Effective: August 13, 2024
Requires the operator of any boat less than 26 feet in length, or an outboard engine greater than 3 horsepower, to wear an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) when the traveling greater than headway speed. This only applies to boats and engines that were manufactured with an ECOS. Boats manufactured prior to 2020 that were not equipped with an ECOS or boats equipped with an enclosed cabin as defined below, are exempt from the requirements of this law.
RSA 270:30-d Powerboat Engine Cut-Off Switch
I.(a) “Engine cut-off switch (ECOS)" means a system of lanyards, electronic switches, fobs, or similar devices manufactured specifically for the purpose of disabling propulsion or a vessel engine when the operator is unexpectedly displaced from the vessel's helm.
(b) "Headway speed" means the slowest speed that a boat can be operated and maintain steerage way.
(c) "Enclosed cabin" means a space on board a vessel that is surrounded by bulkheads and covered by a roof.
II. No person shall operate a powerboat less than 26 feet long, or outboard engine with greater than 115 pounds of thrust or 3 horsepower, at greater than headway speed unless the person is wearing an ECOS.
III. Paragraph II shall not apply if:
(a) The main helm of the vessel is installed within an enclosed cabin.
(b) The vessel or outboard engine was manufactured prior to 2020 and was not equipped with an ECOS.
https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-serv...rol-laws-rules