Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

[allinmygarage]

If my boat is rated for 10 people can I have 10 people in the boat and pull 2 tubers as long as they never get in the boat.

Please understand that in no way do I feel what I did was dangerous. I was staying at a resort and 12 of us wanted to boat to an island. I said only 10 could go because of the plate limit. To compromise I ended up letting 2 people start from shore on 2 tubs. I pulled them to the island straight (no typical tubing actions) and then back.

Anyway sorry to be longwinded but just wanted to know if it was legal to do.

 

[indy440]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

i think its probably illegal. But, I probably would have done the same thing if I deemed the conditions safe. If you didnt get a ticket then no harm, no foul in my opinion, although I wouldn't make a habit of it...

Im sure someone else will chime in...

 

[woodee148]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

If my boat is rated for 10 people can I have 10 people in the boat and pull 2 tubers as long as they never get in the boat.

Please understand that in no way do I feel what I did was dangerous. I was staying at a resort and 12 of us wanted to boat to an island. I said only 10 could go because of the plate limit. To compromise I ended up letting 2 people start from shore on 2 tubs. I pulled them to the island straight (no typical tubing actions) and then back.

Anyway sorry to be longwinded but just wanted to know if it was legal to do.

I believe it is fine. the important part of the plate is the weight more so than the # of people and is meant to ensure you do not have too much weight in the boat for safe operation. I can see no reason the extra weight behind you could impair your safe operation. I am not saying its a good idea I'm just saying I cant see that it is illegal.

interesting question

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

I think that saying it is illegal or against regulations probably depends on the jurisdiciton that you were in.

With that being said. An analogy is the PWC. In Michigan you are not supposed to pull anyone on skis, tubes or other wise with a PWC that is only capable of holding 2 people. You need a spotter and a space for the person being pulled. You also need a mirror to allow the driver to see behind. So only a 3 person PWC with mirrors should pull anyong.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Why didn't you just make two trips (each way)??? Safer and you would have gotten to spend more time driving your boat

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Thought about it but it was about a 20 min boat ride at 25 - 30 mph so two trips would have been a lot of time there and back. Granted you are right I would have been enjoying it the entire time. But on another note I kinda wanted to see how the boat would do with that kind of weight and tubs.

The reason I ask is because we rent the same resort every year and I could see this happening again because we have a large family and I am the only one who brings a boat.

 

[indy440]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

maybe you could buy a bigger boat j/k

 

[Y-Guy]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

It is my understanding after taking the WA State boaters exam that is it against the laws (at least here). The passage I reviewed said that each person either in the boat or being towed must have a place to sit and be within the USCG limits of the boat.

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Hmmmmm sounds like they need a place to sit. Ill just disconnect the tubs if I see a DNR or Police

Bigger boat - Best suggestion so far Better talk to the wife and let her know its the only way.

 

[indy440]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Can you believe my wife actually suggested a bigger boat when we had our last one? That was a good day.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

for most places it is illegal. I see lots of 3 passenger PWC's stopped for this exact reason. You need enough capacity for everyone behind the boat as well. i've pulled enough people to know things happen. Tubes break, people get hurt, etc... it is irresponsible to not have the capacity. Tubing isn't quite as big of an issue, but absolutely for waterskiing/wakeboarding/barefooting.

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Indy your wife is awesome. Mine is actually very understanding as well but dont think a new boat is coming anytime soon. Maybe if I sold a few other toys but in MN we need year round fun so the snowmobiles are staying

 

[drrpm]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Its illegal. The number of passengers plus people being towed are added together when calculating the capacity. If the tube springs a leak where are the tubers supposed to ride?

 

[allinmygarage]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

Its illegal. The number of passengers plus people being towed are added together when calculating the capacity. If the tube springs a leak where are the tubers supposed to ride?

They will ride in the boat of course

But it will apperently be ilegal. Well glad I know now. So I guess my only options are new boat, 2 trips, or make a new plate for the boat...oooops did I type that...JK

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[woodee148]

Re: Random Boat Rating + Tubers Questions

I take back my above response, after reading the opinions makes sense that it would be illegal. I did not think about if the tube deflated.