www.iFourWinns.com

The boating beer thread got me thinking as to what the laws are where you boat?

Here in the UK there are no laws on drinking and recreational boating as far as I'm aware, except for the offence of endangering the lives of others, which is a general law not specifically relating to boating. I think there is also a health and safety law that states you are responsible for your own safety and that of others, again this is not specifically related to boating.

I have never heard of anybody even being cautioned for drinking or having alcohol on board a recreational boat in the UK, unlike some of you guys.

_________________
Regards
Beyond the Blue

"If we improve with age I'm now excellent"


Ex 1998 238 Vista 5.0Gi SX DP
Lexus RX300

Treated same as a DUI in your car here. Unless anchored. Then its do what ever you want. Just don't pull up anchor until sobber. It is legal to have drinks on board as long as skipper it not drinking.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Pretty much the same here as for 07H200SS. I would imagine it's roughly the same anywhere in the U.S., but might differ in coastal or Great Lakes areas.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Same here in Texas....BUI and DUI are the same thing except the vehicle you are in. If you have the anchor dropped...drink all you want.

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

I don't think a bui is quite a dui... if you get hit with one - you don't have to file an sr-22. Although, I could be wrong.

There's alot of loopholes on BUI's in Washington from what I hear. Thankfully, I've never had to deal with getting one.

Be smart, don't be wasted driving your boat around. It's better for EVERYONE.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

whether you are driving a car, boat, plane, or riding a horse, it is all the same here. Impound car, boat or horse and you go to jail.!!!


Our local lake, the ranger sits on the hill with spotting scope and radios to ranger on the water as to whom just pulled the anchor and "go get 'em"
I don't even take any alcohol on the boat any more. not worth it.

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Take a spotting scope with you next time, and stare back at him. What an arsehole thing to do.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Here in NC it is (about) the same as while driving....You don't (necessarily) loose your license but about the same charge/fine. Something I just learned (from reading) is you can get a "BUI" (boating under the influence) while skiing behind a boat too. .08% blood alchol content.

_________________
'90 Horizon 220 5.8

As mentioned in the other post, they are strict here in ontariio. The DUI "blow limit" was reduced recently to the point where it is not hard to be charged after 1 drink. DUI on the boat will cost you your car drivers license for (i believe)a year minimum. Minimum rules for alcohol to be consumed on a boat are: boat must be anchored, have permanent cooking and sleeping facilities. On a boat without these, there is a potential $200 fine per open alcohol container on board.

Not even worth trying here anymore in my opinion, but people still do, and pay the price.

_________________
2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310

Driver must be under .05 otherwise you lose not only your boat licence but your car licence as well not to mention the fine that goes with it here in Oz

_________________
Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Well.. Well.. Well.. It appears that we are a third world country when it comes to drink boating laws!!

Please somebody correct me if I am wrong, but it appears that anybody can go boating on the sea in the UK, in anything that floats, at any age, drunk or sober, without the need of any type of licience, insurance, any training, in any weather, without any safety gear or radio equipment.

This as got to change (and no doubt will shortly) because as soon as we get any warm weather here, the morons come out and have to be rescued by coastguard helicopters or lifeboats (a charity run organisation that risk their lives to save others).

_________________
Regards
Beyond the Blue

"If we improve with age I'm now excellent"


Ex 1998 238 Vista 5.0Gi SX DP
Lexus RX300

Sadly, I would imagine that it is only a matter of time before "open container" laws take effect in this country for non-anchored boats. I read the DNR reports during the summer months and almost every boating accident is alcohol related. As usual, a few bad apples spoil it for the whole bunch.

_________________

Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Yup, Agreed with above. I know the Mo water patrol and the Highway patrol are one in the same, so DUI in a boat is the same as a car. If the want to be really anal, they can ticket you for the time your boat is parked at the dock, and car parked at the ramp (if overnight) as well. Usually they are kind enough to find someone (like me) to put the accused persons boat on the trailer for them, then allow them to call a sober friend to take care of the boat/trailer/tow vehical.

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

You also need to have a permanent head installed and functioning. Where we anchor have seen several with porti potti getting tickets becasuse of this. People also get out of there boat at anchor to drink then get a fine for drinking out of residence. Not worth it for me unless we are going to be on the hook for the night!

_________________
2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

Pickwick Lake (Tennessee River) is partly in three states and the laws vary in each state. In the Mississippi part, you are Tishomingo County which is a dry county. No alcohol allowed. I believe it is up to a $100 per bottle/can fine. Tennessee is not as strict and I think in Alabama they'll come open the can for you as long as you share

_________________
John
2001 Four Winns Horizon 230
VP 5.7 GSi / DP
2007 Ford Expedition EL