Some Safety Rules/Gear Clarification
 

I have the NH boaters manual, but I want to clarify a few things I need to clarify: my son's vessel is 14' and powered by a gas outboard. That means the required gear is: a PFD for everyone on board (and worn by <12 while underway), a whistle, and a fire extinguisher?

Also, since Jettie One is a 3-seater, it follows the boat rules for age of operation (16+ w/boater card, <16 w/18+ boater cardholder)?

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Check Age
 

I think that the age requirement to wear a PFD is twelve and under. 🐻

I believe the boat also requires a type IV throwable flotation device.

Barney, correct on the 12-years-old thing—12 and under must wear PFD while underway.

Dbreskin, it looks like at 14' I'm good without the throw cushion, but for $8 it certainly wouldn't hurt having.

Which brings up an interesting point: minimum vs. good to have.

Attachment 16297

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It is often suggested that you have at least one more fire extinguisher than mandated for your type/size of vessel.

A throwable PFD is good idea for any vessel (except maybe kayaks). If anyone wants to go for a swim you can tie a dock line to it so the swimmer can rest and neither of them will drift too far away.

My personal rule on PFD's is:
When boating alone, everyone wears a PFD. :cool:

Paddle
 

Only makes sense to have one in the boat. Not just long enough to paddle, if needed, but long enough to push off from rocks/debris if power is lost.

He'll keep the oars in the boat full-time, so that's covered. Thanks for the tip!

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Wear a self inflating vest
 

A throwable device is of little value if you throw it and miss. Should have a light line attached to pull in the MOB or to retrieve and throw again.
Wearing a Type V inflatable is not uncomfortable and sets a good example for the under 12 crew. Definitely, if you're alone, wear something.

A throwable did used to be required. I assume it still is. ??

See my screenshot above. Only required if over 16'.

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Several years ago my friend was solo operating a Coleman Scanoe, with an outboard motor, in the CT River.

He was checked by a NH C.O. (NH owns the river) and was found to not have a throwable device.

He got a ticket.

He should have disputed it as the Scanoe is only 15'8" long.

I wonder to this day if that C.O. did not know the law or just guessed the vessel's length.

My friend made the point that, operating solo, who would be throwing or catching the throwable device.

That fell on unsympathetic ears.

You can buy a crappy uncomfortable life jacket for $20(?), and no one ever wants to wear it. Or you can buy a cool comfortable kayaking/sailing life vest for $50-100, and insist that your son wear it. I like option 2

We were stopped in my little Sea Doo jet boat years ago and checked and we didn't have a throwable. We were right beside our house so he waited while we went and got it and put it in the boat. He was nice though, he didn't give us a ticket.

I tested my inflatable vest last year. It works like it should, but it is a little violent :look: I'm glad I did because I discovered that you can't really swim forward on your chest; it pushes in and makes it hard to breath. You have to flip over and swim on your back.