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A collection of helpful boating questions, lists, and information.
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EQUIPMENT | CLASS A Less than 16ft/4.9m |
CLASS 1 16 to less than 26 ft/7.9m |
CLASS 2 26 to less than 40 ft/12.2m |
CLASS 3 40 to not more than 65 ft/19.8m |
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Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)* |
One approved Type I, II, III or V(must be worn) PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, tubes, etc. | One approved Type I, II or III PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc.; and one throwable Type IV device. ( A type V PFD may be used in lieu of any wearable PFD, if approved for the activity in which it is being used. A TYPE V HYBRID MUST be worn to be legal.) | ||
*Check state laws for PFD requirements for children and certain water craft & sports. | ||||
Bell, Whistle | Every vessel less than 39.4 ft (12 meters) in length must carry an efficient sound producing device. | Every vessel 39.4 ft (12 meters) or larger in length must carry a whistle and a bell. The whistle must be audible for 1/2 nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least 7.87 inches (200mm) in diameter. | ||
Visual Distress Signals (Coastal Waters, the Great Lakes & US owned boats on the high seas) |
Required to carry approved visual distress signals for night-time use. | Must carry approved visual distress signals for both daytime
and night-time use. |
||
Fire Extinguisher** (Must be Coast Guard approved) |
One B-I type approved hand portable fire extinguisher. (Not required on outboard motorboats less than 26 ft in length if the construction of the motorboat is such that it does not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.) | Two B-I type OR one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers. | Three B-I type OR one B-I type PLUS one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers. | |
**When a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces it will replace one B-I portable fire extinguisher. | ||||
Ventilation (Boats built on or after 8/1/80) |
At least two ventilation ducts capable of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and/or tank, except those having permanently installed tanks which vent outside of the boat and which contain no unprotected electrical devices. Engine compartments containing a gasoline engine with a cranking motor are additionally required to contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel. | |||
Ventilation (Boats built before 8/1/80) |
At least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls (or their equivalent) for the purpose of efficiently and properly ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel tank compartment using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flashpoint of 110 degrees or less. Applies to boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940. | |||
Back-fire Flame Arrestor |
One approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors. | |||
Note: Some states have requirements in addition to the federal requirements. Check your state's boating laws. |
When preparing to purchase a boat, review the following points to best assess the type, size and style boat that's best for you:
When looking for a boat you will want to consider it in terms of:
Buying either a new or pre-owned boat can provide a safe, fun experience. You may want to consider your requirements (both functional and budgetary), as well as the available inventory of crafts within a given region. It's also most important that you purchase your boat from a reputable, experienced retailer who offers support beyond the sale. That's key for something as paramount as service issues, or as simple as providing an understanding of boating basics.
If you decide to purchase a used boat, please read our suggestions for becoming a "boat detective".
Whether you employ a surveyor or not, you should know some of the things to look for if you have decided to buy a pre-owned boat. A keen eye, a good ear and a checklist will lead you to potential problems. Some of the things to look for are:
Buyers who fail to inspect boats in the manner may end up with a lemon. Even competent checks, however, can miss details, so it's a good idea to ask a marine surveyor for his professional opinion.
No matter what, skippers are responsible for having the required safety equipment determined by the class of a boat. It's poor planning to assume that pre-owned crafts automatically have the proper navigation lights, horn, flotation devices, or other safety items.
The purchase of a boat involves much more than a simple down payment and a monthly installation. Use this worksheet to help you determine what costs will be involved when you purchase your dream boat.
The previous information outlines crucial tips about boat purchase and ownership. But as boat owners ourselves, the staff at Modern Yachts wants to offer the most critical piece of advice yet: boat ownership is fun!
Owning a boat opens new worlds and invites fresh experiences. There are hundreds of Modern Yachts boat owners who enjoy a boating lifestyle on Long Island's east end, and each season we host several events to help boaters get together and enjoy activities on the water.
If you prefer a quiet sail of solitude, that's great too. We encourage boaters to enjoy the waters in whatever way suits their lifestyle.
Whatever you do, just remember: It's Better On The Water!