Is it legal to have a driver and a boarder with no one else?

BlueHyperLite · Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 10

My dad just bought a new boat...a Sea Ray 30 footer....thing looks nuts. Got the bigger, 300hp engine so Im sure it will be able to do the job of pulling me up and leaving a wake good enough for a semi-beginner. Wondering if I pick up a mirror for the boat if its OK to just have my dad driving and me in the water, with no one else on the boat. Thanks

K-dub · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 14760

it all depends on the state laws where you live. Some states it's perfectly leagal, while others it's not.

California, for example...you need a spotter with a flag in order to be pulled behind the boat. While in Texas, you only need a driver with a mirror.

BlueHyperLite · Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 10

anyone know the rules/reg's for New York (Long Island)? Thanks

junglesmacks · Newbie Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 17 City: Lake Mary, FL

bremsen · Outlaw Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 168 City: Charlotte

I bet you can find the answer here:
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/boating/docs/boaters_guide.pdf

or contact the NY parks and rec dept.

lake erie waker · Newbie Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 47 City: eastlake

i'm in ne ohio and in lake erie as well as all of the great lakes i do believe u have to have a spoter. My gal and i were going out by ourselves for a while and then someone told us the "LAWS" if u catch my drift. u should be able to investigate that on the web

djiali · Outlaw Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 176 City: Alexandria

In VA the rules say you only need a mirror...yet I had to argue with a water cop when he told me I needed 3...make sure you know your local boating laws...in some states, ANY infraction (to include not having the proper safety equipment) is a FELLONY.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

I do it all the time. But from what I hear you need a spotter in most states.

ercobrac · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Posts: 215

In Texas, from the boater's handbook:

Every boat towing a person(s) on water-skis or a similar device must have:

An observer, other than the boat operator, 13 years of age or older or...

A rearview mirror.

The size of the mirror shall be no less than four inches in measurement from bottom to top and across from side to side. It should be mounted firmly to give the boat operator a full, complete view beyond the rear of the boat at all times. Note: most PWCs mirrors do not meet these size standards.

Scorch07 · Newbie Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 40

thirdgear · Newbie Joined: 12 Aug 2005 Posts: 3 City: Austin