Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

[kattampa]

I would like to get a small trolling motor for my kayak. I do not have to drive my kayak to the water, therefore I like to have some beers while out on it. Anyone know could I get a BUI in FL for drinking on a kayak (10 ft long) that has a small trolling motor?

 

[pevaguy]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

I don't know about Fl., but I have heard that if they really wanted to, they could charge you with BUI in an inner tube some places.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

I think operating a boat is operating a boat. The type of boat or power method probably doesn't matter. Biggest thing is don't do anything silly and you usually won't be stopped. Tipsy tubing might fall under PI, public intoxication.

EDIT - I didn't intend to endorse boat under the influence. Nothing wrong with sensible, responsible consumption.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

A kayak is a class A-1 (or A-2 depending on length) and must be registered when trolling motor equipped and no one on iboats will endorse your idea as stated in your post.

• It is a violation of Florida law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. A vessel operator suspected of boating under the influence must submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine blood- or breath-alcohol content.
• In Florida, a vessel operator is presumed to be under the influence if their blood- or breath-alcohol level is at or above .08.
• Any person under 21 years of age who is found to have a breath-alcohol level of .02 or higher and operates or is in actual physical control of a vessel is in violation of Florida law.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

although I don't condone it, your state laws MAY allow open container/drinking while on the boat though. Just as long as you are under .08.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

once you put a motor on it you have to have registration numbers, in Virginia. Stupid law IMO but it's the law

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

BUI, AFAIK has nothing to do with a motor.... If you are in control of the kayak you can be arrested.... A retired cop friend of mine told me of an case where two people were on horses and both drunk... one was holding his own reins and leading the other horse as the second rider was nearly passed out the rider holding both sets of reins was charged with a DUI and the other only PI.

 

[chimmike]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

Yeah, I wouldn't risk it. You can get a DUI in FL while riding a bicycle.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Kayak trolling motors and BUIs in FL

+1. As a lifelong FL resident, don't even bother. As previously stated, any boat/vessel with any sort of motor must have registration numbers and is subject to the same laws as all other craft. I had to get my old flat back canoe registered b/c I sometimes used a little 3hp air-cooled kicker motor. Never mind the fact that it's just not the safest/wisest thing to do for your, or other folks on the water. It hotter than h#$@ this time of year and the last thing you need to do is drink in the middle of the day. Heat stroke, kayaking and drinking are not a good combination. Even if they don't get you on the water, they'll be more than happy to pull you over the instant you get in your car, and then all bets are off. For better, or worse, they can/will either force you to blow on the spot, or take you to jail and draw your blood. Not really worth it in the long run.