Boating Accident in Maine
- Thread starter ruf1967
- Start date
bob
New Member
- May 15, 2007
- 110
- Boat Info
- 240 Sundancer 2000
- Engines
- 5.0 Mercruiser w/Bravo III
I was on that same lake (Long Lake), flying a floatplane only days prior to the accident. In just an hour that I spent practicing takeoffs and landings, I couldn't believe the wild and erratic behavior of most of the boaters. On several occasions, boats intentionally cut in front of me during takeoffs and landings and even while taxiing in a marked channel. (An aircraft must obey the same navigational rules as a boat while operating on the water). The boaters even played "chicken" with each other at high speeds. When the boats came close, on many of the boats I could see young teenagers and even pre-teenagers at the helm.
I was later told there are many places on the lake where you can rent high speed boats and jet ski's. Probably adults rented them, but then let their off spring operate them without supervision. Although this particular accident involved only adults, it was only a matter of time before a tragic accident occured.
Unfortunately, Maine doesn't require any watercraft licensing or education prior to operating a boat. Neither does the state have any on-water speed limits. There is a bill before the NH state legislature to require speed limits, but it seems to be opposed mostly by the tourist industry. What, take away the fun and profit gained from the tourists at the expense of safety?
I was later told there are many places on the lake where you can rent high speed boats and jet ski's. Probably adults rented them, but then let their off spring operate them without supervision. Although this particular accident involved only adults, it was only a matter of time before a tragic accident occured.
Unfortunately, Maine doesn't require any watercraft licensing or education prior to operating a boat. Neither does the state have any on-water speed limits. There is a bill before the NH state legislature to require speed limits, but it seems to be opposed mostly by the tourist industry. What, take away the fun and profit gained from the tourists at the expense of safety?
wish2fish
Active Member
38 year old male with a 19 year old female! Hope it was his daughter!
bob
New Member
- May 15, 2007
- 110
- Boat Info
- 240 Sundancer 2000
- Engines
- 5.0 Mercruiser w/Bravo III
According to the local newspaper, (Portland Press Herald), the woman is employed by a local marina and is the daughter of the marina owner...
