Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

[stratus5]

Here in Ca. the law requires an observer, not driving the boat, onboard while towing a skiier. I don't believe a mirror is an acceptable substitute, as in some states.<br /><br />I seem to recall a definition of a skiier as considered a passenger in the boat.<br /><br />If my boat is max rated for 2 people, can I tow a skiier, as long as he doesn't board the boat?<br /><br />I know there is no federal or cal state law against overloading or overpowering your boat, Im just wondering how this scenario is viewed. I know you waverunner guys tow skiiers & tubes, and I must have the new manta ray tube.<br /><br />-Dan

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

dunno about cali but a co worker got a ticket for exactly that in edonton NC. yes the skier is considered a pasenger and the max number of passengers is on a label of most water craft built since about 72. only cost 168 dollars and a day off work here.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

Log on to your state boating laws and look it up, florida is pretty lienient but cal may not be , we can use a wide angle mirror instead of an observer, plus we can exceed the max capacity of the tow vessel if the person being towed is wearing proper life jacket and has a whistle attached to it.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

Up here, a boat legally needs to be able to carry a tired or injured skier, so only 3up PWC's may tow.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

Originally posted by hystat:<br /> Up here, a boat legally needs to be able to carry a tired or injured skier, so only 3up PWC's may tow.

Same here.

 

[stratus5]

Re: Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

Ok, well I could carry 3 in the boat if I needed to, though I usually tow from shore.<br />I could not find a definative answer, so Im going for it, based on the fact that the placard limitations are only a recommendation, not fed or cal law. All a watercop could really do is send me ashore. <br />Besides, I got the manta ray today...<br /><br />-Dan

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Legal to ski behind 2 person boat?

if it's a 2 person ski and a 3 person tube sounds like 5 total, hmmmmmm could be a good arguement for a tube, wouldn't try it with a skier or a boarder but the tube does have a rating like an inflatable raft would have. sort of similar to towing another water craft .