GL: (no subject)

[Peter Brownell]

Hi All,

Don't want to beat a dead horse but someone asked for the cite for the
Vermont state statutes regarding discharge requirements for Lake
Champlain.

The cite is 23 VSA Chapter 29 Section 3306 (e).  One can view the
contents of the Vermont statutes at:

http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/statutes2.htm Interesting to note
that the title of Chapter 29 is "Snowmobiles, Motorboats, and
Watersports"  Shows you where the legislative priorities are in Vermont
:-)

Also to further beat another dead horse, we all grew up believing that
federal regulations trump state laws.  This is true if they conflict (you
generally can't pass a state law that supersedes a federal law) but if
they do not conflict, you have to follow BOTH federal and state
regulations and laws.

For instance, there is no federal requirement to carry an anchor (though
we all can't imagine going out without one).  New York statute at NAV
Section 40.3 , however, does requires that "every mechanically propelled
vessel"  must carry an anchor (note - there is no minimum horsepower
specified).  Thus if you have your inflatable with a three horsepower
engine on the New York side of Lake Champlain, you will need to carry an
anchor.  Never heard of anyone actually g etting fined but there was a
period where New York State authorities were handing out warnings to
people in dingys without anchors (I carry one now).

Again, I hope that anyone planning their great-loop route will come
through Lake Champlain and up the Richelieu to the St Lawrence and over
to Montreal etc.  It is an incredible trip and a wonderful experience. 
Some of the best boating in the northeastern United States in our humble
opinion.  Hope to see you here on the lake this summer.

Best
Peter & Linda
:-)-------------------------
Peter Brownell, MV Destiny
Lake Champlain, Vermont