Boating regulations?

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jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I am suddenly having a senior moment (although I'm not a senior yet); can someone please pint me to the boating regulations for Massachusetts waters, and coastal waters? A friend just bought a Boston Whaler 13, and we were arguing, um, discussing the minimum equipment requirements for motor boats. I was wrong about the fire extinguisher. I thought it was required, but for MA it isn't: "Outboard motorboats less than twenty-six feet in length of open construction, not carrying passengers for hire, are not required to carry fire extinguishers." Per MGL 90b-5 So, what about the anchor, paddle, PFD's, lights - what are the real, hard rules which if you break you could get a ticket for, for both MA waters and coastal waters? I searched the web a bit but can't find anything definitive in one place. Thanks, jv
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,501
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Everything You Need to Know, Almost

There may be additiional requirements for the State getting with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Power Squadron in your area will get you the answers for that. Lights, PFDs, and some sort of visual distress signal (flares) for coastal operation are required the paddle and anchor are not.
 
jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Thanks, but...

were you thinking of a specific page on their web site? I can't find a "regs" page.
 
jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Rick,

thanks, but I've found that that's not correct, apparently a paddle is required on boats less than 16', and an anchor is required: "Additionally, the state requires that all motorboats (with the exception of personal watercraft) be equipped with an anchor, manual bailer, and line. A paddle or an oar is now required only on boats less than 16 feet in length. " from: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatinglawsummary.htm Where did you get your information? jv
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,501
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Navigation Lights

Reading the link I provided may lead you to beleive that on a thirteen foot boat you do not need the red, green and all around white light. There is an additional portion to that rule that states if the boat is capable of more than six knots it must have the red, green, white lights.
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
This really comes down to ; How well

do you want to be seen and how long can you tread water. Big brother is there to watch out for fools and small children when god is busy else where.
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,501
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Sounds Like You Have your Answer

The link below will take you to a virtual Vessel Safety Check. The specific requirements for the paddle and anchor are for the state the link I posted gives the US Coast Guard requirements. As I mentioned the state may add requirements that is why I suggested getting with the Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary for additional state requirements.
 
S

Sunshine

No Fire Extinguisher?

You trying to tell me that 25 ft sailboat powered by an outboard does not have to have a fire extinguisher. Try telling it to the Coasties when they perform a safety inspection. The pecking order will be quickly displayed.
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Sunshine, I said in another post that big

brother has to look out for those that don't have good self preservation instincts. No fire extingisher? fine! Cleanse the gene pool.
 
Rick Webb

Rick Webb

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Jun 2, 2004
3,501
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Read Closer Sunshine

Fire extinguishers are required if one of the following conditions exists: (1) Inboard engine(s); (2) Closed compartments that store portable fuel tanks; (3) Double bottom hulls not completely sealed or not completely filled with flotation materials (4) Closed living space (5) Closed stowage compartments that contain flammable materials or (6) Permanently installed fuel tanks NOTE: Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and verified as serviceable.
 
M

mmerriman

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May 21, 2004
36
Sabre Sabre 32 Salem
Here are the MA regs

http://boat-ed.com/ma/handbook/ I'd recommend a US PowerSquadron or USCG Aux class.
 
jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Coast Gaurd Aux. class?

Thanks for the link, and the recommendation, but I'm not looking to take a class, I'm only interested in finding the regs to refresh my knowledge. Sunshine, I'm not trying to tell you anything, I just quoted the Massachusetts General Law. If you read it carefully you would note that it refers to "open construction," i.e., no cabin or other enclosed structure; think of a big canoe with a sail and an outboard. Meanwhile I found the text of the actual regs, which I think are easier to read and digest than MA's web based drop-down menu version: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/323cmr.htm linked from: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatrvsafe.htm
 
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