What do I need to be coast guard approved

[JGeiman2]

I recently picked up a "1960" 16 ft. aluminum deep v "smoker craft" that doesn't have a coast guard plate on it. There wasn't a HIN either, so the previous owner got a new title for the boat and a new HIN. I'm in Michigan and I'm not sure what the laws are here to make the boat legal.

Do I need to have the coast guard "Weight/Capacity/Person" tag on it? Does the boat have to have float foam in it to be legal (I'm going to be putting it in spring of next year)?

I thought I read somewhere that boats prior to a certain date (date unknown to me) didn't need to have the coast guard tag on it. Is this true?

I'll post some pics of the boat when I can, hopefully someone could help me identify what I actually have......

Thank you!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

Quite true--Prior to a certain year, boats were not required to be titled or have a CG capacity plate. HOWEVER--It is not Coast Guard approval that counts. State laws vary, but they accept CG ratings.

Here in Pa., all powered hulls must have a capacity plate. The fish and game commission which licenses boats here, will for a nominal fee, (we always get charged for everything) figure out the capacity of a hull and generate a capacity plate. So you need to check with whatever agency licenses your hulls to see if your boat needs a plate according to your state laws.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

HIN were not issued until the early 1970's so that is not unusual ........

The weight capacity and HP can be figured out by using the USCG guide.

If the boat is open and uses tiller steering the hp limit is normally lower than a boat with a console and controls.

As a rule the USCG estimates "people" at 150 lbs each. Your boat based on size should be able to handle 4 people safely.

You can look at this guide http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/boatwater/backyardboatbuilders.pdf and do your own estimates.

As Frank stated it is really determined by your local State rules for a plate. In my experience the "police" (CG or other) will only get picky if you are obviously over the limit and normally they are looking for adequate safety equipment.

 

[Don S]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

Here is a link to the Michigan handbook of boating laws and responsibilities.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/

 

[JGeiman2]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

Here is a link to the Michigan handbook of boating laws and responsibilities.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/

I've read the handbook and it doesn't say anything about needing a coast guard plate. Thanks for the link

I've read the coast guard handbook as well and am going to try to figure out exactly what the capacity and hp rating is. Tha boat is 16' long and 60" wide at the transom (stern).

I'll be navigating Lake Erie so I'm not sure if that matters since it's "federal" water...

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

It's not the plate that you have to worry about in Federal water; it's all of the safety equipment that you must have: navigation/anchoring lights, horn/sounding device, flashlight, fire extinguisher, life jackets and throwables, flares, etc.

 

[JGeiman2]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

I have all the PFD's and the throwable, the nav. lights but I don't have the Flares/Distress signals.

So what I'm kind of getting is that the actual CG plate may not be needed? I know I can get one made by passing the proper tests, I'm just wondering if I need it to start boating...

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Outsider]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

Visit the nearest USCG installation and ask them, then visit the nearest office of the state agency that licenses/regulates/registers your boat. Only way to know for sure. And do not asssume adjacent states has no jurisdiction on Great Lakes, they do ...

 

[smclear]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

I'm not familiar with Michigan laws but I believe they're very similar to Indiana, which I am familiar. If you don't have an engine, you need do nothing but carry the minimum required safety gear (like a canoe or rowboat). Didn't see it mentioned, but I assume you have an engine for it. If so, I believe the Michigan Dept. of Motor Vehicles would handle registration and could tell you what you need. Once you get it registered, apply the proper "MI" numbers and you're good to go. Don't forget to properly outfit the boat and take a boating safety course.

 

[NYBo]

Re: What do I need to be coast guard approved

Capacity plates are required on boats manufactured after November 1, 1972. Your boat should therefore be grandfathered in. But some states may require one that they will conveniently "sell" to you.