Texs legalities?

[Kenneth Brown]

Ok guys, I am a peace officer (cop) and I would like to stay in the good graces of the game wardens so I have a few questions. I have a 14" flat bottom that is registered and current. I have a 18 horse Johnson that I just purchased and installed. I don't have it registered yet but plan onit pending everyones response. I realize that I am over-powered but am I going to have trouble with the man? I have the boat set up where the weight distribution is fairly equal and with about 500 pounds of passengers it is still plenty safe. Other than equiping with the "over 10 HP" accaceries what should I worry about from the boys with the badge?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Texs legalities?

Not too many people willing to give legal advice. You know the law, how it is applied in the real world, depends on which way the wind is blowing.<br />If you want to be safe, then follow the law.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Texs legalities?

It's been my experience with Game Wardens and Marine Police that if you are acting responsibly, they are not going to bother you except to check that your licenses are current. This is usually done with a glance at your boat numbers and registration decal and a wave in passing. If you're fishing, they may stop and check your license and pass the time of day. They usually have have too much territory to cover to spend a lot of time checking on obviously law abiding citizens. I would imagine you follow somewhat of the same criteria in your job.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Texs legalities?

Kenneth:<br />I am surprised by your question....you know the answer. What would your obligation be if you witnessed a vehicle cruising by you with illegal equipment installed (wide racing slicks, exhaust bypass, etc., etc.) ???? Do you think it's OK for you because you could pull out your badge and bond with fellow law enforcement? What's wrong with this picture?????

 

[BR549]

Re: Texs legalities?

Unless it's a hp restricted lake I doubt you will catch any grief. But there is always the Barney Fife type that could stick you - in Alabama they pretty much leave you alone as far as motor size. Would not be a bad idea to beef up that transom. The max hp rating is there for a reason.

 

[JB]

Re: Texs legalities?

Ahoy, Kenneth.<br /><br />You use the term, "registered" about boat and engine.<br /><br />Maybe it's just semantics, but Texas Titles boats and engines, as well as registering them. Trailers are merely registered. If you boat in State Parks you may be challenged on your boat's max power rating, so be sure your engine does not exceed the sticker HP.<br /><br />Be sure you have clear titles to both. Not that an officer would ask for them except in the case of an accident or theft, but then you would really need them.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Texs legalities?

Mr. Bill- Thats just the thing. I don't know what the max hp rating is but I am ASSUMING that 18hp on a 14" flatbottom is too much to be legal. My boat is of unknown year and the plate had been removed. My family had a lease/lot type of fishing/camping area at one time. The boat was obtained by the previous owner abandoning it and the court awarded ownership to us. Luckily the numbers were still on the boat so it could be titled. As far as flashing a badge it doesn't work like in the movies. I don't allow much room for error for cops, they KNOW the laws better than the average citizen so the SHOULD abide by them better. For personal reference I have been stopped one time in the last 8 years. I was stopped by a state trooper for not wearing my seatbelt (chicken**** law but it is the law) and I DID recieve a citation. I am not trying to break the law, I'm actually attempting to gain more knowledge to comply with it. So I guess what I'm asking is- If there is no tag stating max hp is there a "blanket" law that covers size of boat vs. hp? Thanks gang, Kenneth

 

[Parrott_head]

Re: Texs legalities?

Kenneth,<br /><br />Take some measurements of your hull. Get the length, beam, and any other measurements you can and graph or write them down on paper. Now go to a used boat dealer and ask if you can look around. Find a boat the closely matches yours. Now check and see what it is rated for. My 15 foot tri hull Glastron was rated for 85 HP. <br /><br />Parrott_head

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Texs legalities?

Kenneth.. This link contains some formulas that may help you in determining the "maximum" horsepower for your boat...<br /><br /> web page <br /><br />But what do I know.. I put a 60hp on a 14' flatbottom... ZOOOOM!

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Texs legalities?

Thanks snapperbait. I just read the post- Walmart Jon Boat by Brent311. His boat is the same as mine except mine is actually wider and his is rated for 20 hp so I should be safe.