RE: Pontoon boats and other flotation devices . . .

[Steve Neuendorf]

Title: Message

The state exempts motors under 10 HP but the federal does not. There might be some good arguments for the trolling motor and equal access, especially under ADA for us older fa*** that may not be so able to row but present no discernable difference to safety or any other reasonable intent of the laws by using a trolling motor, but may otherwise by reasons of disability or diminished ability associated with age who cannot row like our younger and fit but otherwise equally situated counterparts are thus denied equal access to federal waters.  I don't know what a registration costs for such a small boat since I have always used inflatables or a tiny rowboat, but I am sure it is somewhat less than a federal case.   Tight lines,   Steve -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Don Shearer Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 3:53 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Pontoon boats and other flotation devices . . . Well, Yes and No,   The reg reads,   "In general, all motorboats and sailboats 16 feet and over are required to be titled or registered."   As I read it it means all motorboats period, irregardless of length.  And then unpowered sailboats in excess of 16 feet need to be registered.  For example a 17' driftboat would be exempt.    This begs the question of, "Does a trolling motor make a boat a motorboat?" I personally would take my chances and not register a small boat that only uses a trolling motor.   Regards,   Don Shearer     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 3:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Pontoon boats and other flotation devices . . . OK, let me see if I have this straight from several responses and the great information contained therein.  By the way, thanks for all the help.  If I take my pram to Lone Lake and just use the oars, no registration necessary.  If I put my electric motor on it and use it there, it is exempt because it is under 16' and less than 10 hp.  If I use it in Elliott bay, I have to register it because it is a federal waterway and it is motorized.  This is kinda the same conclusion I had come to before asking the question, but wanted other opinions.  The question on the flotation devices is still up in the air and depends on what kind of mood the enforcement officer is in.  Thanks, Roger