there any places on the lake where you can tie up for the night? Are you allowed to drop anchor anywhere on the lake ? Thanks in advance

This is what I read before getting my "New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate":

Overnight Anchoring & Mooring Permits

Overnight Anchoring

It is against the law to anchor your boat overnight on any inland surface waters of the State of New Hampshire. Overnight is defined as “the period of time between the termination of daylight in the evening to the earliest dawn of the next morning.”

A houseboat is defined as a “ship, boat, raft, float, catamaran, or marine craft of any description which has sleeping and toilet facilities, regardless of whether such facilities are of a permanent or temporary nature.” Occupied or unoccupied houseboats may be beached or grounded, or tied to the shore of any of the inland surface waters of the state for an overnight period, or any part of an overnight period, only when on or at a location owned, leased, or permitted by the owner. Also, the owner, lessee, or person with permission of the owner must give written notice of this fact promptly to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Rusty

This is what I read before getting my "New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate":

Overnight Anchoring & Mooring Permits

Overnight Anchoring

It is against the law to anchor your boat overnight on any inland surface waters of the State of New Hampshire. Overnight is defined as “the period of time between the termination of daylight in the evening to the earliest dawn of the next morning.”

A houseboat is defined as a “ship, boat, raft, float, catamaran, or marine craft of any description which has sleeping and toilet facilities, regardless of whether such facilities are of a permanent or temporary nature.” Occupied or unoccupied houseboats may be beached or grounded, or tied to the shore of any of the inland surface waters of the state for an overnight period, or any part of an overnight period, only when on or at a location owned, leased, or permitted by the owner. Also, the owner, lessee, or person with permission of the owner must give written notice of this fact promptly to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

Rusty, the definition seems out of whack to me. What about people out looking at fireworks, etc. Why do we need an anchor light switch?

I know it is not your definition, just thought it to be poorly worded.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Rusty, the definition seems out of whack to me. What about people out looking at fireworks, etc. Why do we need an anchor light switch?

I know it is not your definition, just thought it to be poorly worded.

My reading is that you can not be anchored on inland waters for all the overnight hours from the last rays of sun at sunset to the first rays at dawn in the morning inclusive.

If it is "dark" at 920 PM and doesn't start to get "508" AM, it would be illegal to anchor for all those hours between 920 and 508. The key is the word overnight. JMHO

You need the anchor light on when at anchor during the hours of darkness.(actually, I have had the MP tell me to please put on all my nav lights while watching fireworks, better visibility to other boats when they go to leave.) We will go out into the broads to watch the sunset, drifting with the breeze if there is any, and just have the anchor light on. Start the engine, turn the nav lights on.