Comments for Marine and Boating

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by Product Review

Product Review — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:36 +0000

Mandatory Boater Education
All those born after August 31, 1984, are legally required to pass a boater education course before they can legally operate:
A boat or PWC powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more or…
A sailboat over 14 feet in length.
The course must be approved by the Texas Parks & Wildlife. These persons must carry with them on the boat or PWC:
A photographic identification, such as a driver’s license, and…
A boater education certification card issued by TPWD upon successful completion of a boater education course.
Those born after August 31, 1984, are exempted from the above if they:
Are 18 years of age or older
Are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to serve as a master of a boat
Operate the boat only on a private lake or pond
Are accompanied on board by a person 18 years of age or older who is exempt from this requirement
Are not a resident of Texas and have proof that they have passed a TPWD-approved boater education course in another state.

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by jyd9999

jyd9999 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

licence is cheap upkeep isnt

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by dzr0001

dzr0001 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

its easy, its just a written exam and i think its like $30. and yes you are supposed to have a boating license in texas, i think you have to have it when you register your boat.

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by txhypnot

txhypnot — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

If you are under the age of 16 then you just need to go to a boat education class, it’s not a license, but the TP&W require younger people to have one to opperate a water craft.
Less than $20.00
If you want to rent the boat, I will teach you if you are over 18.
I am licensed MSEO. By Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by science teacher

science teacher — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

In most states you have to have taken a boating safety course if you were born after 1976. Contact the Sail and Power Squadron in your area for a course and exam. or Check United States Power Squadron on line. http://www.usps.org

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by Richard B

Richard B — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

Merchant mariner’s licenses are federal and have the same difficulty everywhere.

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by Link Building

Link Building — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

under 18 can-legally operate boats under 10 horsepower or more,wind blown vessels over 14 feet,& personal watercraft on public water in the state of TX only if the person is @least 13 years of age & less than 18 years of age & has successfully completed an approved boater education training course.minium age to be certified is 12 years old u can find a course from 1-800-792-1112 or there web site @ http//www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/boat…

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by W E J

W E J — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

i know lots of people in Tx with boats and none had to get a license

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by solar powered lights

solar powered lights — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:35 +0000

Just the boat needs a parks and wildlife regristration number on the bow each side. And a current date sticker. I forgot the minium age to pilot the boat. Don’t forget life vest for each on board and drunk boating is a DWI not good!

Comment on How Hard Is It To Get Your Boating License In Tx? by txnmtnbk

txnmtnbk — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:41:34 +0000

The initial license is relatively easy. Go to http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/mmic-regions.ht… and scroll down to the Houston regional exam center. They can line you out in getting you started. If your just cruising around in a pleasure boat then one is usually not required. But if your looking to work on a fishing boat, dive boat etc.. this would be a good idea. Keep a log of all boating trips and have the owner of the vessel or craft sign off on the trips. After a certain amount of time on the water this can be used to upgrade to a bigger license in order to operate much larger vessels if need be.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by hifi1863

hifi1863 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:29 +0000

thats easy for a man. i guess for women. you can maybe go swimming for a while.?
wearing a swim suit I hope.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by now don't start that again

now don't start that again — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:29 +0000

If you find a genie in a bottle, don’t wish the whole lake a beer, cause then you have to pee in the boat!

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by fgdfg

fgdfg — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:29 +0000

I go before we leave the dock, and then I trrrry to hold it while I’m on the boat, if I cant, I just hop in the water and pee, the fish do it, so why can’t I.!
And if your really concerned about the pee situation, I would just rent a boat with a bathroom.!

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by best beard trimmer

best beard trimmer — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:29 +0000

if you have twin engines, sit on the engine cowlings and go between that what my daughter does, i pee over the side without a life jacket, i have not drowned yet.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by PAUL F

PAUL F — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

As you are all “girls” then surely there should be no embarrassment about sitting on the transom or the gunnel but remember to hang on!!

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by ihatezac

ihatezac — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

don’t drink anything b4 you go and go b4 u leave and if u must suggest u guys all jump in and while ur in let it out

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by Lauren T

Lauren T — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

STANDING UP

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by Abril

Abril — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

They might have a bathroom, if not bring a bottle with you or something. (Ewww thats so nasty) but if you’re too grossed out then go before you go and don’t drink to much water.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by grinny

grinny — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

Do not try and pee over the side if you are a guy,most men who drown are found with their privates being out. Camping outlets have small portable toilet you can buy. or get a good bucket with a lid you can sit on.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by joe

joe — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

jump in the water for a swim to go pee and yell “Hey, I think I found a warm spot in the lake over here!”

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by justanot

justanot — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

A 5 gallon spackle bucket has been working well on my 15 footer for years, and it is true, most males are found drowned with their fly’s open, it’s usually from trying to pee over the side while INTOXICATED, water enters the ear when they fall in confusing the person even more, they usually end up swimming down, not up, that’s why the Coast Guard is so “HOT” on eliminating Boating while intoxicated !

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by bwago981

bwago981 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

WHAT EVER YOU DO—DON’T PEE IN THE WATER. THE CHEMICAL REACTION CAN BE DETECTED BY COAST GUARD RADAR AND YOU WILL BE CITED AND FINED.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by kwb1965

kwb1965 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

Jump in the water and go there.

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by 45 auto

45 auto — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

Guys troll take a bucket for the the girls>Don’t forget TP>

Comment on How Do You Pee When You’re Boating? by chris2EM

chris2EM — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

Go before you Go

Comment on Paddle Boating In Northern Virginia For Kids ? by CB

CB — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:32:56 +0000

Well here are two places below the first is actually in DC, but the Tidal Basin paddle boats are right next door to northern Virginia. The second site is Jellystone Park in Luray, VA.
Hope you have a great time.

