Now what do I need?

[Toni]

Newly registered my boat...12 foot row boat will have 4 hp motor. What do I need to get in the boat to be legal on the water if I am checked?
I have bought the 3 inch block letters but have not put them on yet. What are the regulations for placing them on the boat?

[Marc Martyn]

Well, for one, a life jacket for each person in the boat. As far as the others, it may depend on which body of water you are on, federal, state, etc.

[Toni]

I got the life jacket. I am planning to go on a federal waterway which is American Lake. Do I need wired lights? Fire extinguisher, whistle?

How do people keep the proper paper work dry in an open row boat?

[Anonymous]

http://www.boat.wa.gov/default.asp

http://www.boat.wa.gov/equip-requirements.asp

http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/course/p4-1_boatnumbers.htm

All my paperwork is in sealed 'glad bag' zipper type bags.

[G-Man]

It will depend if you plan to fish in federal waters or not. Basically they are any saltwater areas and any freshwater lakes and rivers that empty into the saltwater via a navigatable channel. Your boat, as it stands, would not need to be registered if you launched it in American Lake but would need it if launched in Lake Washington. The basics for all boats are: floatation devices for all passengers, a throwable flotation device like a seat cusion, anchor and rope, bailing device, audio signal device like a whistle or air horn, visual signal device like a red flag or hand flares. If you are going to be on the water at night or when it is still dark, get some removable navigation lights. I think that about covers it, check with the State parks department web site, as they run the non federal waters in our State.

[Toni]

http://www.boat.wa.gov/default.asp

http://www.boat.wa.gov/equip-requirements.asp

http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/course/p4-1_boatnumbers.htm

All my paperwork is in sealed 'glad bag' zipper type bags.

Thank you for the links, do you put weights in the bag to keep it from blowing out?

[Anonymous]

I don't have an open boat. I keep them in a rear compartment away from my fishing boxes etc. On an open boaut you should be able to screw in a clamp under a seat or some place and clamp the bag that way.

Or maybe go to an office supply store and buy a wide long shallow enclosed box that you can bolt under a seat and slide the zipper bag inside that. Say a box about 1 or 2 inches deep, and 8 inches wide x 10 inches long.

MAYBE if the bag is just clamped by some spring clamps the wind from driving to and from the lake can pull the plastic bag out of the clamps. So try the box idea.

[Toni]

It will depend if you plan to fish in federal waters or not. Basically they are any saltwater areas and any freshwater lakes and rivers that empty into the saltwater via a navigatable channel. Your boat, as it stands, would not need to be registered if you launched it in American Lake but would need it if launched in Lake Washington. The basics for all boats are: floatation devices for all passengers, a throwable flotation device like a seat cusion, anchor and rope, bailing device, audio signal device like a whistle or air horn, visual signal device like a red flag or hand flares. If you are going to be on the water at night or when it is still dark, get some removable navigation lights. I think that about covers it, check with the State parks department web site, as they run the non federal waters in our State.

Yes, American lake. I didn't see anything about a bailing system in the rules. A cup? Where does one get a whistle? I have coffee can anchors...is that proper? I do have a life jacket and seat cushion.
I thought I only needed flags if skiing? Which doesn't happen at 4 hp.

[Toni]

I don't have an open boat. I keep them in a rear compartment away from my fishing boxes etc. On an open boaut you should be able to screw in a clamp under a seat or some place and clamp the bag that way.

Or maybe go to an office supply store and buy a wide long shallow enclosed box that you can bolt under a seat and slide the zipper bag inside that. Say a box about 1 or 2 inches deep, and 8 inches wide x 10 inches long.

MAYBE if the bag is just clamped by some spring clamps the wind from driving to and from the lake can pull the plastic bag out of the clamps. So try the box idea.

Yes, maybe a plastic box. Then I can put the whistle in it, too. Can't put it under a seat as it is a fiberglass boat with enclosed seats. I might be able to fit it in the middle seat which was suppose to be a live well but I put the anchors in there.

[Marc Martyn]

Toni, I believe that you are over thinking this. It is not like you are going out in a 32' Chris Craft on the Sound. I really don't think the sheriff is going to be targeting you in your little boat.

Here are the things you should have based on your vessel size.

http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/handbook/chcklst.htm

Put the basics in the boat, go fishing and have a good time.

[Amx]

To get a co sticker for your boat, read here, and call them. They will send one for free;

http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistrati ... icker.html

[Toni]

[quote="Amx"]To get a co sticker for your boat, read here, and call them. They will send one for free]

I have one I got with the registering.

[Big D]

How do people keep the proper paper work dry in an open row boat?

On the bottom left side of your registration is an area that is meant to be cut out and laminated. I carry mine in my wallet.

[The HAWG HUNTER]

You don't need numbers on your boat unless it has a 10hp motor or bigger thats why they make the 9.9 outboards.

[Amx]

How do people keep the proper paper work dry in an open row boat?

On the bottom left side of your registration is an area that is meant to be cut out and laminated. I carry mine in my wallet.

I also carry lake maps, fishing info, regulation pamplet, among other paper stuff.

[Marc Martyn]

I'm sure glad the government is protecting us thoroughly.

If I would have been smart 30 years ago, I would have started up a printing company specializing in warning stickers and gotten a contract with the U.S. Government. Had I done that, I would own one of these......

[Amx]

You don't need numbers on your boat unless it has a 10hp motor or bigger thats why they make the 9.9 outboards.

Unless you're on Federaly controlled waters like Lake Washington, Sammamish, and American Lake, among other lakes and rivers inland. As I understand it.

[Toni]

You don't need numbers on your boat unless it has a 10hp motor or bigger thats why they make the 9.9 outboards.

...and don't go out on federally regulated waters. I do plan on going on American Lake which is.

[Toni]

How do people keep the proper paper work dry in an open row boat?

On the bottom left side of your registration is an area that is meant to be cut out and laminated. I carry mine in my wallet.

That is a problem I have...I don't carry a wallet. I carry a purse. I have to change out my license to fit my tackle box or vest.

[G-Man]

Toni, since you already have registered your boat, you might as well put in the equipment necessary for boating in any lake or bay. You never know, you just might find yourself hauling crab pots with it in the summer! A cement filled coffee can should suffice for an anchor and for a bailing device you can use a bucket or a one gallon handled juice/milk container with the bottom cut out of it. For a day time visual distress signal, which in your case won't be required but is always a good idea to have, one can use a blaze orange banner of thin plastic that you can hold up or wave around to better be seen. As for a whistle, you can pick one up at a boating store or just use the same type that sports officials use. I have a flat plastic coast guard approved whistle that I keep attached to my life vest, that way if I fall in, I'll have it with me. Keep you registration with your fishing license and you should be fine. I'd be leary of keeping it in the boat unless the boat will be kept under lock and key when not in use. You won't need a fire extinguiser for your boat as it falls under the length, motor and fuel container requirements. If you think about it, there really isn't a whole lot of stuff you need and most of it should fit into a bucket or small duffel bag. One last thing, if you don't already do so, bring oars or at least a paddle in the event you run ito engine problems.