My nephew was stopped at the Coventry boat launch for a safety inspection. He has a 12 ft boat with only a trolling motor. He was told he needed to Carry his registration on the boat Secure his trolling battery Cover the terminals on the batteries Have a horn, flares, etc.
How much of this is fact versus recommended. There is only so much room on a 12 ft tin boat.
#1642249 - 07/08/1509:19 AM
Re: Small boat regulations
[Re: MyGirl]
Riptide
Member
Registered: 07/10/02
Posts: 4680
Loc: Guilford, CT
This is just for inland? Carrying the reg and a sound producing device is right. Need reg numbers with decal and pfd too. Battery info is smart but not required.
the way i read it the source doesnt apply to your nephew on the following chuck:
battery terminals: (nothing in the regs about covered terminals, although it makes sense, but on a portable battery operated boat, its almost pointless.
secured battery: again no reg requiring this, especially on a car top boat.
Flares, horn: sound yes, flares or visual signal no. he needs running lights is he is out there at night, but flares on a 12 foot boat are not required inland. he also doesnt need a fire extinguisher. get him a whistle, attached to a laynard on his lifevest. problem solved.
most of it is suggested, i would suppose. none of it is a bad idea, though.
ive been in my 8 and 10 foot jonboats more than ever this year. light, registration, float plan, whistle, lifevest on at all times, and im good to go and legal.
#1642298 - 07/08/1512:24 PM
Re: Small boat regulations
[Re: MyGirl]
KillTaker
Member
Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 11811
Loc: Southbury, CT
And was this a "safety inspection" where you get a sticker? That is not a "stop". That is a voluntary chance for a "non-officer" to help you have all the suggested safety equipment. It will give more suggestions that the minimum requirements. I get my sticker every year.
As it turns out, the inspectors wore DEEP, thirst, but we're probably contract people. Even with a checklist in hand, they still wanted to see a fire extinguisher, running lights in the daytime, etc. and then up came the subject of fines. How it ended, he was not fined or ticketed, was given permission to launch and go fishing, however , with the day off to a bad start, he just said to hell with it,put the tie down strap on and went home. While it's good to know there are people trying to keep everyone safe, they need to be trained as well.
#1642303 - 07/08/1512:35 PM
Re: Small boat regulations
[Re: MyGirl]
KillTaker
Member
Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 11811
Loc: Southbury, CT
like I said, non-officers, DEEP, but they have no authority to block or fine you. I am glad to see them out there. Yes, they could be clear about the difference in required/suggested.
Agree I pays to be safe and have the required equipment. Went fishing at MDC a few weeks ago and the MDC Police were checking boats and on Officer wasn't going to let me on the water because I didn't have a "throwable PFD," There were two of us and I had two required life vests on board. I had to second guess myself and now checking the regulations I see that a throw able is not required under 16 feet and my boat was 14 feet. I was certain I didn't need one but maybe owned by MDC they can deny you entry? Not sure on that one.
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