Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

[fishnship]

I got me Intex Seahawk II, and two headlamps. I want to be fishing at night in maule lake here in Florida, it's not heavy traffic, I've never seen marine patrole here. But basically, I want to be legal and unbothered by the bastards. What kind of stuff do I need to be legal at night? Are just two head torches enough? Do I need life jackets?

I'll be paddling, no motor.


Oh, can I have unopen cans and bottles of beer in my cooler?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

You have to have a Coast Guard approved red/green bow light and a white stern light from sundown to sunup. Attachements are available from www.weaverindustries.com.

The beer isn't a problem as there is no open container law on marine craft. However, DUI/BUI regs are the same as for automotive. Oddly enough you are more likely to be popped by Fish and Game for alcohol than your local Sheriff Dept or the Coasties and they love to haunt freshwater lakes at night due to gator poaching. Be careful.

 

[fishnship]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

What about life jackets? Do I need to have a life jacket on board or wear it?


I'm 28, inflatable boat is 117 inches long, 50 inches wide, 18 inches tall. I'm using oars, no motor.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

One life jacket for each person on board plus one type four device(an approved boat cushion). You don't have to wear the vest, but I would suggest you do...At least at first, until you learn how the moves in the water. Each boat moves differently and you have to get use to them.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

As long as you're using oars and not a motor, for a boat that size you don't need running lights. A working flashlight is all that is required.

 

[fishnship]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

what's this? "one type four device(an approved boat cushion)"


Give me an idea how it looks like.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

You are not required to carry a type IV on your boat. That requirement is only for boats larger than 16'. You only need a type I, II, III or V life jacket for each occupant of the boat.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Inflatable at night, how to be legal?

what's this? "one type four device(an approved boat cushion)"


Give me an idea how it looks like.

I would suggest a boaters safety course before you try to figure out how many life jackets and beers you can legally take out at night. No offense, but if you aren't sure what your own onboard safety equipment should be, you may end up being a statistic.

You can avoid a lot of hassles by taking the course for $15.

I like to go for the nitebite too, and your setup sounds like a lot of fun. Just make sure you are safe.