| Sunapee Harbor Boat Launch Route and Information |
| Launch Route Map | Procedure & Parking Info | Boat Safety Info | LSPA |
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| NH Boating
Regulations: The State of New Hampshire’s boating regulations handbook is available at: Sunapee Welcome Center, Sargents Marina, and from Marine Patrol Officers on the lake. The phone number for Marine Patrol is: 603-293-2037. |
 Safe
Passage: You must
operate your boat at headway speed (less than 6 mph) when you are within 150
feet of any person, place, or thing. Within most of the narrow channels and
next to or between islands, it is not legal to pass or overtake another boat
except at headway speed. Observing this safe passage rule is more than a
matter of safety; it is also a courtesy much appreciated by operators of
small boats.Right-of-Way: Boats approaching head-on should veer to the right. When two boats approach each other at an angle, the boat on the right has the right-of-way. However, powerboats must yield to all non-powered boats, including sailboats, windsurfers, rowboats, kayaks and canoes. Lifejackets: Every boat must carry a wearable personal floatation device (Type I, II, or III) for each person on board, and children under six must wear theirs at all times. Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry one throwable Type IV PFD. Speed: Several 'no-wake' areas are posted on the lake including: Sunapee, George’s Mills & Newbury Harbors and Burkehaven Cove. Lights: From sundown to sunrise, every boat must display a white light visible in all directions. All boats must also display red and green running lights, except vessels that are paddled or rowed.  Water-skiing: A water-skier is considered to be 'part of the boat.' Thus, the skier must abide by the 150-foot safe passage rule described above. An observer (13 or older) is required in the tow boat, in addition to the driver, to monitor the skier. If you are towing two water-skiers, two observers are required. Skiers must wear approved life preservers. Anything towed by a boat (a tube or other inflatable, for example) is subject to all water-skiing rules. Maximum persons being towed at any one time shall not exceed 2. Age: As of 1/01/06, all persons born after 1/01/63 are required to have a valid ‘Safe Boating Education Certificate’, carried on their person, in order to operate a powerboat with an engine in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters. Boating While Intoxicated: To operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense with equally serious consequences.  Other Requirements: Powerboats must carry a horn and a fire extinguisher, and gasoline must be carried in a Coast Guard-approved container. Any vessels with motors and sailboats, 12 feet or longer, must be registered in New Hampshire or another state. |
