sound device requirement in texas?

[Skytex83]

Ok so I've read the law but am a bit confused. I've got a 16.5' boat. Can I use a plain old whistle as a sound device or do I need to get one of those disposable air horns? Eventually I plan to mount a car horn but just spent a small fortune buying the boat, having my mechanic go through it, getting the titles and registration done, and buying life jackets.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_l2000_0014.pdf

As long as you are under 40 ft:
Whistle or horn, or some other
sound producing device.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

A squealing pig will work also....

 

[Grandad]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

A squealing pig will work also....

Oh good. I won't need to upgrade. - Grandad

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

It's surprising that boats don't come with a horn, as the "signaling device" requirement is actually a US Coast Guard requirement.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

It's surprising that boats don't come with a horn, as the "signaling device" requirement is actually a US Coast Guard requirement.

For boats more than 12 meters... The wording for below 12 meters is vague at best, a loud yell would count. Also, states adopt their own regulations which may be less or more strict than USCG. (often less strict)

 

[JoLin]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

It's surprising that boats don't come with a horn, as the "signaling device" requirement is actually a US Coast Guard requirement.

Many, many do. Surprised that your 24' doesn't have one. My 16' Sylvan has one that doesn't work. And there's the rub. Horns break down frequently.

Each of the 4 boats I've purchased in my short boating life had a non-working horn when I bought it. I've decided not to bother replacing the one in the 16'. I carry a whistle and a 'canned air' horn (I carry both of those as backup on the Four Winns, too).

 

[cribber]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

I have a the built in horn and the Power Squadron gave us all wistles when we took our boater's safety course.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: sound device requirement in texas?

I have a the built in horn and the Power Squadron gave us all wistles when we took our boater's safety course.

Thanks for taking a boater's safety course! I wish it was required!