zodiac boats, safety and the law

[Cypresstx86]

can anyone tell me what laws, if any there are with launching small zodiac boats in saltwater, specifically around galveston, tx etc... and on beaches in the surf? I have been looking into a zodiac boat to take me out past the sandbars in the surf and maybe even get me around these shallow marshes where everyone is catching all these redfish!

I have a couple of questions.

1. I know nothing about this so would this even be a good idea? (I do not want kayak) Safety wise and feasibility, would this be recommended?
2. what are the laws regarding registration on these, if any? I am thinking no bigger than 11ft with 5hp motor.
3. Can these be launched in the surf, legally and physically easy?
4. where would be the best places to take something like this, in search of redfish/trout?

If you would not recommend this, would would be a better option?

[John Kennett]

I've moved this thread to the North America section as I think you might have a better chance of useful answers here.

[jyasaki]

First off, thank, JK for moving this. I missed it wherever it was.

[QUOTE=Cypresstx86;684041]can anyone tell me what laws, if any there are with launching small zodiac boats in saltwater, specifically around galveston, tx etc... and on beaches in the surf?

Probably none, as long as you're not violating private or otherwise restricted property.

I have a couple of questions.

1. I know nothing about this so would this even be a good idea? (I do not want kayak) Safety wise and feasibility, would this be recommended?

Not knowing your area, I'd assume it's fine, depending on your boat and seamanship.

2. what are the laws regarding registration on these, if any? I am thinking no bigger than 11ft with 5hp motor.

Same disclaimer as the last. Most states require any motorized craft to be registered with the state DMV (or equivalent.) There is currently no national licensing for pleasure boats (at least not any that normal people would own.)

There may be a state law that requires you to pass a boating course; your DMV or Department of Boating should be able to advise you. Barring those, BoatUS.com has a lot of state and regional info, but you may have to poke around to find it.

3. Can these be launched in the surf, legally and physically easy?

Legally, I'd say probably yes. "Easily" and "physically easily" are arbitrary terms. But there are quite a few people who do so.

4. where would be the best places to take something like this, in search of redfish/trout?

Probably a question for your local fishing gurus.

To me, trout are in cold water streams and rivers, or freshwater lakes. No idea on Texas sea trout. Ditto redfish.


jky

[ncp]

Here in southern CA, there are a few (very few) designated areas along the coast that you can launch a boat through the surf. One that I can think of in San Diego County, none in Orange/Los Angeles/Ventura Counties, and one in Santa Barbara - I'm only thinking of beach exposed to surf, not bays/rivers.

I think that you really have to check locally with the authorities.

[zip]

Tom,

Is that La Jolla Shores?

[ncp]

Originally Posted by zip

Tom,

Is that La Jolla Shores?

Correct. Largest I've launched there is a 3.77m sib.

I clarified "non-bay/rivers" because I know you can launch pwcs from the west side of Fiesta Island in Mission Bay.

[zip]

I've launched a kayak there, but that's it.

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by ncp

Here in southern CA, there are a few (very few) designated areas along the coast that you can launch a boat through the surf.

California has a "if not expressly forbidden, it's legal" policy. Hand launching should be fine anywhere it's not expressly forbidden. (Note that I don't have to find out, as my boat is not hand launchable.)

I think that you really have to check locally with the authorities.

Probably the wisest course of action. Then again, it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

jky

[Ronaldj]

You need to download a copy of this
http://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF
These regulations override the state regulations for the coastal parts of North America.
The state and or province regulations are a subset of these CG regulations.
The CG also has a Safety Vessel decal that you can get that all states, provinces and territories accept
Any boat that is powered by an engine must be registered .
There are no exceptions
Even if you don't live on the coast , you should still have a Marine Radio.
If you are by yourself you need a marine radio that not only floats but has DSC so the CG and or local rescue can find you in case something happens.