Coast Guard Certification?

[Uncle Dave]

How much modifidation can be made to a boat and not void the certification? Things such as converting to a center console, adding a cabin on a pontoon boat. Not just replacing the floor.

Thanks,
Uncle Dave

 

[Bondo]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

It's Your Boat,......... You can Do as you Please............

That Certification only applies to the Original Manufacturer........

 

[tiller7104]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

Let me get this right...if your boat is rated for a 90 and you put a 150 on it (not smart I know but for argument sake) there is nothing that anybody can say??

 

[Bondo]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

I've Never Been,...
Nor have I Ever seen Anybody challenged by Any Law Enforcement Officer,....
About the Horsepower Rating or the Horsepower of their boat..........

 

[roscoe]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

Most "ratings" apply to certain sized boats. I think it is under 20'.
After that, there are no ratings.

Individual states may have strict laws.
Here in Wisconsin, the statute reads that " equipping a boat with more than the rated hp, is a willful violation."

Some states treat the rating as a suggested rating.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

I can see where overpowering could be a problem. Maybe not to law enforcment, but in an accident, willful negligence can be shown. Most can read and 150 is in excess of 115.

My concern is in hull or support changes, safety flotation (foam). Boat changes other than over powering.

Uncle Dave

 

[Bondo]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

Like I said,........ It's Your Boat,........ You can Do as you Please.........

All of the Answers to your Questions are over in the Restoration Forums,.........
In Detail,....... Some with Pictures..........

 

[xtraham]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

like bond-o says it is your boat and you can change/alter it in whatever manner you want unless you carry more than six passengers for hire........that is when the uscg gets involved with structural changes.........

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

If you change a vessel from its original configuration and are involved in an "incident" (note I said incident -- not necessarily and "accident") lawyers might pounce on you should personal injury result. Adding weight in the form of a cabin, adding consoles where there wasn't one, etc., can change the dynamics of the vessel. You are not relieved of responsibility just because you took possession. What are the chances this is a problem? Only you can determine what level of risk you want to take.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

And We'd All live Extremely Boring Lifes if we all Worried about what Lawyers are going to say.........


How do you Dare to get out of Bed in the morning,..??.........

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

Some good replies and straight forward comments.

Thanks all
Uncle Dave

 

[tommays]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

After watching the ETHAN ALLEN wallow around lake george the last 10 years until this summers tragic accident it would seem even the CG rules dont seem to cover may things to well ?


Tommays

 

[xtraham]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

lots of home made boats in my neck of the woods uncluding the one to your left..........

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

[flashback]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

There's a heck of a lot rules put out by the C.G. and there all good. but when ya get right down to it. Its Your Boat and its Your Butt.......

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

dave i don't believe you will have any problems with what you want to do.

 

[tiller7104]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

I have to say that reading this thread has really made me think twice about putting a CC in my boat. I run in very heavely regulated and enforced water (to heavely). I have exceeded the HP rateing on a few occasions but not by more than 10 to 20 hp cough cough. I have had CG guys crawl all over my boats and local PD and never once have they ever said anything. But with that being said I have always had a pit in my stomach about what would happen if that one young full of P....and Vinegar cop decided to challenge me on this. To me it is not worth it any more...I am by no means loaded but if I need more HP I get the boat that suits it or I do with out. Just my thoughts ....alot aof great points and information here.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

dave
I think your biggest thing to think about is the maximum
weight of the boat if your going to add an cabin on it.
That means you need a bigger powerplant to move it.
Which means more weight.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

I used to do a lot "wrenching" on neighbors cars as did a friend of mine until he was sued because one of the neighbors was involved in an accident. The lawyers got involved, found out the brakes had been worked on and the rest is history. Brakes weren't the problem, driver error was. Want to find out just how quickly a neighbor will turn on you? Buy your kids a trampoline. Within six months one of the neighbor kids will get hurt and you will be in court. Now tell me you don't have anything to worry about. I guess if all you own is a beater car and a beater boat, and you don't care about insurance, do what you want as they can't get blood out of a turnip but they can sure screw up the rest of your life.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Coast Guard Certification?

Like I Said,..............

And We'd All live Extremely Boring Lifes if we all Worried about what Lawyers are going to say.........


How do you Dare to get out of Bed in the morning,..??.........