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	Name:	Maverick -
	Subject:	Boat Bill Analysis / Questions
	Date:	4/5/2006 8:45:29 PM

Since the inception of this bill I have stayed neutral on this matter. Now the bill has passed the AL House and Senate, I have a few questions and comments. What did this bill really accomplish other than limiting or banning SPECIFIC (keyword here is specific) boats as follows:

a) Prohibit houseboat or residence boats –defined as boats with marine sanitation, galley and sleeping quarters unless said boats are licensed as of the effective date of the bill, etc.

b) Boats over 30’ 6” - unless said boats are licensed or for sale and on site at lake marina covered by the bill as of the effective date.

c) Boats over 26” 11”which can exceed 60 mph.

So now lets analyze individually each class of boat as defined by the bill::

Let me begin by stating I have not seen the final bill which passed the Seante today, my comments are based on the bill which was passed by the House.

Houseboats – based on my interpretation of the bill are banned, unless already moored at a marina or other facility with approved pump out station, etc.

Residence Boats – specifically states marine sanitation, galley AND sleeping quarters. The bill does not state OR it specifically states AND, so you have to have ALL these to be in violation. So take out the galley and you are legal.

Boats over 30’ 6” - Why 30” 6” because of the wakes they might produce? Wakes are not based on the length of the boat, but the draft and girth (or might be called beam) of the boat. A boats wake is based on the amount of water, which must be displaced to move the draft and girth of the boat through the water, and has nothing to do with the length of the boat. There are numerous boats, which have deep drafts, and wide girths, which are less than 30’ 6”. Just look at the large Sea Ray’s, Cobalt’s, etc.

Boats over 26’ 11”which can exceed 60mph. What did this provision accomplish, as there are numerous boats available, which are 26’ 11” or under and can exceed 100+ mph. and race in the ocean.

So what does this bill really accomplish, other than maybe banning houseboats (not 100% sure it really does), in my opinion basically nothing other than to upset the owners of boats, which are classified in the bill as prohibited.

Just must 2 cents from the outside looking in, as my fleet of boats do not violate any of the provisions of the bill and yes I do own property on Lake Martin and better yet on the main channel, so I see plenty of boat traffic and wakes.

Not looking to stir the pudding here, just making an overall observation based on closely reviewing and analyzing this bill.

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Boat Bill Analysis / Questions - Maverick - 4/5/2006 8:45:29 PM

Boat Bill Analysis / Questions - lakebound - 4/5/2006 9:51:02 PM

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