Busted Illegal Spotter (New Hampshire)

[WakeSlayer]

Fast, the exception being Lake Minnetonka. My friend got popped there a couple weeks ago for that. Called me from the boat, with the Sheriff standing there, giving me a hard time about being wrong about the spotter rule......

[NHcrossfan]

I had a hearing for the illegal spotter ticket and won. Explained my 11 year old has been skiing since 4 and slalom since 6, boat is set up with mirror and rear facing seat, with pole next to driver seat, only ski mornings in empty bays on the lake and in straight lines, even if my son was 13 couldn't drag someone my size in the boat, and lastly stated I wouldn't do it again. Judge said no finding as long as I don't get another boating ticket within a year.

The boat officer told the judge she was annoyed that I wouldn't let her tie off to my boat. I explained that my very few scratches are named numbered and time stamped and never tie it off to anyone or anything. He got a chuckle.

Justice Prevailed

[deanofindy]

Glad you were able to get that taken care of. I've had similar problems in Alabama with the local marine patrol that got his kicks off of pulling me over for no reason. I eventually had a warrant out for my arrest because they moved my court date up for a no-kill switch violation (the boat dealer mentioned nothing about needing one put into an older boat). Knowing the DA helped it go away. But the officer continued to pull me over when we're the only boat out there staying away from everyone and not loading ourselves with alcohol. NHcrossfan, I feel your frustration for the seemingly pointless stops. The last time he pulled me over I finally asked him bluntly why he chose to pull me over instead of all the drunk rednecks. He had no real answer and never pulled me over again. But did stare pretty hard every time we passed. Anyway, be careful out there.

[dsums]

miracledriver, I don't know where you looked up the info but I am in BC and know for fact skiing without a spotter is illegal. I reported someone for doing this on a public lake and nearly causing an accident. The RCMP took the info and approached the individuals to inform them the behaviour wasn't acceptable. When the operators tried to play silly games with the officer he decided to charge the driver of the boat. At the time I was told it was one of two Criminal charges possible while operating a boat. The other is DUI. This was about 12 years ago. Don't like to rain on someones parade but I don't think there should be a reason not to have a spotter on a public lake in the afternoon when there are probably lots of willing volunteers in the campground