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by Ms Bowbow

Ms Bowbow — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:43:20 +0000

just bought a pontoon boat. few things to suggest.
even if you dont actually take the boater safety test (several states are starting to require it) this will provide you the basics just like holding a DMV drivers book like what to look for, what different bouy markers look like and mean, what is a no wake zone, etc. that covers basics of driving it. without engine started take a good look at it on dry land.. how to lift or lower motor, (small rocker switch typically on throttle), how many stop positins on the throttle requiring squeezing the lock handle on the throttle - mine has neutral, slow foward (no-wake zones), full throttle, slow reverse (wake zone), full reverse
trailer lights - inspect everytime you move it out of water
boat lights - back to safety course - to operate at night you need running lights just like your car green and red on front white light in back.
Kids- the cheap 5 to 6 dollar life jackets are uncomfortable to wear - to help your kids enjoy since based on age their required to wear them at all times- invest in the jacket style that are more comfortable and meet the requirements. Just make sure it states USCG approved PFD for kids on the package. to include thru baby world PFD that is hooked to their car seat.
Refueling - no one on boat when refueling - type engine 2cyl 4 cyl etc- my 2 cylinder evenrude outboard requires an oil additive just like a gas powered weedeater.
As it is a rental be sure to ask about fuel mix , marine radio channel if boat has one or a phone # to call the rental folks if it wont start.
Have a basic demonstration on how to start..sounds easy but with neutral switches, Kill switch laynards and others it might not be.
Took me all of 10 mins to learn basics of boat operation and about 5 mins on the water to learn its steering. Just remeber just because you cut the engine it dont stop just like taking your foot off the gas in yer car. If you need to stop quick throttle down to neutral then start applying reverse power
hope you enjoy am headed out for a 4th fireworks over the water and night fishing on mine.

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by wvparano

wvparano — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:43:20 +0000

Do a quick google search for boat safety and do a little reading. Driving a pontoon boat isn’t rocket science but driving any boat requires a little knowledge on boating safety and some common sense.
I would suggest that you and hubby go rent the boat without the kids first. Familiarize yourselves with the boat a little before bringing the kids on board.
Others have pointed out some important things, like the only brakes you have is using reverse and give the right of way to un-powered vessels. When you first start out I’d suggest you give the right of way to everyone.
I’d suggest you rent the boat when there is low boat traffic on the lake. Especially with the Fourth of July coming up, there is going to be a lot of boat traffic everywhere. Get familiar with the boat to the point where you are confident that you can do it before you bring the kids on board. Everyone on the vessel should be wearing a life jacket ( even if they can swim ) until you know what you are doing. Most boating deaths occur when someone that can swim is thrown overboard and gets knocked out. You should also make sure everyone is sitting down while you’re under way. There is a lot of “hot dogs” on the water that you have to watch out for. It really is almost as bad as getting on the interstate in rush hour traffic sometimes.
One more safety tip, never tie the anchor to any part of a boat except the bow. ( that’s the front ) That will keep the boat facing into the current or tide. Tying off to any other part of the boat in a current or tide can pull the boat under.

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by tom

tom — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:43:20 +0000

No one can give you the experience you need by answering your questions in this format. You should take a safe boating course from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Boat Squadron and take a test run with the boat with someone experienced aboard before you venture out by yourselves.

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by Mr. KnowItAll

Mr. KnowItAll — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:43:20 +0000

It has NO brakes, and doesn’t steer unless you’re giving it gas.
If you’ve NEVER navigated a boat before, ask for some help!!

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by what

what — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:43:20 +0000

No experience needed, just common sense. Drive very slowly at the docks, and cut your power long before you near something, you can throw her in reverse to slow your speed, as needed. Give the powerless boats right of way, and stay away from swimmers. Make the kids wear vests—its the law. If you are not familiar with the shore, stay out a ways because of submerged rocks, trees. Make sure you tie off really good if you park anywhere, and that the anchor is tied to the boat…no joke, I almost had to buy and expensive anchor that wasn’t tied to the boat, I caught it in the nick of time.

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by Ms Bowbow

Ms Bowbow — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:51:13 +0000

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by hosting

hosting — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:51:13 +0000

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by tom

tom — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:51:13 +0000

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by Mr. KnowItAll

Mr. KnowItAll — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:51:13 +0000

It has NO brakes, and doesn’t steer unless you’re giving it gas.
If you’ve NEVER navigated a boat before, ask for some help!!

Comment on Do You Need Boating Experience To Drive A Pontoon Boat? by Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:51:13 +0000

Comment on Florida Boating - How Can I Get A Title And Registar My Boat? by easy

easy — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:52:53 +0000

if you have a bill of sale you can get it registered in a non title state and then re register it in fla. who will then issue you a new title

Comment on Florida Boating - How Can I Get A Title And Registar My Boat? by kafer195

kafer195 — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:52:53 +0000

There should be a serial number on the hull somewhere. Either embedded in the fiberglass/gel coat or on an embossed tag, similar to a VIN on your car.
Not that you need to, but if you were to insure it, the insurance company would want that number, and in turn would create some documentation that ties you to the craft.
I insure my canoe for theft/loss and it costs a couple bucks a month (in addition to homeowner/auto/fire etc)

Comment on How Old For A Boating License? by MIKEY

MIKEY — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:19:47 +0000

there isnt a boating liscense

Comment on How Old For A Boating License? by National Healthcare Insurance Plan

National Healthcare Insurance Plan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:19:47 +0000

Boater Education Requirements and Minimum operator age requirements vary State by State. To see a full list of requirements, please visit http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/ and select your State of residence.