Great Lakes tin boating

[uptracker]

I have a 12' aluminum with a 5 hp outboard. I will be using it on Great Lakes waters but never 2 miles from shore. I know I need:

1. Life Jackets
2. A paddle
3. A whistle
4. Registration and decal
5. Throwable PFV etc.


Do I have to have a safety light or flare gun?
Do I have to have an anchor on board?
Do I have to have lights on board even if I do not plan to be on the water after sun down?
Would I need both bow and stern lights or just one all around light if I were to boat after sunset?

Anything else?

I read through all of the requirements, but I get different stories.

[bigcountrysg]

Your a brave man to take that boat on the great lakes.

[uptracker]

Where I'm going it's more like an inland lake. Put it this way, if a canoe can do it, I can do it. I've never seen a chop over a foot in this particular area either!

But, I've seen some very small craft out in the middle of Lake Erie with 4 foot rollers..............now they're nuts.

[the rapids]

what water are you going out on up there (st marys, munuscong bay, whitefish bay)? ive seen big waves kick up on all them. ive also seen small craft out there operating fine during safe conditions. if you pick your days right im sure youll be fine. i would definitley get the lights, in case fishing is good right at dark. also oars and a flare gun just in case the motor craps out.

[Fecus]

A buddy of mine watched a kayaker cruise through stannard rock while he was out there.:eek:

[malainse]

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/

[uptracker]

Already did that...but many others are telling me different. Plus, that's not all the way up to CG standards....but close.

[walleyeman2006]

id say yes to all of that and one more thing....a compass

the laws are one thing but common sence alone says to have all that on your boat

[Wizard3686]

should also look in to getting a marine radio even if it is a hand held one. I would have an anchor just in case you do break down and for that size boat why not throw an electric motor on the back cost just as much as a good set of oars and will get you in faster.

[john warren]

those are minimum requirements. watch the weather. and you might want more then minimum requirements.... depending on how much other people like you.

[uptracker]

Where I'm going it's more like an inland lake. Put it this way, if a canoe can do it, I can do it. I've never seen a chop over a foot in this particular area either!

But, I've seen some very small craft out in the middle of Lake Erie with 4 foot rollers..............now they're nuts.

Just to reitterate!

I'll will not be far from shore and there is no chance that I'll be swept out to sea. It's a very small area and has a decent amount of traffic. Put it this way, I'm less than a 1 mile from shore in alol directions but east and I could go about 70 miles east or southeast without getting into "big" water.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Whether your out 7 miles or one mile or an inland lake, you still need certain equipment by law (depending on the size of the boat) LP, lights,.......

Just your common sense will tell you what you need.

[dinoday]

But, I've seen some very small craft out in the middle of Lake Erie with 4 foot rollers..............now they're nuts.
:evil: :hide:

[Ferg]

Just to reitterate!

I'll will not be far from shore and there is no chance that I'll be swept out to sea. It's a very small area and has a decent amount of traffic. Put it this way, I'm less than a 1 mile from shore in alol directions but east and I could go about 70 miles east or southeast without getting into "big" water.

Is there a chance you'll get run over in the dark without lights when you motor quits?

How far can you swim?

Mike is right - there are minimums, but, common sense should be your guide - your trying to play down the fact that your on the great lakes, sheltered etc - No such thing - when you least expect Mr. Murphy will visit - and when he does, you want to be prepared.

I'll leave this with the Coast Guard Motto - Semper Paratus.

Always Ready - and in a 12' boat on the GL's I'm not sure you can carry enough stuff to cover yourself in all possibilities.

ferg....

[uptracker]

OK, so why is it that canoes hook up to the powerhouse? Understand me now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought this was "Ask the Coast Guard"? Not "Ask Everybody Elses Opinion."

[uptracker]

you still need certain equipment by law (depending on the size of the boat) LP, lights,.......

Ok, this was one of my questions since the regs don't specify.

If I were not planning to be out after sunset, do lights still need to be onboard?

CG?

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Ok, this was one of my questions since the regs don't specify.

If I were not planning to be out after sunset, do lights still need to be onboard?

CG?

Yes. CG rule is for vessels less than 7 meters (22') you must have at least a hand held light (flashlight, spot light). State of Mich. may have a different requirement.

Just because you are not planning on being out past sunset doesn't mean your engine won't start and you will be out past sunset. Bare minimum is a handheld light. Why not just get a bow light (red and green) for $10 and a good 3 cell flashlight. Then you are covered for that possibilty.

We are all trying to help you here, but it sounds like you are not getting the aswers you want to hear. Remember that old saying" better safe than sorry", kinda applies here.

[Ferg]

Yes. CG rule is for vessels less than 7 meters (22') you must have at least a hand held light (flashlight, spot light). State of Mich. may have a different requirement.

Just because you are not planning on being out past sunset doesn't mean your engine won't start and you will be out past sunset. Bare minimum is a handheld light. Why not just get a bow light (red and green) for $10 and a good 3 cell flashlight. Then you are covered for that possibilty.

We are all trying to help you here, but it sounds like you are not getting the aswers you want to hear. Remember that old saying" better safe than sorry", kinda applies here.

UPT - the direct answer to your question is stated above, YES, you must have a light on board, even if your not 'planning' on being out after dark.

ferg....

Regs are here: www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-9_navlights.htm

Don't listen to 'other stories' -