Courtesy Boating Tips for Lime Lake
- General Direction of the boat travel on Lime Lake is COUNTER CLOCKWISE.
- Sailboats, canoes, rowboats, and other un-powered vessels normally have the right of way.
- All vessels being undertaken have the right of way.
- You are legally responsible for any damage to other vessels and their occupants caused by your wake.
- Do not overload your boat.
- Do not operate too close to shore, rafts or swimmers.
- Life preservers in your boat are a must for each occupant.
- Hot-rodders BEWARE! The law reads: “you shall not operate any motorboat in a reckless manner so as to endanger life, limb or property of any person. Such conduct is punishable by a fine not exceeding $2000.00 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.”
SPEED REGULATIONS
In New York, speed is limited to 5 mph when within 100 feet of shore, dock, pier, raft, float or anchored boat.
Through the passage of local ordinances, counties, towns and villages may regulate the speed of boats in their jurisdiction out to the distance of 1500 feet from shore. You should check with local officials for any local regulations.
When no limits are posted, you must operate your boat so it will not endanger others. Your boat must be able to stop safely within the clear space ahead. A skipper is responsible for damage caused by his wake, to reduce speed when passing a marina, fishing area, work boats or similar areas. When encountering a marine regatta or parade, transit of the area is to be made with an escort boat. If no escort is provided, the vessels may proceed at a safe no wake speed.
WATER SKIING
On the navigable waters of New York State, all vessels when towing a water skier must have, in addition to the operator, and observer on board at all times. This observer must be at least ten years of age. Water skiing must be restricted during the day to between one hour after sunrise and sunset. On the waters of the Lake George and all inland waters of Chautauqua County, a water skier must wear a USCG approved PFD or ski belt. On all other waters, if a PFD is not worn, one shall be carried in the boat at all times for the skier. It is recommended that skiers wear a Type III PFD at all times when water skiing.
Water skiing is a team sport. When the operator, observer, and skier work together, water skiing can be an exciting sport.
YOUNG BOATERS
New York State Law requires youngsters between ages 10 and 16 to obtain a safety certificate before they can operate a mechanically propelled boat alone. To obtain this certificate, individuals must take the young boater’s safety course and complete all the necessary requirements. The course consists of eight hours of classroom instruction taught by trained volunteers. The course and boating safety handbook are free for the youngsters taking the course. Those over 16 years should enroll in New York State’s Basic Boating Course or any other boating safety course offered throughout the state. More information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Who has the Right of Way?
1. A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
- A vessel not under command (unable to maneuver).
- A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
- A vessel engaged in fishing.
- A sailing vessel.
2. A sailing vessel underway shall keep our of the way of:
- A vessel not under command.
- A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
- A vessel engaged in fishing.
3. A vessel engaged in fishing* when underway shall so far as possible, keep out of the way of:
- A vessel not under control.
- A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
- A vessel engaged in fishing does not include vessels fishing with trolling lines or other apparatus which does not restrict maneuverability.
Safe Boating Tips
- People who hunt or fish from boats have one of the highest boat fatality rates. More die from falling off boats 16 feet and smaller than larger boats, and most boats are anchored at the time.
- Be weather wise. Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to regularly check weather reports.
- Bring extra gear you may need. A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, suntan lotion, first aid kit and extra sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.
- Tell someone where you’re going, who is with you and how long you’ll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply, before leaving.
- Ventilate after fueling. Open hatches, run blower and most important, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine area before starting your engine.
- Stay dry and warm. Wear several layers of light clothing and bring a rainproof covering. Never wear hip waders in a small boat.
- Keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed. A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. Bring an extra length of line to secure boat or equipment.
- Be ready for trouble when a powerboat passes you in a narrow channel. As the lead boat (which always has the right of way) stay on your side of the channel and always maintain a steady speed so that the overtaking vessel can pass you safely. Use your radio to discuss this with the passing boat.
- Anchor from the bow not the stern. Use an anchor line length that is at least five times longer than the water depth.
- Take a safe boating course. As an extra benefit, you may earn lower boat insurance cost.
Boat Trailer Safety Tips
BEFORE LEAVING HOME:
- Be sure that the boat is secured properly on the trailer.
- Inspect all lines, tie downs, and the winch. Tighten as necessary and replace any that show signs of fraying or strand separation.
- Determine that all trailer lights are operating.
- Test the braking system.
- Inspect the hitch and safety chain.
- Check the pressure and lug bolts.
- Tilt and then secure the boat’s motor to increase road clearance.
REMEMBER THESE PROCEDURES WHEN ON THE ROAD:
- Drive carefully, allowing for the extra length of the car and trailer when negotiating turns and when passing.
- Allow more time for stopping.
- Pull well off the road periodically and walk completely around the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for overheating, test tie-downs, and check any gear which is being carried in the boat.
Swimming Raft Rules & Regulations
The necessary specifications, markings and painting it bring your swimming raft into conformance with NYS Regulations are as follows. Please help to ensure that boaters and fishermen will be less likely to encounter any unexpected surprises.
A review of some of the rules and regulations governing the placement of swimming and driving floats, ski jumps, etc. in NYS Controlled Waters reveals the following guidelines:
- The float can be placed no more than 100 feet from your property obtaining a NYS permit and adding additional safety equipment (blinking white light visible for 1/2 mile).
- Floats are to be painted white and contain white reflective tape on all sides, visible from any direction.
- Swimming floats of not more than 100 square feet of surface area.
- The float shall be placed in a manner which does not interfere with safe navigation or free access to another person’s property.
A copy of these regulations and an application of a Floating Object Permit are on file with the Lime Lake Homeowners Association. Other specific or technical questions can be answered by the:
Bureau of Marine and Recreational Vehicles
Empire Plaza, Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-0445