RE: Pontoon boats and other flotation devices . . .

[Steve Neuendorf]

Title: Message

From the Coast Guard: All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be registered in the state of principal use. A certificate of number will be issued upon registering the vessel. These numbers must be displayed on your vessel. The owner/operator of a vessel must carry a valid certificate of number whenever the vessel is in use.   There seems to be no limits, so your little inflatable raft with a trolling motor would have to be registered in WA if you were going to use it in the sound, but your 15.99ft 4.99 ton rowboat would not.   According to RCW 79A.60.160, a PFD is required but only for a child is it specified that it be wearable and worn and Coast Guard approved. For recreational boating, it does not apparently need to be wearable. I have always used cushions, but as I remember, there were others on this list who in the past had cushions but were cited because the issuer of the ticket said they had to be wearable (which would have been correct if children were there, but I don't remember).   From RCW 79A.60.010; (23) "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft on the water, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, and small rafts or flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers.   I would construe that to exclude float tubes and most inflatables. I am not to sure where pontoon boats would fall, but I would guess that it would fall under the regulation (PFD required).   Of course that is Washington. The numbering and registration requirement for Federal waters specifies the state where the vessel is used the most while each states laws may well govern use in that state.   One thing that is clear is that this is not a very clearly written set of rules and regulations.   Steve       -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 3:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pontoon boats and other flotation devices . . . OK, let me see if I have this straight from several responses and the great information contained therein.  By the way, thanks for all the help.  If I take my pram to Lone Lake and just use the oars, no registration necessary.  If I put my electric motor on it and use it there, it is exempt because it is under 16' and less than 10 hp.  If I use it in Elliott bay, I have to register it because it is a federal waterway and it is motorized.  This is kinda the same conclusion I had come to before asking the question, but wanted other opinions.  The question on the flotation devices is still up in the air and depends on what kind of mood the enforcement officer is in.  Thanks, Roger